UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2024: Urgent Adaptation Finance Needs for Mountains

The UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2024 was officially released on November 7, 2024, and this year's report brings to light a pressing issue: the adaptation finance gap for mountainous developing countries (MDCs).

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According to the report, adaptation finance needs for MDCs are estimated at a staggering $187 billion per year, which accounts for 1.3% of their GDP. However, in stark contrast, the international public finance allocated to these countries in 2022 was only $13.8 billion. This considerable shortfall underscores the urgent need for increased financial support to help these regions adapt to the growing challenges posed by climate change.

The report’s insights on adaptation finance for mountainous regions were significantly shaped by Dr. Dipesh Chapagain, Senior Research Associate at GLOMOS (Global Mountain Safeguard Research). As one of the lead authors of this critical chapter, Dr. Chapagain has highlighted the importance of addressing the financial gaps that leave mountainous developing countries particularly vulnerable to climate impacts.

Why This Matters Mountainous regions are home to diverse ecosystems and communities that are highly sensitive to climate variability. From water scarcity to increased risks of landslides and biodiversity loss, the impacts of climate change are felt acutely in these areas. Bridging the adaptation finance gap is essential for enhancing the resilience of MDCs and ensuring sustainable development.

For a deeper dive into the full report and its findings, you can access it here.

The Call to Action The UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2024 is a wake-up call for the global community to scale up adaptation finance for mountainous regions. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, it’s crucial to support the most vulnerable countries in their journey towards resilience.