Handbook for Financial Institutions: Climate Adaptation Finance
To support Financial Institutions globally, GCA developed the Handbook on Climate Adaptation Finance, a practical resource designed to help them integrate climate adaptation into their strategies, operations, and financing activities.
The Handbook is designed primarily for financial institution professionals working in strategy and business development, sustainability, risk management, and operations. It is also relevant for policymakers, regulators, development partners, and public- and private sector practitioners involved in developing or financing climate adaptation investments.
This Handbook was developed in 2025 through a collaborative process co-led by the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), under the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), supported by Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, RebelGroup, and Haskoning, drawing on consultation with financial sector practitioners and development institutions.
It is divided in the following Modules:
- Module 0: Primer Seizing the Climate Adaptation Finance Opportunity
- Module 1: Investing in Adaptation: Why Financial Institutions Have a Pivotal Role and Opportunity in Building a Resilient Tomorrow
- Module 2: Understanding Climate Change Science: What Financial Institutions Must Know
- Module 3: Climate Risk Modelling for Financial Institutions: From Compliance to Strategy
- Module 4: Where to Invest: Adaptation Needs, Finance Solutions and Tools
- Module 5: Tailoring Solutions to Clients: Climate Adaptation Product and Pipeline Development in Financial Institutions
- Module 6: Aligning Ambition and Action: Stakeholder Engagement for Adaptation Finance