Climate Change Adaptation
Working with governments and non-governmental organizations to adjust to the observed and anticipated impacts of climate change.
Achieving sustainable development requires focusing on the underlying economic, demographic, political and environmental factors that currently limit adaptive capacity and increase vulnerability to climate change. Our experts develop the strategies, tools and policy advice needed to respond effectively to the impacts of climate change on people, societies, economies and the environment. Our work in developing countries and Canada aims to:
- Increase understanding of effective responses to the complex socioeconomic and environmental impacts of climate change
- Develop tools and processes to facilitate these responses
- Encourage integration of adaptation considerations into routine decision making
- Understand the role that adaptation actions may play in either promoting or undermining peacebuilding efforts
IISD serves as the secretariat for the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network, has partnered in the development and use of the Community-based Risk Screening Tool – Adaptation and Livelihoods (CRiSTAL) planning tool and its specialized versions and provides secretariat support for the Prairies Regional Adaptation Collaborative.
- Policy Brief
sNAPshot: Getting Started on Vertical Integration
This sNAPshot policy brief from the NAP Global Network introduces the topic of vertical integration, the process of linking national and sub-national adaptation planning through the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process.
Read More - Blog
Facing the Climate Change Conundrum: A pessimist’s and an optimist’s perspective
We asked a “pessimist” and an “optimist” to share their hypothetical views about climate change futures.
Read More - Video
Introducing the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network
This video introduces the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network, whose secretariat is hosted by the IISD Resilience program.
Read More - FAQ
How Are Vulnerable Countries Adapting to Climate Change?
How are vulnerable countries managing the impacts of climate change? Here is an overview of the trends that emerged from a review of 15 developing countries—along with our key takeaways.
Read More - Blog
Tracking Adaptation: Linking research, policy and action
Improving our ability to measure adaptation progress is not only a key component of transparency and accountability for new political commitments and emerging funding, but it is also necessary to foster effective adaptation through ongoing reflection and learning.
Read More - Briefing Note
Trends in Adaptation Planning: Observations from a recent stock-taking review
This brief provides an overview of observed trends in adaptation action that emerged from a standardized review of efforts in 15 African and Asian countries.
Read More - Blog
Taking Stock of Adaptation Progress: Some lessons and challenges
On November 4, the international community celebrated as the Paris Agreement came into effect.
Read More - Blog
Adaptation at COP 22: Five themes we’ll be watching for
For many years, adaptation was a secondary concern in international climate negotiations.
Read More - Guidebook
Vertical Integration in National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Processes: A guidance note for linking national and sub-national adaptation
This guidance note aims to strengthen vertical integration in National Adaptation Plan (NAP) processes, presenting a flexible approach to link national and sub-national adaptation planning, implementation and monitoring & evaluation.
Read More - FAQ
A Guide to COP 22
Negotiators gathering from November 7–18, 2016, in Morocco face the monumental task of preparing for the implementation the historic Paris Climate Change Agreement. IISD brings you up to speed on the status of negotiations and the most significant items on the Marrakech Climate Change Conference agenda.
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