Adaptation under the UNFCCC

This working paper analyses provisions for action on adaptation under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (Convention) and progress made on the implementation of these provisions. It asserts that attempting to negotiate separately on ways to address adaptation to the adverse effects of climate change is challenging. It attempts to articulate adaptation under the UN framework in a comprehensive way and argues that, even if many of the Convention's articles are relevant to adaptation and the term is used frequently, it is not defined.

It also considers the needs of the least developed countries (LDCs) and highlights the articles of the Convention where they are highlighted. Finally, it addresses the lack of adequate financing for adaptation, which it considers a major concern for developing countries, and one of the major failings of the Convention; and calls for any approach to adaptation under the Convention to be able to assist developing country Parties in determining and expressing their adaptation needs while responding to these prioritised needs in an organised and equitable manner.