Road to Dubai and the Global Goal on Adaptation
IPCC's definition of adaptation emphasizes on human and natural systems rather than countries. A paradigm shift is needed in the climate regime regarding adaptation including not viewing vulnerability as only a country – centric approach. Instead, identifying vulnerability hotspots supplemented by formulating people-centric and nature-centric approaches in climate negotiations is need of the hour.
United Arab Emirates will host the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) from 30 November 2023 to 12 December 2023. A robust, equitable, and flexible framework on GGA will be a key determinant of the success of COP28. This paper reviews the discussions around the GGA framework to provide perspectives on what could be a robust, equitable, and flexible outcome of the GGA process at COP28. The definition of adaptation lays emphasis on human and natural systems and not countries.
A paradigm shift and redefining of the problem statement in the climate regime is needed when implementing the GGA framework. There is a need to peg vulnerability from being viewed as only a country-centric approach. Identifying vulnerability hotspots supplemented by formulating people-centric and nature-centric approaches in climate negotiations is needed.