UN Climate Change News: Reflecting on Three Decades of Climate Adaptation
24 March 2025 – The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which came into force on 21 March 1994, marked a historic global commitment to addressing climate change. Now, as the process enters its 31st year, the Adaptation Committee is taking a moment to assess the evolution of climate adaptation—from its early stages to future strategies.
Over time, climate adaptation has shifted from fragmented efforts to a more structured, inclusive, and forward-looking framework.
Key Milestones in Climate Adaptation
Throughout the years, significant milestones have shaped global adaptation efforts. At COP 7 in 2001, a Fund was established to help least developed countries implement national adaptation programmes of action. COP 16 in 2010 further distinguished adaptation from response measures, reinforced by the Cancun Adaptation Framework, which created the Adaptation Committee and strengthened financial and capacity-building support for adaptation efforts.
The Paris Agreement, adopted at COP 21 in 2015, set clear global adaptation goals. More recently, COP 28 in 2023 introduced the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience to enhance adaptive capacity and reduce vulnerability. COP 28 also brought critical attention to loss and damage, leading to the establishment of a Fund to assist countries most affected by climate-induced disasters.
Advancing Knowledge and Cooperation
As adaptation measures continue to evolve, there is a growing need to share knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned—especially in areas such as context-specific adaptation and cultural identity preservation.
“We need data and engaged consultation. But we also need to build on the experience of communities around the world. Their lessons must serve as a strong foundation for comprehensive adaptation plans,” stated UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell at COP 29.
Global cooperation remains essential in strengthening climate resilience, protecting lives, and safeguarding economies from escalating climate impacts.
The Adaptation Committee’s Role in Strengthening Global Action
Since 2012, the Adaptation Committee has worked to enhance adaptation efforts under the Convention and the Paris Agreement. As part of its mission, it recently published the third volume of a report documenting adaptation progress, recent developments on the global goal on adaptation, and insights from the first global stocktake.
At COP 29, the Committee hosted a special event to present the report and reflect on three decades of adaptation progress. It also launched a new Interactive Portal on the State of Adaptation Action by Parties, providing real-time updates on countries’ adaptation efforts as reported under the Convention and the Paris Agreement. This portal will serve as a valuable resource for tracking progress and fostering global learning as adaptation strategies continue to evolve.
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