Bridging the Climate Adaptation Finance Gap: Key Insights Ahead of COP30 from UNEP

The world is not ready to protect vulnerable populations from the growing impacts of climate change. A recent report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlights this issue just ahead of the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil.

The Adaptation Gap Report 2025 reveals that developing countries will need between $310 billion and $365 billion each year by 2035 to adapt effectively to these changes. However, current international funding is only $26 billion, leaving a significant gap. The goal to double adaptation finance to $40 billion by 2025 seems out of reach without urgent action.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that adaptation is essential for survival. He pointed out that millions of people face rising seas, extreme weather, and soaring temperatures. “Adaptation isn’t just an expense—it’s a lifeline,” he said. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, echoed this sentiment, stressing that if adaptation isn’t prioritized now, the costs will only rise in the future.

Despite some progress, such as 172 countries having adaptation plans, many are outdated, which can lead to ineffective solutions. The report notes that more than 1,600 adaptation actions have been logged across various sectors, but few countries track their success.

Financial support for adaptation grew to $920 million in 2024, a rise of 86% from previous years. Still, this increase might not last, especially with emerging financial issues ahead. The report also critiques the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) set at COP29, which calls for $300 billion annually by 2035. This figure, adjusted for inflation, may need to reach up to $520 billion.

In countries like India, the situation is dire. Harshal Salve, an expert in public health, says that rising heat and water shortages are worsening health challenges. The need for proper funding for health systems is critical, especially in a post-pandemic world.

Climate activist Harjeet Singh argues that this funding gap is a betrayal. “The adaptation finance gap endangers communities on the frontlines,” he said. He believes wealthy nations are neglecting their responsibilities, leaving developing countries to cope with a crisis they didn’t cause.

Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, head of the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, noted that “the finance gap is not just a statistic; it’s about people’s health and safety.” She called for urgent support that focuses on fairness and solidarity, rather than increasing debts.

Research indicates small-scale farmers need about $952 per hectare yearly to adapt to climate change—roughly $2.19 a day. Given that these farmers produce half of the world’s food calories, investing in them is crucial.

Finally, there’s potential for private sector investments in adaptation to reach $50 billion per year with proper support, a significant increase from the current $5 billion.

As climate impacts rise, the need for immediate action and investment in adaptation has never been more urgent. To learn more about the challenges of climate adaptation finance, you can find more insights in the United Nations Environment Programme report.

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