The integration imperative: a snapshot of USAID’s progress in mainstreaming adaptation to climate change

This briefing paper, based on a review of USAID strategy and guidance documents and interviews with USAID staff and partners, sheds light on the US government’s progress in both supporting integration efforts and improving reporting and financial transparency on climate change co-benefits. It asks the following questions: How are such integration efforts supported and measured? And, if the US government is taking credit for adaptation co-benefits in its financial reporting, what systems are in place to ensure that such co-benefits are actually delivered in development efforts?

In order to strengthen adaptation integration and accurate financial accounting of co-benefits it urges USAID to: (i) develop clear, uniformly-applied methods for accounting and reporting indirect adaptation finance; (ii) develop and apply additional sector-specific implementation guidance for integration; (iii) provide incentives for mission staff to proactively identify opportunities for integrating climate change adaptation; (iv) increase prioritization and resources for climate change vulnerability assessment across sectors; and (v) encourage greater sharing of lessons learned among USAID missions, partners, and project implementers.