Description
While all countries will be affected by changes in climate, some countries are more vulnerable to these changes. Small island states, for instance, are highly vulnerable in the medium and longer term to sea level rise, accelerated erosion, increased risk of storm flooding and elevated sea surface temperature. The ability of an affected system, region, or community to cope with the impacts and risks of climate (the adaptive capacity) may vary substantially between countries. The adaptive capacity is closely linked to poverty and the dependence on climate sensitive sectors, such as e.g. agriculture.
Successful adaptation increases the adaptive capacity and therefore reduces the vulnerability to climate change. The enhancement of adaptive capacity is needed since it can reduce vulnerability and promotes sustainable development across many dimensions. At the same time it can only be successful in combination with mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.
It is generally recognized, that a future system of international action on climate change would encompass action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as action to adapt to climate change. There is an intensive debate on how to link activities on mitigation and adaptation but no concrete proposals for such a link have been made. Options for action on adaptation include adaptation funds or insurance.
Further research:
Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, United Kingdom
Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, United Kingdom
Foundation for Environmental Law & Development (FIELD), United Kingdom
International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), United Kingdom
CSERGE School of Environmental Science, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom
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