Technology Transfer for Climate Change Adaptation

The report examines how technology transfer for climate change adaptation is handled within the UNFCCC and WTO frameworks, noting that these policy domains have largely evolved in isolation. It defines adaptation technology as comprising hardware, software, and orgware, and highlights that while trade is recognized as a driver for transfer, it is rarely explicitly integrated into national adaptation plans (NAPs) or technology needs assessments (TNAs). The author identifies significant divergences between developed and developing countries over intellectual property rights (IPRs) and the role of government incentives. Analysis of Small Island Developing States' BAEF reports reveals that high import duties and reliance on foreign imports are key barriers. The report recommends involving trade experts in the NAP process and developing actionable guidance to operationalize technology transfer.

• Climate and trade policy domains have historically developed in isolation, leading to siloed discussions and missed opportunities to facilitate the transfer of adaptation technologies to the Global South.
• Adaptation technology is defined as the application of technology to reduce vulnerability or enhance resilience, consisting of three components: hardware (tangible equipment), software (implicit knowledge and processes), and orgware (institutional frameworks, policies, and legislation).
• There is a fundamental disagreement between developed and developing countries regarding technology transfer: developing nations advocate for proactive government measures and the removal of trade obstacles, while developed nations view it as a market-driven mechanism requiring strict intellectual property rights (IPR) protection.
• The Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS), signed in November 2024, liberalizes trade in 360 environmental goods and 114 services, but it fails to clearly define 'adaptation' and often groups it with 'mitigation', which may obscure the specific adaptation benefits of certain technologies.
• Developing countries primarily identify adaptation technology needs in the agriculture, water, and coastal protection sectors, specifically prioritizing irrigation systems, storm surge barriers, and crop diversification.
• Analysis of Barrier Analysis and Enabling Framework (BAEF) reports from nine Small Island Developing States shows that international trade is consistently relevant, with five countries identifying high import duties as a specific barrier to accessing adaptation technologies.
• Trade can act as both a vulnerability and a solution; for example, the Maldives identifies heavy reliance on food imports as a vulnerability but views the import of agricultural technology as a way to reduce that dependency.
• The report recommends that adaptation policy-makers involve trade ministry representatives in the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process and that the UNFCCC, IPCC, and WTO develop actionable guidance to operationalize technology transfer beyond generic definitions.

APA

Schmidt, K. (2025). Technology Transfer for Climate Change Adaptation. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2025-08/technology-transfer-climate-change-adaptation.pdf

Chicago

Schmidt, Katharina. Technology Transfer for Climate Change Adaptation. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2025. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2025-08/technology-transfer-climate-change-adaptation.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Schmidt |first1=Katharina |title=Technology Transfer for Climate Change Adaptation |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=August 2025 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2025-08/technology-transfer-climate-change-adaptation.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{schmidt2025technology, author = {Schmidt, Katharina}, title = {{Technology Transfer for Climate Change Adaptation}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2025}, month = aug, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2025-08/technology-transfer-climate-change-adaptation.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }