In a message to mark the launch of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Adaptation Gap report on Thursday, UN Secretary General António Guterres has noted that it makes clear that the world is failing to protect people from the here-and-now impacts of the climate crisis.

According to Guterres, those on the front lines of the climate crisis are at the back of the line for support.

“The world is falling far short, both in stopping the growth of greenhouse gas emissions and starting desperately needed efforts to plan, finance, and implement adaptation in light of growing risks.

“Adaptation needs in the developing world are set to skyrocket to as much as US$340 billion a year by 2030. Yet adaptation support today stands at less than one-tenth of that amount. The most vulnerable people and communities are paying the price. This is unacceptable,” said Guterres.

He added that adaptation must be treated with a seriousness that reflects the equal worth of all members of the human family.

“It’s time for a global climate adaptation overhaul that puts aside excuses and picks up the toolbox to fix the problems. Starting at the upcoming UN Climate Conference, the adaptation gap must be addressed in four critical ways: first, by dramatically increasing the quantity and quality of financing for adaptation needs,” added Guterres

He noted that last year developed countries agreed to double support for adaptation to US$40 billion a year by 2025 and argued that at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly referred to as COP27, which starts on Sunday in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, these countries must present a credible roadmap with clear milestones on how this will be delivered — preferably as grants, not loans.

Guterres said the developed countries must also use their influence as government shareholders of multilateral development banks to prioritise adaptation, resilience, and vulnerability.

“Second, the world urgently needs a new business model for turning adaptation priorities into investable projects. There is a mismatch between what governments propose and what financiers consider as investable. The investment pipeline is blocked; we must unblock it now.

“We need a global surge in adaptation investment to save millions of lives from climate carnage. It is high time for unprecedented coordination among recipient governments, development partners, and other financiers. This is the only way to ensure diverging priorities coalesce in support of developing countries’ adaptation efforts,” Guterres said.

“Third, we need far better climate risk data and information. Vulnerable countries and communities need access to localised data and information on climate risks to inform adaptation actions. I challenge governments, academia, data and digital technology institutions, and private companies to work together to boost investment to make it happen. This will save lives and protect livelihoods.

“Finally, we must make sure that we deliver on my call for universal early warning systems within five years by providing the financial and technical support needed to implement the action plan that will be presented by WMO to COP27.

“These four priorities demand unprecedented international cooperation and support. We must also recognise that, in many places, it is too late for adaptation. COP27 must provide a clear and time-bound roadmap on closing the finance gap for addressing loss and damage. This will be a central litmus test for success at COP27,” added Guterres.

He declared that, “The world must step up and protect people and communities from the immediate and ever-growing risks of the climate emergency. We have no time to lose.”