State and trends in adaptation report 2021: How adaptation can make Africa safer, greener, and more prosperous in a warming world

This new report from the Global Center on Adaptation, State and Trends in Adaptation 2021, combines in-depth analyses, case studies, and viewpoints from those on the frontlines of climate change impacts in Africa. It presents a detailed blueprint for action by offering innovative adaptation and resilience ideas, solutions, and policy recommendations. Despite contributing the least to global warming, Africa finds itself on the frontline of this climate emergency. Africa has no choice but to adapt now to the present and future impacts of climate change. Yet while adaptation is a critical need, when done right it also presents major opportunities. With swift and effective action across all sectors, Africa can achieve a larger development agenda and move forward rapidly on a new “green” and resilient pathway to growth.

The results are clear and compelling. Adaptation measures can be enormously cost-effective and have the potential to start a positively reinforcing cycle of benefits. As these measures protect people and communities from floods, droughts, and others impacts, they also help lift people out of poverty, reduce hunger and undernourishment, raise incomes and living standards, fight diseases, create jobs, reduce inequality, mitigate the risk of conflicts, and give voice to the most vulnerable. These realizable results, in turn, further increase resilience to climate impacts.