Climate Change Adaptation
Working with governments and non-governmental organizations to adjust to the observed and anticipated impacts of climate change.
Achieving sustainable development requires focusing on the underlying economic, demographic, political and environmental factors that currently limit adaptive capacity and increase vulnerability to climate change. Our experts develop the strategies, tools and policy advice needed to respond effectively to the impacts of climate change on people, societies, economies and the environment. Our work in developing countries and Canada aims to:
- Increase understanding of effective responses to the complex socioeconomic and environmental impacts of climate change
- Develop tools and processes to facilitate these responses
- Encourage integration of adaptation considerations into routine decision making
- Understand the role that adaptation actions may play in either promoting or undermining peacebuilding efforts
IISD serves as the secretariat for the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network, has partnered in the development and use of the Community-based Risk Screening Tool – Adaptation and Livelihoods (CRiSTAL) planning tool and its specialized versions and provides secretariat support for the Prairies Regional Adaptation Collaborative.
- Briefing Note
Financing High Performance Climate Adaptation in Agriculture: Climate Bonds for Multi-Functional Water Harvesting Infrastructure on the Canadian Prairies
This article explores distributed water harvesting, a climate change adaptation strategy that can offer the co-benefit of enhancing ecosystem services.
Read More - Guidebook
Financing National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Processes: Contributing to the achievement of nationally determined contribution (NDC) adaptation goals
This guidance note aims to assist countries with determining how to secure the financing for their National Adaptation Plan (NAP) processes.
Read More - Policy Brief
A Framework for Gender-Responsive National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Processes
This brief discusses gender equality in the context of the formulation and implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).
Read More - Blog
Telling Climate Change Stories: Five lessons from Saint Lucian journalists
Journalists play an important role as watchdogs for many social problems. But with a problem as large and complex as climate change, how can journalists tell stories that spur action and help audiences prepare for its impacts?
Read More - Report
The Vulnerability of Pakistan's Water Sector to the Impacts of Climate Change: Identification of gaps and recommendations for action
This report explores the vulnerability of Pakistan’s water supply to climate change, noting potential changes in water availability, water demand, implications for key sectors, and strategies for addressing knowledge and capacity gaps.
Read More - Policy Brief
sNAPshot | Developing Capacity for Subnational Adaptation Action in the Republic of the Sudan
This sNAPshot policy brief explores Sudan's approach to developing capacity for subnational adaptation action, which supports the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process.
Read More - Policy Brief
sNAPshot | Information Sharing for Adaptation Planning at Subnational Levels: South Africa's Let's Respond Toolkit
This sNAPshot policy brief explores South Africa's approach to information sharing in the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process to promote vertical integration, which is the process of linking national and subnational adaptation planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation.
Read More - Blog
Listening to Local Voices: What makes adaptation unique in the agriculture sector?
Achieving a more resilient agricultural sector is fundamental not only for a low-carbon future, but also to realize developmental goals related to the eradication of poverty and hunger, while learning how to better cope, adapt and transform in the face of climate change impacts.
Read More - Blog
Connecting the Dots: How ecosystem services support adaptation to climate change
What does Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) look like in practice? This blog looks at lessons from recent work in Nepal.
Read More - FAQ
Eight Ways Cities Are Building Climate Resilience
This essay looks at eight examples drawn from the Building a Climate-Resilient City research series prepared for the City of Edmonton and the City of Calgary by the Prairie Climate Centre.
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