Investment flows and finance

Adaptation to the effects of climate change requires a global response and an unparalleled expression of solidarity among peoples. Significantly increased financing, along with assistance in capacity-building, will need to be provided to developing nations by developed countries. The investment needed to help nations adapt to climate shocks is expected to rise to tens of billions of dollars by 2030.

The financial mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Adaptation Fund of the Kyoto Protocol are important pieces of the puzzle and should be scaled up substantially given the magnitude of the need. Assistance should be concentrated in sectors where countries are already highly dependent on external support, for instance in agriculture and health among the least developed countries, coastal infrastructure among small island States and other areas that are highly vulnerable to sea-level rise.

Investments flows and financial assistance should also be directed to technology transfer, for example of drought-resistant seeds and water-saving technologies, to improved energy efficiency, energy conservation, and renewable energy sources.