The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) recently appointed 78 experts to refine the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) indicators, focusing on seven thematic targets and the adaptation policy cycle. Concurrently, in January 2024, the IPCC approved the set of scientific reports for its Seventh Assessment Cycle, which includes a report dedicated to revising the 1994 IPCC Technical Guidelines on impacts and adaptation, as well as adaptation indicators, metrics, and guidelines.
Given these parallel initiatives, there is a significant opportunity to harmonize efforts between the IPCC's review of adaptation methods and the UNFCCC's work on adaptation indicators through expert engagement. This session brings together experts involved in the UNFCCC process and IPCC bureau members—including co-chairs and vice-chairs—to discuss points of alignment and explores how the two processes can mutually benefit each other.
Panelists explored challenges such as balancing global relevance with local context, refining indicators to ensure they are actionable, and addressing gaps in data and methodologies. Dr. Portia Adade Williams noted, “Many indicators are too context-specific, such as those tailored to mountainous regions, and are not widely applicable.” Meanwhile, Cristina del Rio stressed the need to move from short-term outputs to metrics with long-term impact: “Indicators must focus on long-term outcomes that are relevant to climate adaptation.”
Dr. Animesh highlighted technical gaps, pointing out, “Proposing indicators without logic, data, or methodologies does a disservice to countries and undermines their ability to track adaptation progress.” Dr. Joyce Kimutai emphasized the need for better data collection systems, stating, “Without a richer inventory of climate-related impacts, particularly in underrepresented regions like Africa, adaptation policies risk being under-informed.”
The session concluded with a call for greater synergy between the IPCC and UNFCCC to ensure robust, actionable, and context-sensitive adaptation frameworks. As Dr. Mukherji summarized, “By working together, we can avoid duplication and ensure that adaptation frameworks are robust and actionable.”
Key Takeaways
- Global and Local Relevance: Indicators must balance global applicability with local specificity to address diverse adaptation contexts.
- Refinement of Metrics: Emphasis should shift from short-term outputs to long-term, data-driven outcomes that include robust methodologies.
- Cross-Sector Integration: Opportunities exist to develop cross-cutting indicators across agriculture, water, health, and other sectors.
- Data and Attribution Gaps: Improved data systems and attribution methods are critical, particularly for underrepresented regions like Africa.
- Collaborative Frameworks: Greater alignment between the IPCC and UNFCCC processes can streamline adaptation efforts, avoid duplication, and enhance global impact.
