Adaptation at Altitude : Mountains at the frontline of climate change
- Geographical scope: Global and interregional (South Caucasus, East Africa, Hindu Kush Himalaya, Andes, as well as Alps and Carpathians)
- Time frame: 2020-2023
- Partners: Mountain Research Initiative, CONDESAN, ICIMOD, Stockholm Environment Institute, University of Geneva, Zoi Environment Network
- Co-financiers: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
- Contributions to SDGs: 15.4., 13.2., 13.3.
Environmental challenge
Given the unprecedented speed and magnitude of climate change in mountains adding to rapidly changing conditions, it is crucial that practical adaptation solutions be developed and implemented. The IPCC WGII cross-chapter on mountains finds that current adaptation efforts are insufficient to address future risks in mountain regions. It is often the coupled effects of poverty, dependence on degrading natural resources and high exposure to natural hazards where climate change puts mountain ecosystems and livelihoods under additional pressure. Effective adaptation must take an inclusive approach that addresses climate-related risks together with other socio-economic developments. This can enable mountain communities to conserve, restore and sustainably manage the key ecosystem goods and services on which their livelihoods depend.
Addressing mountain-specific challenges and exploiting opportunities to adapt to changing future environments require a regional approach due to the cross-border nature of mountain ranges. Cooperation and exchange at regional levels tap into local (traditional) knowledge, address challenges of mutual concern and support the development of adequate and regionally-tailored solutions. Strengthening regional dialogue can also help ensure that adequate mountain adaptation policies are taken on board at national levels.
Programme
The overall objective of the Adaptation at Altitude programme is to increase knowledge on climate change and appropriate adaptation solutions in mountains. This is then fed into science-policy platforms for informed decision-making in national, regional and global policy processes. As a result, the long-term desired impact is to increase the resilience of both mountain communities and ecosystems to climate change.
The programme – which has been initiated and fully funded by the Swiss Agency of Development of Cooperation (SDC) – aims to respond to the above challenges with four goals:
- To improve the availability and use of mountain observation data and information on climate change impacts in mountains;
- To integrate mountain climate change adaptation into planning and policy processes;
- To strengthen and apply knowledge on climate change adaptation solutions in mountains;
- To ensure that major global policy processes take climate change adaptation in mountains into account.
UNEP is deeply involved in the second component, which also promotes interregional dialogue and exchange.
For more information and updates see: www.adaptationataltitude.org.
Promoting innovations for sustainable mountain development (PRIMA)
Complementing the work under the Adaptation at Altitude programme, UNEP, together with the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) of the University of Bern, implements the two-year project (2021-23) “Promoting innovations for sustainable development in mountain areas” (PRIMA), funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation.
The overall objective is to promote collaboration among partners and across mountain regions on innovative approaches that provide mutual benefits and enhance the effectiveness of actions towards inclusive sustainable mountain development. Activities include the publication of evidence-based innovative approaches in the open access, peer-reviewed journal titled “Mountain Research and Development” (MRD), hosting several webinars, and organizing a first Mountain Innovation Fair as well as an award.
News and stories
- Mountain adaptation solutions: turning challenges into opportunities
- “The Last Glaciers” film issues a global wake-up call for climate action on World Water Day
- Glacier collapse in India a worrying sign of what’s to come
- UNEP launches a virtual journey through four iconic mountain ecosystems
- Ice loss on Africa’s highest peak prompts star climber Will Gadd to reconsider his sport
Publications
Mountains ADAPT: Solutions from East Africa
Mountains ADAPT: Solutions from the South Caucasus
Any questions?
For more information please contact: matthias.jurek@un.org.
Additional contacts: ansgar.fellendorf@un.org, sabine.mccallum@un.org.
