Achim Steiner: The adaptation imperative

"International support on adaptation – incorporating financing, technology, and knowledge – could go a long way toward advancing countries’ sustainable-development aspirations. World leaders should recognize this – and establish adaptation as an integral part of the global climate-change agreement to be reached in Paris.

Some argue that the global economy cannot afford adaptation. But, as the latest evidence shows, delaying action will mean higher costs later. If we truly want to build a sustainable, prosperous, and equitable future, we cannot afford to wait," writes Achim Steiner in his opinion piece published in Project Syndicate.

Achim Steiner is United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).