Adapting to Climate Change – Building Capacity and Technology Transfer

Climate change mitigation is a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that warm our planet. These strategies range from building energy-efficient buildings to adopting renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and small hydro. They also include helping cities develop more sustainable transport systems and promoting sustainable land use. To reduce the effects of climate change, we need to increase our capacity to address the problem.

Adaptation

Successful adaptation to climate change requires various approaches and is often interrelated with other stresses. It is essential to identify the multiple threats and develop trade-offs for each adaptation option. These approaches must be integrated into the decision-making process and involve various levels of government and sectors. Adapting to climate change is a complex, multi-stakeholder effort that involves stakeholders in many sectors. The goal of transformation is to prepare communities for the risks associated with climate change while at the same time building resilience to it.

Different adaptation solutions can be combined to meet specific objectives, including mitigation and sustainable development. For example, incremental adaptation involves public involvement, which aims to address community goals. It also involves changing urban practices to reduce energy use. Blue-green cities are examples of these adaptations. They can be established in cities and use green infrastructure and water management to improve water quality and reduce energy demand. While these adaptation solutions may seem simple, they can significantly impact society and the economy.

Using ecosystem-based adaptation is particularly useful in rural areas, where many people depend on natural resources to support their livelihoods. Such adaptations often include coastal habitat restoration and livelihood diversification. Technological innovations and information technology can also facilitate the adaptation process. A combination of these approaches can result in a higher likelihood of success.

In northern Wisconsin, implementing the Framework of Adaptation for Climate Change and a series of demonstration projects highlight the benefits of proactive measures in reducing adverse effects. In addition to the Framework, an adaptation workbook and a standard process for a range of landowners and ecosystems allow for cross-border discussion of management objectives and ecosystems. This approach can be refined as new information becomes available. 

Building capacity

While the concept of capacity is not new, the recent focus on climate change and sustainable development has brought it to the forefront of global environmental institutions. The 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) dedicated an entire chapter to capacity building and technology, and the chapter also emphasized collaborative action, educational investments, and partnerships.

While we are addressing these climate challenges, we must not forget that vulnerable societies are also vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Low-income countries suffer disproportionately from the effects of extreme weather events. In addition, many of them have little capacity to implement risk reduction measures. Small countries, such as Grenada, are particularly vulnerable. In 2004, the country suffered damage equivalent to 2.5 times its GDP. On the other hand, wealthy countries like the United States are well-equipped to cope with extreme weather events, and their infrastructure and economies are already heavily diversified.

Developing countries must protect public assets and investments to mitigate the effects of climate change. The costs of power and transport disruptions alone amount to $390 billion annually in developing countries. Building resilience into new infrastructures is a relatively small incremental cost, accounting for only 3% of investments. Meanwhile, urban and land use planning influence massive private investments that must be adjusted for long-term climate risks. So, a comprehensive adaptation strategy is necessary to reduce these costs and ensure a sustainable future.

Technology transfer

To meet the climate targets set by the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), wealthier countries must facilitate access to climate technology for developing countries. Since the 1992 Kyoto Protocol and subsequent Paris Agreement, U.N. climate negotiations have recognized the role of rich and developing countries in reducing emissions.

To facilitate the transfer of technologies for climate change mitigation, market barriers and institutional capacity development are of prime importance. These factors are exacerbated by weak or distorted demand for environmentally superior technology and are accompanied by low technical capability. Other barriers that inhibit the transfer of technologies for climate change mitigation include cultural differences and a lack of information on technological alternatives. Furthermore, I.P. protection issues pose severe problems in fostering long-term relationships.

One solution to improve technology transfer is to promote the creation of user-friendly platforms. This is possible with the use of specialized information networks and technology clearinghouses. This option does have some drawbacks, however. Moreover, some respondents doubt that the country can provide sufficient public and private funds to enable technology transfer. They also suspect that user-friendly access to technologies will promote technology transfer in their countries.

Another way to increase the impact of cleantech innovations is by developing cloud-based gaming platforms. Companies like Microsoft and Google have introduced cloud-based gaming platforms, which do not require gamers to own a game console. However, data centers require quality internet connections, which generate emissions. Unfortunately, many people lack access to quality internet connections. Lastly, improving the efficiency of households is a significant contributor to reducing emissions and household bills.

Partnerships

Building capacities is crucial to boosting countries’ ambitions to reduce climate change. USAID announced a $250 million green investment fund to accelerate progress in reducing emissions to mobilize $2.5 billion in private finance by 2027. This fund will reduce risks, facilitate large-scale private investment in climate action, and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. It will also contribute to an inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. By strengthening capacity and building partnerships, the global community will be better positioned to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve climate goals.

As part of this funding, USAID has joined the Risk-Informed Early Action Partnership, which seeks to advance early warning systems that enable climate-vulnerable countries to take appropriate measures early. The partnership was launched at the U.N. Climate Action Summit in September 2019. It will support efforts to build capacity in disaster risk management and climate adaptation in low and middle-income countries, reducing the harmful effects of natural hazards and increasing public safety.

United States involvement

The Biden-Harris administration has set ambitious goals for the United States to tackle climate change. Specifically, it has re-joined the Paris climate agreement, announced commitments to cut domestic emissions by half from 2005 levels, and double climate-related finance to developing countries. These actions make climate change a centerpiece of U.S. global engagement and development policy, with policymakers looking to leverage emerging economies and reduce global emissions to address the issue.

The United States also has a disproportionate influence on the global financial system. Greater disclosure of climate risks to investors could help investors direct funds toward resilient and low-carbon assets. This could move the needle in areas where policy has lagged. As a result, more U.S. companies will invest in these assets. In short, the United States can lead by setting an example for the rest of the world. The United States’s role in the global financial system is crucial to advancing these goals.

Mitigation is the human-caused reduction of GHGs in the atmosphere. Mitigation efforts can range from a national strategy to a small community habitat restoration project. By addressing climate-related issues early in the development process, the United States can save a lot of money on adaptation costs. In the meantime, it can help protect the environment for future generations by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and improving the health of its citizens.

The United States needs to marshall financing to help developing countries implement their climate-change plans. The climate accords require developed countries to mobilize at least $100 billion a year in climate finance. In particular, the United States should meet its commitment to the Green Climate Fund, established under the U.N. climate framework. Additionally, the United States must play a leading role in unlocking the potential of the IMF and multilateral development banks to mitigate climate change.