Climate Change Adaptation

Climate change is increasing uncertainty about where cyclones, floods, and other climate crises will occur, when, for how long, and at what level of intensity. Combined with other human-driven processes, such as urbanization and deforestation, the ways in which climate affects our socioeconomic and ecological systems are changing. Efforts are needed to develop new approaches that challenge the underlying economic, demographic, political, and environmental factors that increase vulnerability to these changing climate risks.

Our work in climate risk management and adaptation in developing countries and Canada aims to help decision-makers devise policies and programs that will be sustainable over the long-term. Through participatory approaches that bring together local knowledge and scientific information, our experts develop the strategies, tools, and policy advice needed to respond effectively to the impacts of a changing climate on livelihoods, cultures, economies, and the environment. Finally, our work has also helped identify the role adaptation efforts play in peacebuilding and gender equality.

IISD serves as the secretariat for the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network, has partnered in the development and use of the Community-based Risk Screening Tool – Adaptation and Livelihoods (CRiSTAL) and its specialized versions, and works to enhance the implementation of nature-based climate solutions for adaptation with the Nature for Climate Adaptation Initiative.