The Paris Agreement in 2015 introduced the concept of a Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), a parallel to the global mitigation goal aimed at limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C. Unlike mitigation, where progress can be tracked using a single metric, adaptation requires a more complex approach.
The Glasgow-Sharm El-Sheikh Work Programme on the Global Goal on Adaptation, initiated at COP26, set forth a series of workshops and negotiations to establish an operational framework for the GGA by COP28.
Understanding Regional Perspectives
UNEP’s Global Adaptation Network (GAN) undertook a series of regional webinars across Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America & the Caribbean (LAC) to gather insights and understand regional perspectives and priorities for the GGA.
Here are the common messages that emerged from all regions:
- Inclusivity and Participation: A bottom-up approach, involving diverse stakeholders like local communities, youth, women, and indigenous groups, is critical to ensuring that the GGA is sensitive to ground realities and the specific vulnerabilities of these groups.
- Science-informed metrics: Relying on robust scientific data, like IPCC assessments, is essential to formulate effective adaptation strategies. National monitoring and evaluation systems should be strengthened to assess the efficacy of adaptation actions.
- Regional Cooperation and Coordination: Cross-border cooperation and knowledge exchange are essential to tackle shared climate risks and develop best practices for adaptation.
- Adaptation Finance: The GGA framework must address the distinct financing needs of each region and ensure that funds are channelled to the most vulnerable communities.
- Country-Driven and Locally led Approaches: The GGA framework should be flexible enough to accommodate the unique needs and priorities of each nation, aligning with their existing national adaptation strategies.
In addition, a set of conclusions were developed from the technical webinars and the regional discussions, such as:
- Urgency of Collective Action and Responsibility: All regions acknowledged the pressing need for global cooperation to achieve the Paris Agreement's objectives.
- Integration of Adaptation and Mitigation: Effective climate action requires a balanced approach, considering both adaptation and mitigation efforts.
- Equity, Rights, and Justice: The GGA framework should prioritize fairness, ensuring that marginalized communities and future generations benefit equitably from adaptation strategies.
- Transformational Adaptation: Embracing innovation and empowering local communities will drive adaptation efforts that move beyond incremental changes.
- Global Governance and Cooperation: COP28 is a pivotal juncture for finalizing and operationalizing the GGA framework, aligning global adaptation efforts.
- Capacity Building: Building institutional, technical, and financial capabilities is essential for successful GGA implementation.
- Youth and Future Generations: Engaging young people in the GGA process is key to ensuring long-term, transformative adaptation actions.
- Learning and Iterative Process: The GGA framework should evolve based on real-world feedback and scientific insights to maintain its relevance and efficacy.
