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Source: This post “Adaptation Gap Report 2023” is based on the article”Adaptation gap in developing countries widening even as extreme weather events worsen: UNEP“ published in “Down To Earth” on 2nd November 2023.
Why in News?
Recently, The Adaptation Gap Report 2023 was issued by the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP). According to the report, the world is underprepared, under invested and lacks the necessary planning for adaptation to climate change.
What is UNEP?
| Genesis | It was established after the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in June 1972. |
| Establishment year | 1972 |
| Objective | UNEP’s mission is to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. |
| Secretariat | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Membership | All countries part of UN. (India is a member) |
What is Adaptation Gap Report ? What are the findings of 2023 Report?
| What is it? | The UNEP Adaptation Gap Report (AGR) series provides an annual science-based assessment of the global progress on adaptation planning, financing, and implementation. |
| Issued by | The AGR is co-produced by UNEP, the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre(UNEP-CCC) and World Adaptation Science Programme(WASP). |
| Other Reports by UNEP | Emission Gap Report, Global Environment Outlook, Frontiers, Invest into Healthy Planet. |
Key observations of the report
(1) Slowed climate Adaptation progress
(a) Countries need financing of $215 billion to $387 billion every year to adapt to climate change. But they have been receiving only $21.3 billion.
(b) The adaptation finance needs of developing countries are 10-18 times greater than what they have been receiving.
(2) Increasing Loss and damages
(a)A recent study indicates that the 55 most climate-vulnerable economies alone have already experienced losses and damages of more than US $500 billion in the last two decades.
Recommendations of the report
(1) Invest in adaptation and mitigation- Every billion invested in adaptation against coastal flooding leads to a USD 14 billion reduction in economic damages.
(2) COP 28 must deliver new momentum on adaptation and loss and damage –Policymakers, multilateral banks, investors and the private sector must ensure the same
UPSC syllabus- Environment
