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Between 20–22 June 2026, the Gulf of Guinea coast experienced severe flooding following intense rainfall, with over 140 mm falling in less than 24 hours in some areas. The event caused significant fatalities in Côte d’Ivoire (59 since May), Ghana (at least 34), and Togo (five). An attribution study found that observed 3-day rainfall intensity in the region has increased by approximately 23% since records began, making such events about five times more likely in the current climate (1.4°C warmer than pre-industrial levels) than in a cooler climate. While climate models support the trend of increasing precipitation, they systematically underestimate the observed increase, with models showing only a 4% increase in intensity. The study highlights that rapid urbanisation, the expansion of settlements into floodplains, and sea level rise exceeding the global average have compounded flood risks. Under a future warming scenario of 2.8°C, these heavy rainfall events are expected to become common occurrences.

A national poll by IISD and Nanos Research indicates that 72.5% of Canadians view improving water infrastructure as an urgent priority. The data shows that 63.8% of the population has experienced water-related issues in the last five years, with a majority perceiving these problems as increasing in frequency. While initial awareness of 'natural infrastructure' is low, over 70% of respondents support it as an urgent priority once its role in mitigating floods and droughts is explained. The report also notes that Indigenous respondents face disproportionately greater water infrastructure challenges and that experiences vary by region.

The De Salaberry water retention project study (2019-2023) demonstrates that small naturalized dams can reduce phosphorus loads while mitigating floods and erosion, though performance varies based on retention time and incoming loads. The report argues that standard design practices often fail to maximize phosphorus reduction and recommends strategic targeting of phosphorus hot spots and increased retention times to better combat eutrophication and harmful algal blooms in Canadian freshwater systems.

The report examines how natural infrastructure, such as wetlands and small naturalized dams, can be optimized to improve water quality in the Canadian Prairies. Using data from the De Salaberry project (2019-2023), the authors demonstrate that hydraulic retention time is the primary driver of phosphorus reduction. They argue that standard design practices, which prioritize flood mitigation, often overlook quantifiable water quality benefits. The document recommends integrating dynamic treatment models into planning to target phosphorus hotspots and optimize outlet structures to increase the time water remains stored before release.

The SAVi assessment of the Bogotá River recovery project demonstrates that hybrid infrastructure—integrating nature-based interventions like wetland restoration with conventional systems—generated USD 349 million in net benefits. The project achieved a return of USD 1.27 for every USD 1 invested, primarily driven by USD 828 million in avoided flood damages and USD 554 million in value from improved water quality and ecosystem services.

The project aims to reduce urban climate vulnerabilities in Ethiopia through a combination of national policy frameworks, city-level Nature-based Solutions (NbS), and sustainable financing. In Addis Ababa, interventions focus on the Jemo-Harbu River corridor, including reforestation of Jemo Mountain, riverbank stabilization, and the creation of green canopies to mitigate heat and flood risks. In Jimma, the project targets the Awetu River catchment through reforestation, agroforestry, and wetland rehabilitation. Nationally, it establishes an Inter-Sectoral Coordination Committee and a knowledge portal to mainstream NbS into urban planning. The initiative is supported by a total of USD 47 million, with USD 25 million from the Green Climate Fund and USD 22 million from KOICA, targeting a total of 1,780,947 direct and indirect beneficiaries.

The SUNCASA project has implemented nature-based solutions (NbS) across three Sub-Saharan African cities, planting 2.4 million trees and shrubs and restoring over 3,500 hectares of land within its first two years. In Dire Dawa, the project focuses on afforestation and agroforestry to combat soil erosion and improve food security. In Kigali, efforts center on riparian buffer zones and agroforestry to reduce flood risks. Johannesburg's primary focus is the removal of alien invasive species to protect water quality and biodiversity. The project integrates gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) to ensure marginalized groups participate in climate adaptation. Cost-benefit analyses indicate significant future savings in flood-related infrastructure and health expenses across all three cities.

The Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) assessment of the SUNCASA project in Johannesburg's Jukskei River catchment finds that nature-based solutions—including riparian restoration, invasive species removal, and urban tree planting—provide significant net benefits. Over 25 years, these interventions are projected to generate USD 8.6 million in net benefits, with a return of USD 3.06 for every USD 1 invested and a cost recovery period of 7 years. The most significant economic return stems from improved water quality, which is expected to save USD 3.7 million in avoided health costs over 25 years.

In February 2026, intense rainfall in Minas Gerais, Brazil, caused over 70 deaths and displaced nearly 10,000 people, with Juiz de Fora being the most affected city. While climate models project a 7% increase in February rainfall with future warming, the immediate severity of the disaster was driven by high social vulnerability and unplanned urban expansion on steep slopes. Risk assessments had previously identified 130,000 residents in high-risk zones in Juiz de Fora. The study found that while early warnings were issued, topographical constraints and a lack of evacuation options hindered their effectiveness.

The assessment evaluates the viability of nature-based solutions (NbS) in Johannesburg's Jukskei River catchment, including riparian restoration and urban tree planting. Using the SAVi methodology, the report finds that these interventions are economically viable, with a discounted benefit-to-cost ratio (BCR) of 3.06 and cumulative net benefits of ZAR 152 million from 2025 to 2050. The most significant benefits are avoided health costs from water pollution and avoided infrastructure damage from flooding.

The document outlines how to cover torrential rains by focusing on the scientific drivers of extreme precipitation, the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, the role of territorial planning, and potential adaptation solutions.

The document details Rwanda's shift from framework-level climate commitments in NDC 2.0 to an outcome-driven strategy in NDC 3.0, specifically for the water and mining sectors. It introduces SMART indicators, disaggregated water storage targets, and specific adoption rates for climate-compatible mining, supported by detailed funding estimates and institutional mandates to enhance accountability and investor confidence.

The Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) assessment of the SUNCASA project in Kigali finds that nature-based solutions—including afforestation, reforestation, agroforestry, riparian restoration, and urban tree planting—are highly cost-effective for climate adaptation. Over a 25-year period, these interventions yield a benefit-cost ratio of 2.09, with a payback period of 7 years. The primary benefits derive from reduced flood damage to urban infrastructure, alongside significant public health savings and a projected 30% increase in carbon storage (approximately 600,000 tons of carbon dioxide). The project targets 2,500 hectares across six micro-catchments and includes the planting of 85,000 urban trees to mitigate risks from extreme rainfall, heat, and soil erosion.

The assessment finds that nature-based solutions (NbS) in Kigali—including afforestation, reforestation, agroforestry, and urban tree planting—are economically viable, with a discounted benefit-to-cost ratio (BCR) of 2.09 and cumulative net benefits of RWF 17,039 million from 2025 to 2050. The primary economic driver is the avoidance of flood damage to infrastructure, valued at RWF 17,311 million, alongside significant intangible benefits from reduced water pollution and carbon sequestration. Sensitivity analyses indicate that higher valuations for carbon and water pollution further increase the project's economic viability, with BCRs reaching up to 2.94.

The report analyzes the challenges and opportunities for financing nature-based solutions (NbS) in Indian cities, noting a heavy reliance on public funds and a lack of bankable project pipelines. It maps a wide array of financial and business mechanisms—ranging from green bonds and CSR funds to land value capture—and provides early recommendations to improve the enabling environment, project bankability, and the diversification of funding sources to enhance urban climate resilience.

The City of Cape Town utilized integrated cost-benefit analyses provided by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) to reverse funding cuts for its Liveable Urban Waterways (LUW) Programme. By quantifying the economic value of nature-based infrastructure (NBI) through avoided costs and co-benefits, the city demonstrated that investments in the Diep/Sand and Zeekoe catchments would generate significant net gains and save up to ZAR 55 million on dredging and canal refurbishment. Consequently, the city approved nearly ZAR 200 million for LUW projects, including wetland creation and canal naturalization, and plans to apply this economic modeling to future investments exceeding ZAR 1 billion.

The Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) assessment of the SUNCASA initiative in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, finds that nature-based solutions (NbS) such as afforestation and urban tree planting provide a return of USD 1.36 in benefits for every USD 1 invested over 25 years. Key economic benefits include USD 1.35 million in avoided flood damage to infrastructure and USD 930,000 in savings from climate-related health expenses. Environmentally, the interventions are projected to store up to 175,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide and create nearly 7,000 jobs by 2050, enhancing the city's resilience to floods, droughts, and heat.

The ECRF project is a five-year initiative (2026-2030) requesting 44.68 million USD from the Green Climate Fund to address extreme climate vulnerability in northwestern South Sudan. Targeting Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Warrap states, the project aims to benefit 575,111 direct and 1,098,820 indirect beneficiaries. It employs a three-component strategy: strengthening national and local institutional capacity for climate information and disaster risk management; enhancing the delivery of last-mile climate services and private sector supply of adaptation inputs; and implementing community-led sustainable land and water management and climate-resilient livelihoods. The project is co-executed by the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNHCR, with additional co-financing from the Government of Japan.

The report evaluates the impact of SUNCASA-implemented nature-based solutions (NbS) in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, focusing on the Dechatu River Catchment. Using the SAVi methodology, it projects that interventions including afforestation, agroforestry, and urban tree planting will generate a discounted net benefit of ETB 101.6 million from 2025 to 2050, with a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.36. The primary economic driver is the avoidance of flood-related infrastructure damage, valued at ETB 188.1 million. The assessment also highlights significant intangible benefits, such as avoided health costs from water pollution (ETB 65.8 million) and carbon sequestration (ETB 54.2 million). Sensitivity analyses indicate the project remains viable even with a 94% tree survival rate or under higher carbon pricing scenarios.

A SAVi assessment indicates that investing USD 41.7 million in the restoration and conservation of mangroves and wetlands in Mozambique's Bons Sinais, Zambezi, and Limpopo estuaries could generate up to USD 537.5 million in net benefits. The project aims to restore 7,500 hectares of wetlands and 3,800 hectares of mangroves, while conserving 30,000 hectares of coastal ecosystems, providing a return of nearly USD 14 for every USD 1 invested. These interventions are designed to reduce flood and pollution damages by over USD 120 million and benefit approximately 211,000 people directly and over 1 million people indirectly.