GCA launches solutions-based climate change adaptation report ahead of COP27
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) has launched a solution-based climate change adaptation report titled “State and Trends in Adaptation Report 2022.”
The report was launched on Thursday, November 3, 2022, ahead of COP27 scheduled to take place in Egypt from Sunday, November 6 to Friday, November 18.
Speaking during the launch of the report, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), Prof. Dr. Patrick Verkooijen, noted the report provides practical solutions to climate change adaptation needs of the African Continent.
“The State of Trends in Adaptation report is the most comprehensive and detailed analysis of climate adaptation solutions for Africa with more than 1000 pages of an analysis and solutions,” he remarked.
Adding that, climate change adaptation for Africa is no longer a choice but a necessity.
“Ladies and gentlemen time is running out, the clock is running down on the big decisions and actions that might prevent the looming catastrophe. We must bring climate change back on the front line of international agenda. And we must make it clear that adaptation is not a choice but it is a necessity. Either we adapt or we die,” he quipped.
Speaking about the upcoming COP27, Prof. Dr. Verkooijen averred the success or failure of COP27 will be dependent on whether or not world leaders are able to deliver on their promise and send funds to finance climate change adaptation in Africa.
Rich countries responsible for large emissions of global warming gases have pledged to give Africa $100bn annually to finance climate change adaptation programmes on the back of the severe impact of climate change on the Continent despite its marginal contribution to climate change.
Per the report, Africa needs $52.7bn annually to finance its climate change adaptation needs.
The Continent however, receives on average some $11.4bn every year from rich countries to finance its climate change adaptation needs, leaving an annual financing gap of $41.3bn.
The report notes that there are dire consequences for the African Continent, if the world does not act soon to provide funds to finance climate adaptation.
In the area of agriculture for instance, the cost of neglecting climate adaptation will be more than $200 billion annually. However, the cost of taking action now and financing climate adaptation will only cost $15bn in investment annually.
