At COP29, the international community is once again converging to tackle the pressing challenges posed by climate change. Among the pivotal discussions this year are strategies for climate change adaptation, particularly in regions most acutely affected, such as the Pacific Islands.
On November 11, 2024, the largest climate adaptation study for the Pacific region was presented at COP29 by Professor Steven Ratuva from the University of Canterbury. The research involved over 100 experts from 16 Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). Their findings, encapsulated within the Pacific Ocean Climate Crisis Assessment (POCCA) report, shine a spotlight on various adaptation strategies being employed to cope with the climate crisis, including the relocation of households and villages.
This comprehensive study, backed by significant funding from the Aotearoa New Zealand International Development Cooperation Program, is not only notable for its size but also for the unique blend of disciplines it incorporates. By drawing on insights from natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and Indigenous knowledge, the report presents a holistic view of the climate impacts on these vulnerable communities.
“Pacific people are bringing traditional knowledge and generations of resilience to the current challenges of climate change,” Professor Ratuva stated, emphasizing the integration of community narratives with scientific evidence. The professor, who serves as Pro-Vice-Chancellor Pacific at UC, underscored the urgent call from local leaders and organizations for comprehensive, evidence-based strategies to address mounting climate impacts.
Alongside these academic initiatives, practical workshops and discussions at COP29 are focusing on how nations can align their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). An upcoming side event at the Canadian Pavilion aims to explore this alignment, showcasing the experiences and strategies of countries like Belize, Burundi, and Suriname.
NDCs serve as countries' higher-level commitments to combat climate change, whereas NAPs are more focused roadmaps for identifying and addressing climate adaptation needs. Strengthening the relationship between these two frameworks is deemed imperative for enhancing the global response to climate challenges.
Experts at the event will discuss the challenges faced by their countries, their adaptation needs, and how aligning NDCs and NAPs can help mitigate the increasing impacts of climate change.
The integration of local expertise and community voices was echoed by Lucy Njuguna from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, who highlighted the need for enhanced adaptation tracking at national and subnational levels. Njuguna pointed out the importance of developing indicators to measure adaptation progress, especially within agricultural systems.
Continuing the theme of collaboration, the webinar titled "Enhancing Policy Engagement to Accelerate Climate Change Adaptation," hosted by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), gathered global experts to devise effective adaptation strategies. During the session, speakers outlined the pivotal roles boundary organizations play in bridging scientific research with actionable policy. They called for integrated work plans to be developed, emphasizing the urgency of coordinated climate actions, particularly as COP29 discussions gain momentum.
María del Pilar Bueno of CONICET underscored the importance of establishing coherence across various frameworks and ensuring alignment of adaptation goals with broader financial negotiations taking place at COP29. This necessity for policy coherence emphasizes the interconnected nature of climate action, from the ground up to global initiatives.
With voices from various regions—including insights from Filomena Nelson of SPREP highlighting Pacific initiatives—COP29 aims to form concrete pathways forward. The call for unified action resonates powerfully, with the aim being not merely to propose ideas, but to execute them effectively across diverse geographical and political contexts.
Looking beyond merely completing reports, the narrative at COP29 stresses the importance of real-world applications of these strategies. It is less about gathering data for data's sake and more about fostering immediate and impactful responses to the perilous realities communities face. Researchers and community leaders alike seek to encourage international collaboration to share resources and strategies widely, ensuring no community is left on its own to deal with the consequences of climate change.
To propel these strategic discussions, programs like SEI's Adaptation Without Borders Initiative advocate for cooperation among nations, addressing environmental risks spilling over borders. The approach leverages scientific knowledge to inform policy at multiple governance levels, aiming for shared solutions to common challenges. Katy Harris from SEI pointed out how involved interactions between various stakeholders could significantly influence adaptation policy development.
African representatives at COP29 also stress the need for more equitable representation and participation, particularly concerning strategies for both climate adaptation and mitigation. Observers argue there is still underrepresentation from African scientists, which hinders comprehensive global dialogue and progress on climate issues.
Looking forward, COP29 promises not just discussions, but tangible outcomes shaped by the insights of those directly affected by climate change. Whether it's through the Pacific’s localized strategies or broader NDC and NAP discussions, the emphasis remains on fostering resilience and adaptability across nations. With reports and findings being discussed, the global community stands at a crossroads, where immediate action is necessary to not only recognize the climate crisis but to act upon it strategically and comprehensively.
Therefore, as leaders gather for the event, the collective hope is to emerge from COP29 with not just talk but actionable strategies—one step closer to ensuring the planet's diverse communities can withstand the looming climate pressures.
