Africa's adaptation gap: technical report

Climate-change impacts, adaptation challenges and costs for Africa:

This report assesses a series of elements that together constitute an adaptation gap for Africa. The first element consists of the adaptation challenges for Africa caused by the global emissions gap. This challenge is illustrated in chapter 2 by an overview of the impacts projected to be felt across Africa in a “4°C world” as compared to a “2°C world”. Chapter 3 offers insights into how a range of adaptation measures could partly limit the damages and impacts summarised in chapter 2. It provides key examples of “on the ground” adaptation options and measures, with a focus on the African Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Chapter 4 offers an estimate of the total adaptation costs, or financial needs, under various emission scenarios, a third element in identifying the Adaptation Gap for Africa. Finally, Chapter 5 provides an estimate of the Adaptation Funding Gap, in terms of the difference between adaptation costs and proposed and/or disbursed funding. The report is intended to inform policymakers of the shortcomings and opportunities for adaptation to climate change in Africa. The results demonstrate how delaying action now will assuredly result in exponential costs down the road.