Adapting for a Green Economy

The report advocates for a strategic approach to climate adaptation where private sector interests align with the needs of vulnerable communities in developing countries. It posits that community risks are business risks, and companies can gain a competitive edge by developing climate-resilient products and services. While a survey of United Nations Global Compact and UNEP 'Caring for Climate' signatories shows that 86% of respondents see adaptation as a business opportunity, most companies lack comprehensive strategies due to difficulties in integrating long-term scientific data into short-term business planning. The document outlines specific steps for companies to integrate adaptation into core strategic planning and for governments to stimulate markets through financial and risk-reduction incentives, emphasizing that private action complements but does not replace essential public investment.

• A survey of 72 companies participating in the Caring for Climate initiative indicates a high awareness of climate risks and opportunities: 83 percent believe climate change impacts risk their products or services, and 86 percent view responding to these risks or investing in adaptation as a business opportunity.
• Companies face significant barriers to implementing adaptation strategies, specifically the difficulty of incorporating large-scale, long-term scientific climate data into location-specific, short-term business decision-making processes.
• Private sector adaptation can accelerate the transition to a 'green economy'—defined as low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive—by leveraging synergies such as restoring mangrove forests for storm protection or developing affordable drip irrigation for small-scale farmers.
• The report emphasizes that while private sector investment is a pivotal part of a comprehensive approach, it cannot substitute for the public sector's primary responsibility to meet the adaptation needs of the poor and vulnerable.

APA

World Resources Institute (n.d.). Adapting for a Green Economy. https://www.wri.org/research/adapting-green-economy

Chicago

World Resources Institute. Adapting for a Green Economy. n.d. https://www.wri.org/research/adapting-green-economy.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=Adapting for a Green Economy |url=https://www.wri.org/research/adapting-green-economy |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitutendadapting, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{Adapting for a Green Economy}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, url = {https://www.wri.org/research/adapting-green-economy}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }