Bonn, July 9, 2020. The world has faced an unprecedented threat from COVID-19. It has been a global health crisis unlike any in recent history — one that has spread human suffering and destabilized the global economy.
In the midst of the resulting uncertainty, a window of hope and opportunity opens: an opportunity for nations to shape the economy of the 21st century in ways that are greener, cleaner, healthier and more resilient. In other words, a chance to recover better.
As they roll out their economic financial support packages, governments have a tremendous opportunity to make those plans as #green and sustainable as possible. This includes both measures to increase climate action to reduce emissions, as well as measures to increase the resilience towards #climatechange impacts. Both types of measures offer the opportunity for sound, long-term investments beyond immediate considerations, which can recharge economies, create jobs and boost the well-being of #people around the world.
It is for this reason that the Global Commission on Adaptation’s statement – aimed at inspiring political leaders around the globe for a climate-resilient future – is so important.
Take a look. Read, share, inspire.
The COVID-19 pandemic has tragically exposed the risks humanity faces and how unprepared we are to respond.
People’s health, well-being, and livelihoods are all affected. These threats are multiplied by the growing impacts of the climate crisis — more extreme storms, droughts, heat waves, food crises, and diseases — which have not stopped. Vulnerable populations are hit hardest: The pandemic could drive 100 million more #people into extreme poverty by the end of this year.
As the world responds, it must build back better. We can return to the old way of doing things or we can get on a new path, one that makes human society more resilient, more equitable, healthier, and stronger. These goals are interconnected and investments in the recovery should address multiple challenges. We must seize the opportunity to transform how we understand, plan, finance, and respond to risks. We must integrate climate resilience into decisions at all levels of government and by businesses, communities, and households, with particular focus on resilience in infrastructure and financial decisions. Innovative investment in research and development and finance can help countries deliver new solutions to both the pandemic and climate crises. Since COVID-19 is a zoonotic disease, we must meet it and similar threats by protecting the basic human right to a safe and healthy environment.
We have the opportunity to act now, but the window is short. Governments worldwide are investing more than $10 trillion this year alone in crisis relief, after which accumulated debt may reduce the ability of governments to address urgent needs. Yet, to date, most stimulus packages have not sufficiently incorporated climate resilience into their recovery plans. This must change.
Investing in climate resilience is smart economics. According to the Global Commission on Adaptation’s flagship Adapt Now report, adaptation investments consistently deliver high returns, with benefit-cost ratios ranging from 2:1 to 10:1. We need to invest in economic activities that will create jobs, protect communities and natural ecosystems, and be durable in the face of our changing world. Adaptation often creates more jobs per dollar spent than more traditional investment, with superior local benefits.
We must act now, not wait for the next crisis to hit. Investing in climate resilience is better and less costly than waiting until after a disaster strikes. Early preparedness and prevention saves lives. Over the long run, inclusive, sustainable, and equitable economies are more robust.
Now is the time for global solidarity. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently said, solidarity is not only a moral imperative, it is in everyone’s interests. Demonstrating global solidarity with the world’s poorest and most vulnerable can prevent more deaths from COVID-19, reduce the longer-term impacts on livelihoods and economies, address underlying human rights issues, and lower risks from the climate crisis and future shocks. Commitments to the UN response appeal have been increasing but are still insufficient. Support has been directed more toward larger economies than to places where poverty will increase the most as a result of the pandemic. Some countries may be reaching the limit of their national capacity, even as they repurpose their budgets in response to the emergency. For vulnerable countries to successfully recover and advance, they will need urgent access to financial support and future debt relief from governments, multilateral
development banks, and donors, including as committed under the UN Framework Convention on #climatechange.
The Global Commission on Adaptation calls on world leaders to incorporate climate resilience into economic recovery
packages. World leaders should align policies with longer-term climate objectives, build global partnerships, and mobilize private sector support for improved climate resilience.
We call for accelerated progress in seven areas: Locally Led Adaptation, Urban Resilience, Water Resources
Management, Social Safety Nets, Food Security, Nature-Based Solutions, and Disaster Prevention. These recommendations align with and support internationally agreed frameworks, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement on #climatechange, and the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction, while prioritizing an equitable and resilient recovery.
The Global Commission on Adaptation aims to accelerate action and inspire political leadership for a climate resilient future. It is led by #bankimoon, #billgates and #kristalinageorgieva, and includes 35 Commissioners and 23 convening countries. As global systems are being reset from the pandemic, the Global Commission on Adaptation and its partners are working to advance action in these areas. The Commission will report on progress at the Climate Adaptation Summit in the Netherlands in January 2021. These recommendations will be carried forward at COP26 in Glasgow and should be prioritized in the years to come.
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