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The document introduces the concept of indirect climate change impacts—risks observed in one location but caused by climate events elsewhere—and argues that national adaptation planning must account for global interdependence. It highlights that wealthier nations may be particularly exposed to these indirect risks despite low direct vulnerability. The brief references a text analysis of 25 countries' National Communications to the UNFCCC and a case study of the UK to examine how these impacts are addressed.

The document defines indirect climate change impacts as risks observed in one location but caused by climate events elsewhere, transmitted via biophysical, trade, finance, people, and global security pathways. It highlights a significant gap in national adaptation strategies, noting that a text analysis of 25 countries' National Communications to the UNFCCC shows that keywords related to international risks are rarely used to describe climate risk profiles. The briefing emphasizes that while the private sector often manages these transboundary risks through supply chain analysis, public sector integration remains limited, as evidenced by a UK case study where international dimensions were largely omitted from the formal Climate Change Risk Assessment. The 'Adaptation Without Borders' project aims to provide conceptual frameworks and decision-support tools to help governments identify and manage these interdependencies.

The analysis finds that bioenergy projects relying on on-farm residues claim the highest number of sustainable development benefits, while those using industrial forestry residues claim the fewest. Most projects focus on economic and environmental benefits, with very few social benefits beyond stakeholder participation.