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Global Network News
Report: Adopting a Human Rights-based Approach to Ecosystem-based Adaptation - Climate adaptation approaches that can contribute to poverty eradication and the SDGs have never been more urgent. This new publication examines the potential of ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) to meet sustainable development and human rights-based goals, drawing out lessons from UNEP’s experiences from around the world. More specifically, the report identifies 7 types of human rights-based approaches adopted by UNEP and partners in their EbA interventions.
UNEP & Partners Announce New Ambition on Sustainable Cooling for Cop28 - As the Earth warms at a dangerous pace, the UNEP-led Cool Coalition and the United Arab Emirates’ incoming presidency of Cop28 together announced the development of a Global Cooling Pledge and a 'Cool COP Menu of Actions'. The Menu will be defined over the coming months in collaboration with partners, including the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).
Mountains Connect: A New Knowledge Space - The new online space www.mountains-connect.org, developed by the University of Geneva and UNEP, aims to increase awareness of the importance of transboundary collaboration for sustainable mountain development. The initiative has identified 7 of the main relevant governance dimensions, producing an informative video for each, which you can find here. Learn more about climate adaptation in mountain regions via the Adaptation At Altitude Solutions Portal here.
Global EbA Fund Announces New Call for Proposals - The 5th call for proposals for the Global EbA Fund has launched, with a deadline set for 28 April 2023! Following the experience of the Fund over the last 2 years and the first 4 cohorts, important changes have been made to streamline the application process. Find out about these changes here. Furthermore, the Fund has now announced the second cohort of successful applications, which you can learn about here.
Climate Crisis and Migration: Greta Thunberg Supports IOM Over ‘Life and Death’ Issue - The leading climate justice activist Greta Thunberg and the head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) called for immediate action to help tackle the impacts of climate change on those forced to flee their homes in search of a better life. “This is a question of life and death for countless of people having to flee because of the climate crisis," said Ms Thunberg.
How Millions of Lives Could be Saved by Closing the Climate Adaptation Finance Gap – An article by the World Economic Forum outlines the opportunities involved with financing low-income countries to adapt to climate change. “It would save millions of lives and billions in disaster response, and slow climate migration in a world that now has over 100 million people displaced.” The piece goes on to discuss some of the most effective low-cost solutions.
Women's Groups Drive Sustainable Development in Mountain Zones - The 11 December marks International Mountain Day and celebrates the natural beauty, importance and diversity of mountains. In a new story, UNEP and partners highlight how the leadership of women groups across mountain ranges can increase resilience against climate change and the triple planetary crisis. Learn more about how empowering women is central to UNEP's mandate here.
UNDP, WMO and UNDRR Issue Statement on Tracking of Disaster Losses and Damages - UNDP, WMO and UNDRR are collaborating to develop a new tracking system to record and analyse hazardous events and disaster losses and damages. As part of this collaboration, the 3 organisations jointly organized a Technical Forum in Bonn last November. The new system will be fully aligned with the Sendai Framework and related SDG targets and indicators.
Panorama Solution: Ecosystem-based Adaptation & South-south Cooperation – Known shorthand as ‘EbA South’, a project that took place in Mauritania, Nepal and Seychelles has been recognized as a best practice example of 'south-south cooperation' for climate adaptation, producing a wide range of tools and knowledge products. Under the Panorama Solutions portal, a case study on the project has been published to share some of these good practices. Learn more about the project here.
Physically Fit? How Financial Institutions Can Better Disclose Climate-related Physical Risks - This report assesses the current state of physical climate-related risk disclosures, and provides high-level guidance for financial institutions reporting on physical risks, in line with the recommendations of the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). The UNEP Finance Initiative brings together a large network of banks, insurers and investors across the financial system to deliver more sustainable economies.
News From The Regions
Africa
Factsheet: Ecosystem-based Adaptation in Mauritania 2017-2022 - A UNEP project funded by the Global Environment Facility is building the climate resilience of local communities in the forests and rangelands of the Sahelian Acacia Savanna ecoregion of Mauritania using ecosystem-based adaptation. The project is also increasing the capacity of government sectors for adaptation action, while guiding rural communities to adopt climate-resilient livelihoods through the sustainable management of natural resources.
Factsheet: Ecosystem-based Adaptation in Mozambique 2019-2023 - A UNEP project funded by the Global Environment Facility is aiming to reduce the climate vulnerability of urban and peri-urban communities in the Greater Maputo Area of Mozambique by restoring and protecting key ecosystems. The project is implementing nature-based solutions in 7 pilot communities, along with developing local adaptation plans, promoting climate-resilient livelihoods, building rainwater harvesting systems, and more.
US-Africa Partnership in Supporting Climate Adaptation – During the US-Africa Leaders Summit, the US affirmed and expanded its partnerships with the continent on matters relating to climate adaptation. "Since January 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration has invested and plans to provide at least $1.1 billion to support African-led efforts to support conservation, climate adaptation, and a just energy transition." Learn more about the President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE) here.
State & Trends in Adaptation (Volume 2) – In November, the Global Center on Adaptation released the second volume of their flagship State & Trends in Adaptation 2022 report, which expands on the in-depth analyses provided in the first volume by widening its scope of sector and thematic theme areas, regional coverage, and undertaking deep dives at the country level for specific topics. Both the first and second volumes have a particular focus on the African continent. Watch a recording of the report launch here.
News from the Regions
Asia Pacific
Dates Announced for Asia Pacific Adaptation Forum - The 8th APAN Forum will be taking place from 28 August to the 1 September in Incheon City, Republic of Korea. Considered Asia-Pacific’s largest and longest-standing gathering of adaptation practitioners to share information, knowledge and best practices, the APAN Forum is the biennial flagship event of the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network . For more information, contact Helene.Marre@un.org
Opinion: Ramp Up Investment to Support Asia-Pacific Women to Overcome Climate Disasters – An article originally published by The Jakarta Post looks at how women can be critical leaders for climate action in the Asia Pacific region. The piece focuses on a project that demonstrates the benefits of a just energy transition, titled EmPower: Women for Climate-resilient Societies, which is funded by the Government of Sweden and jointly implemented by UN Women and UNEP.
Newsletter: Asia Pacific Adaptation Network (APAN) - Get updates on the latest climate adaptation news, events, and initiatives in Asia and the Pacific region through the APAN Newsletter. This December edition covers a range of critical adaptation issues, including the linkages between biodiversity and adaptation, as well as the announcement of this year’s APAN Forum. In addition, you can also check out the latest APAN Digest here, which contains new adaptation resources from the region.
Speech: Pakistan on the Frontlines of Climate Crisis – Living Indus is an umbrella initiative and a call to action to restore the ecological health of the Indus region within the boundaries of Pakistan. At the International Conference for Climate Resilient Pakistan, the Director of UNEP’s Ecosystems Division described how the Living Indus is a promising initiative in the region and how it represents the kind of "forward-looking approach that we need to see." Read the full speech here.
News from the Regions
Latin America & the Caribbean
13 Latin American Cities Join Forces To Adapt to Climate Change - A project, known as Nature4Cities, is helping 13 Latin American cities across 7 different countries to draw on the natural defences that urban ecosystems provide against floods, droughts, storms and other climate-related impacts. UNEP is responsible for executing the project, with funding of over $2 million from the Green Climate Fund. In January, the Government of Panama officially launched its participation the project.
EbA Chaco Project Celebrates Learning Exchange Days in Paraguay (Spanish) – An ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) project in the Paraguayan Chaco region is aiming to reduce the impacts of climate change on food security for the communities living in the region. In late November and early December, the project hosted Learning Exchange Days in Filadelfia, Paraguay, to present some of the lessons learned to date from the project. Read more here (Spanish)
News from the Regions
Europe
Armenia Steps Up Adaptation to the Climate Crisis - Armenia is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in Europe and Central Asia. UNEP recently spoke with Armenia’s Deputy Environment Minister, Gayane Gabrielyan, about how the country is preparing for a new climate normal. "The direct and indirect support received by Armenia from UNEP has an important role in shaping the environmental agenda and reforms implemented in the country's environmental sector."
Extreme Weather Forces Unprepared Europe to Focus on Climate Adaptation – In the last few years, the European continent has experienced some of its highest temperatures and worst droughts on record. An article in Clean Energy Wire looks at how countries are responding. “The EU is considered a global adaptation pioneer and has recently stepped up coordination of member states’ responses, but the challenges are huge, and many plans remain non-binding “soft” policies.”
Upcoming Events
February 9-10
7th International Conference on Climate Change 2023
February 15-20
43rd Meeting of the Least Developed Country (LDC) Expert Group
March 10-16
Gobeshona Global Conference 3
March 22-24
UN 2023 Water Conference
March 21-22
Global Forum on the Environment and Climate Change
May 22-25
17th International Conference on Community-based Adaptation to Climate Change (CBA17)
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