Adaptation Communications: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This fact sheet provides guidance on Adaptation Communications (ADCOMs) under the UNFCCC, explaining their purpose, voluntary nature, and flexible submission options. It specifically details how countries can align ADCOMs with National Adaptation Plan (NAP) processes to reduce reporting burdens and provide input for the first global stocktake.

• An Adaptation Communication (ADCOM) is a voluntary report established under Article 7 of the 2015 Paris Agreement where countries synthesize and share their climate adaptation priorities, efforts, needs, and lessons.
• The ADCOM serves four primary purposes: increasing the visibility of adaptation to balance it with mitigation, strengthening support for developing countries, providing data for the global stocktake, and enhancing the global understanding of adaptation needs and actions.
• To be included in the synthesis reports for the first global stocktake in 2023, countries were encouraged to submit their first ADCOM by the end of December 2021, with a final deadline of the end of January 2022.
• Countries have three flexible options for submitting an ADCOM: as a standalone document, in conjunction with another document (such as a Nationally Determined Contribution), or as a component of another document (such as a National Adaptation Plan).
• As of August 2021, 11 countries used the adaptation chapter of their Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) as their ADCOM, including Angola, Argentina, Colombia, Kenya, and the Russian Federation. New Zealand used its National Communication, and Timor Leste used its National Adaptation Plan.
• The content of an ADCOM is entirely optional and can be a synthesis of existing information or new data. Invited elements include national circumstances, risks and vulnerabilities, adaptation priorities, and implementation and support needs.
• ADCOMs are designed to be country-driven and are not intended for direct comparison between parties, nor are they subject to formal review.
• For the 125 developing countries with National Adaptation Plan (NAP) processes underway but no completed document, the ADCOM can serve as a tool to synthesize available milestones—such as roadmaps or risk assessments—to maintain momentum and visibility.

APA

Hammill, A., & Ledwell, C. (2021). Adaptation Communications: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://napglobalnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/napgn-2021-en-adcom-faqs.pdf

Chicago

Hammill, Anne, and Christian Ledwell. Adaptation Communications: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2021. https://napglobalnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/napgn-2021-en-adcom-faqs.pdf.

Wikipedia

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BibTeX

@techreport{hammill2021adaptation, author = {Hammill, Anne and Ledwell, Christian}, title = {{Adaptation Communications: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2021}, month = sep, url = {https://napglobalnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/napgn-2021-en-adcom-faqs.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }