UN Climate Change News, 17 September 2021 - The 20th meeting of the UNFCCC Adaptation Committee (AC) concluded on 10September against the backdrop of increasing extreme weather events and with the crucial UN Climate Change Conference COP26 less than two months away.
Progress was made on the Committee's work in promoting the implementation of enhanced action on adaptation under the Convention and the Paris Agreement, and supporting countries in their efforts to adapt to the effects of climate change.
Droughts and floods are only some of the many climate-related impacts being felt today across the globe. Therefore, enhanced and coordinated adaptation action, alongside technical and financial support for adaptation planning and implementation are increasingly needed to reduce risk and impact from climate change.
Established in 2010, the Adaptation Committee is the global voice on adaptation, working to drive forward coherent UNFCCC action on adaptation around the world by providing expert guidance, enhancing outreach, and supporting the implementation of the Paris Agreement by addressing crucial adaptation issues.
At its twentieth meeting (AC20), the AC reached its two big goals of adopting a flexible workplan for the years 2022-2024, and reporting the outcomes of its work on considering methods to review overall progress made in achieving the Global Goal on Adaptation. Many representatives from countries, other constituted bodies, and UN and non-governmental organizations attended virtually. Registered observers actively participated in the discussions, and the entire meeting was available to the public via YouTube live streaming to ensure highest transparency of the Committee's work.
The AC also made progress in its work at AC20, by:
- Approving the draft of supplementary guidance for Adaptation Communications to be shared with the IPCC as well as other stakeholders for further inputs;
- Progressing the development of the technical paper on methodologies for assessing adaptation needs;
- Starting the development of a second synthesis report to support developing countries in gaining recognition for their adaptation efforts, which will focus on assessing and meeting the costs of adaptation;
- Starting the work of drafting the AC's input to the first Global Stocktake;
- Considering and agreeing on actions proposed by the joint AC-LEG-SCF working group in addressing the mandate from the CMA of contributing towards methodologies for reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of adaptation and support;
- Accepting the first draft of the technical paper on adaptation technologies, which received much attention and requests for collaboration from observers, including the Climate Technology Centre & Network.
The AC also advanced their communication efforts in an innovative and interactive way. In the updating of its 2015 report on navigating support for National Adaptation Plans, the AC agreed on an interactive approach which will help move the work towards formats that are more attractive and easier to navigate (infographic below).
The AC will continue to keep Parties, constituted bodies, and other stakeholders updated on this work and to seek their input. Further information, background documentation, presentations and summary of outcomes related to AC 20 are available here. The 21st meeting of the AC will tentatively take place from March 28th to 31st2022.
