The findings of the latest report released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on 28 February 2022 are alarming, but also provide fresh insights on the potential to reduce climate risks and improve people's lives.

The world faces unavoidable multiple climate hazards over the next two decades with global warming of 1.5°C. Human-induced climate change is already affecting the lives of billions of people around the world, despite efforts to reduce the risks. Infrastructure and low-lying coastal settlements are particularly at a high risk of getting affected by the vagaries of weather if immediate actions are not taken to build resilience at all levels.

“The IPCC report is a stark reminder of the fact that there is already a very high cost of inaction in the areas of climate change adaptation and mitigation. We are in a climate-emergency situation which demands collective efforts supported by sufficient financing and technical capacities for countries to be able to implement climate actions effectively”, said Aslam Perwaiz, Deputy Executive Director of ADPC.

Adaptation and resilience are ongoing processes, requiring new and improved knowledge and practices to stay atop of climate risks. It is encouraging to see the report’s new special section on climate change impacts, risks, and options to act for cities and settlements in different ecosystems. As communities grow, so too must their respect for nature. 

While referring to the 16th meeting of the Regional Consultative Committee (RCC), jointly organized by ADPC and the Ministry of Interior and Safety, the Republic of Korea in late 2021, Aslam Perwaiz said that the Sejong Statement, which was issued at the end of the meeting, highlighted the need to support the RCC member countries in enhancing climate and disaster risk finance and investment mechanisms by assessing and managing countries exposure to damages and losses and using the existing and new technologies.

A critical recommendation from the report for Asia and the Pacific region is to present opportunities for climate-resilient development (CRD) pathways. Progress on adaptation is uneven and will remain uneven without an all-of-society approach. These gaps are largest among lower-income populations.

ADPC, as an autonomous international organization, will accelerate its efforts in promoting regional cooperation on climate resilience and disaster risk reduction through a range of interventions including providing technical services and capacities to RCC member countries.

With less than a decade left to implement the commitments of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the IPCC Report reminds us that we must adequately address all challenges that hinder our progress and take advantage of all opportunities as an international community dedicated to building safer and resilient societies.

Click here to read the full report.