Invest in climate adaptation – before disaster strikes

As global temperatures rise and climate-related disasters become more frequent, the need to adapt is rapidly increasing. That need for adaptation-from adjusting farming practices to diversifying livelihoods and strengthening infrastructure-is most acute in vulnerable low- and middle-income countries such as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Haiti and Viet Nam.

Despite contributing a negligible share of historical global greenhouse gas emissions, these countries are facing the brunt of climate change. Yet as the demand for long-term resilience grows, international aid priorities are shifting in the opposite direction.

Over the past three years, several major rich countries have substantially cut their development aid budgets. Remaining funds have been redirected towards emergency relief.