The World Adaptation Science Programme (WASP) will continue to take responsibility to co-organize the Adaptation Futures conferences that have been taking place since 2010.
The biennial International Adaptation Futures Conference services with the aim of bringing together research scientists, policymakers and practitioners from developed and developing countries to share knowledge about adaptation challenges and opportunities.
The Adaptation Futures Conference series is the premier international conference devoted entirely to climate change adaptation, bringing together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, industry representatives and communicators to present their work in adaptation, learn what others are doing, and build networks. As host, UN Environment can influence the theme chosen for the conference, enabling it to target through the conference, specific interests and requirements. The Conference provides a unique chance to share expertise, skills and backgrounds and exchange experiences with an active adaptation network.
In 2010 the first Adaptation Futures Conference took place in Queensland, Australia. Adaptation Futures 2012 went to Arizona, USA. Adaptation Futures 2014 happened in Fortaleza Ceara, Brazil. Adaptation Futures 2016 was in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Adaptation Futures 2018 was organized in Cape Town, South Africa. Adaptation Futures 2020/2021 took place virtually and was hosted in New Delhi, India. Adaptation Futures 2023 took place in Montreal, Canada and was organized by Ouranos in partnership with the Government of Canada and WASP.
The ninth Adaptation Futures conference will be hosted by the University of Canterbury, in partnership with the Government of New Zealand and the WASP, and will take place 28 October - 2 November in 2025 in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
