The threats from climate change are growing rapidly as global temperatures rise. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) latest report warns that nature and humans may not adapt without swift climate action. Today, 3.3–3.6 billion people live in areas of high vulnerability to the consequences of climate change. These communities are facing harrowing “losses and damages” which are adverse impacts and/or projected risks from climate change. In 2018 alone, anthropogenic warming inequitably diminished human well-being, displacing over 13 million people from floods and other extreme weather events across Asia and Africa.
Although adaptation, adjusting to the problem, and mitigation, addressing the root cause of the problem, can help ease some of these climate impacts – some may become irreversible. Increased weather and climate extremes push these natural and human systems beyond their resilience capacity to adapt. By mid-century, sea-level rise will place a billion people in low-lying cities by the sea and on Small Islands at severe risk of climate extremes. Examples of these impacts include heat stress from heat waves; water scarcity; sea-level rise; food security; and flood risk.
There’s also the challenge of adaptation gaps. Adaptation gaps refer to the gap between current levels of adaptation and the levels needed to respond to climate impacts and reduce climate risk. Disparities between estimated adaptation costs and allocated financial resources cause these adaptation gaps. This occurs most commonly in regions with lower incomes that lack adaptation finance, placing vulnerable populations at a disadvantage in combating climatic consequences.
How does the IPCC recommend solving adaptation challenges?
Although mitigation and adaptation work hand-in-hand, this installment focused on adaptation strategies and how global collaboration can enhance its success. The report found that previous financial resources for adaptation were insufficient and have actually hindered the implementation of adaptation strategies in lower-income countries. However, there are some strategies to help adaptation be successful: tightening political commitment and follow-through; strengthening institutional frameworks-with clear goals and policies; mobilization and access to adequate financial resources; and the continual monitoring and evaluation of how adaptation strategies are working, as recommended by the IPCC.
One unique way to help adaptation strategies is by safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystems. Analysis conducted by the IPCC states, “maintaining the resilience of biodiversity and ecosystem services globally depends on the equitable ability to conserve approximately 30% to 50% of Earth’s land, freshwater, and ocean areas.” A resilient and thriving natural system is fundamental to the successful implementation of future climate resilient development. Additionally, land restoration and ecosystem conservation enhance biodiversity while helping nature reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the sequestration of carbon.
However, there are limits to adaptation. Even effective adaptation cannot prevent all loss and damage, and at varying stages of increased global warming, some adaptation strategies can be ineffective. Above 1.5°C warming, some natural solutions may no longer work because of harsh environmental conditions and financial costs. Warming above that degree also poses several challenges to growing certain crops, such as wheat, coffee, and corn, threatening global food security.
Adaptation strategies and adaptation finance are powerful tools required to adapt to a warming planet. However, climate finance and the fast-tracking of adaptation strategies have to be implemented before it’s too late for natural and human systems to adapt.