Search Climate Insights Directory

The document provides conceptual clarity on nature-based solutions (NbS) and ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA), emphasizing that for these solutions to be effective and legitimate, they must integrate gender responsiveness, social inclusion, and robust environmental safeguards.

The document defines the conceptual landscape of nature-based solutions, distinguishing between general NbS, climate-specific NbCS, and adaptation-focused EbA. It argues that for these solutions to be effective and legitimate, they must be grounded in risk assessments and incorporate robust social and environmental safeguards to prevent rights violations, the commodification of nature, and ecological harm. The brief highlights the importance of three pillars—gender responsiveness, social inclusion, and biodiversity benefits—and provides global case studies demonstrating the application of EbA across various ecosystems.

The document defines the conceptual landscape of nature-based climate solutions, distinguishing between the broad umbrella of NbS and the adaptation-specific focus of EbA. It argues that for these measures to be legitimate and effective, they must be grounded in risk assessments and robust social and environmental safeguards to prevent rights violations and biodiversity loss. The text provides practical examples of EbA across various ecosystems and outlines a framework for future implementation based on gender responsiveness, social inclusion, and biodiversity benefits.

The Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) is implementing a five-year programme (2022–27) focused on accelerating locally-led, equitable, and ecosystem-based climate action. The initiative targets disadvantaged groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, and migrants, across Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. CDKN's strategy centers on three priority areas: integrating gender equality and social inclusion into climate policies, enabling inclusive finance for local action, and implementing effective ecosystem-based adaptation. The approach emphasizes 'knowledge-into-action' by combining local, Indigenous, and scientific knowledge to strengthen Southern leadership and institutional capacity.

The report examines the challenges of implementing a just transition in Argentina, highlighting a critical lack of coordination between government agencies and a lack of consensus on the necessity of decarbonisation. It identifies the energy sector (51% of emissions) and the agriculture, forestry and other land use (AFOLU) sector (39% of emissions) as the primary areas for mitigation. The document notes that while the government has committed to emission reductions via its NDC, it simultaneously prioritises the expansion of oil and gas resources in the Vaca Muerta basin. Key recommendations include creating a unified national decarbonisation plan, expanding stakeholder participation beyond 'testimonial' processes, and addressing deep-seated gender and ethnic inequalities within the productive sectors.

The People-Centered Accelerator (PCA), a partnership of over 45 organizations, calls for an 'energy revolution' to address energy poverty and inefficiency. The statement emphasizes that achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) requires removing systemic barriers, such as limited financing for women, and implementing needs-based energy planning that accounts for gendered energy poverty. The PCA advocates for a just energy transition that is 'gender-responsive, youth-inclusive, locally-led and globally connected,' specifically through the adoption of a multi-stakeholder Gender and Energy Compact.

The report analyzes 12 adaptation policy instruments from 11 countries to inform Canada's development of its first national adaptation strategy. It identifies global trends, such as increasing legislative backing and iterative planning, and proposes 13 considerations for Canada across four areas: the development process, federal action mobilization, implementation, and global leadership.

The report outlines a framework for Canada's first National Adaptation Strategy (NAS), drawing on a review of 12 policy instruments from 11 countries. It identifies a global trend where adaptation planning is increasing and regularly updated, but implementation and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) remain weak. For Canada, the authors recommend establishing clear institutional arrangements, a unified climate risk assessment approach, and a robust M&E system. The report emphasizes the need for deep engagement with Indigenous Peoples to advance reconciliation and the integration of gender equality and social inclusion through Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+). It also suggests bridging the gap between climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction (DRR) and elevating nature-based solutions.

The first meeting of Ethiopia's National Community of Practice (COP) for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Climate Change took place on April 26, 2021. The meeting aimed to establish a coordinating body to address the limited integration of gender into climate actions, which previous assessments attributed to inadequate human and financial capacity within gender-mandated directorates. Key outcomes included the endorsement of the COP's Terms of Reference and the drafting of a one-year work plan featuring policy analysis, project mapping, and capacity audits. The COP is co-chaired by the Women, Children and Youth Directorates of the Ministry of Finance and the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission.

The document examines how solar photovoltaics, batteries, and information and communications technology can revolutionize food production and address structural rural development challenges. It specifically highlights the role of solar-powered irrigation and the feasibility of solar-powered electric cookers in Kenya to improve gender equality and social inclusion.

Between 2018 and 2020, Côte d’Ivoire implemented a series of institutional, legal, and financial measures to mainstream gender into its climate strategies, including the creation of a National Gender and Climate Change Platform and the development of a National Gender and Climate Change Strategy for 2020–2024.

Between 2018 and 2020, Côte d'Ivoire implemented several political, legal, and institutional measures to integrate gender equality into climate action. Key achievements include the creation of the National Gender and Climate Change Strategy 2020–2024, the establishment of a National Gender and Climate Change Platform, and the integration of gender as a cross-cutting theme in the revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The government also developed methodological guides for vulnerability assessments and provided national gender advisors to the Ministry of the Environment.

Between 2018 and 2020, Côte d’Ivoire implemented a series of policy, institutional, and financial measures to mainstream gender into climate action. Key achievements include the creation of the National Gender and Climate Change Strategy 2020–2024, the establishment of a National Gender and Climate Change Platform, and the integration of gender considerations into the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) funding proposal and the revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The NAP Global Network Strategy to 2025 establishes a framework to accelerate climate-resilient development in developing countries by enhancing National Adaptation Plan (NAP) processes. The strategy focuses on three main priorities: expanding tailored technical support, innovating peer learning, and making NAP knowledge more accessible and compelling. It aims to reach 30 new developing countries by 2025, ensure 30% of support goes to least developed countries (LDCs), and assist at least 15 countries in transitioning from planning to implementation. The Network operates through a Theory of Change that links activities like South-South peer exchange and the Country Support Hub to longer-term outcomes of higher-quality NAP processes and increased strategic investment in adaptation.

The NAP Global Network's 2021-2025 strategy focuses on transitioning developing countries from adaptation planning to execution. The network aims to reach 30 new countries, ensure 30% of support goes to Least Developed Countries, and assist 15 countries in moving from planning to implementation. Key priorities include tailored technical assistance, innovative peer-to-peer learning, and making NAP knowledge more accessible through storytelling and MOOCs. The strategy emphasizes gender equality, social inclusion, and the integration of climate risk into national decision-making processes.

The NAP Global Network's 2021–2025 strategy focuses on accelerating climate resilience in developing countries by enhancing the quality and implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). The Network aims to bridge the gap between planning and action through tailored technical support, innovative peer-to-peer learning, and the production of accessible knowledge products. Key targets for 2025 include reaching 30 new developing countries, ensuring 30% of support benefits Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and collaborating with 15 countries on the transition from planning to implementation. The strategy emphasizes gender equality, social inclusion, and the integration of NAPs with other climate instruments like Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Adaptation Communications (ADCOMs).

The 'Climate and Society' game uses fictional scenarios in Ethiopia, India, and Latin America to simulate how factors such as gender, age, and socio-economic status create inequities in climate risk and resilience. Through a two-round role-play involving consultations and the review of adaptation plans, participants 'walk in other people's shoes' to identify barriers to inclusive participation. The guide emphasizes that climate investments must be designed specifically to empower marginalized groups and ensure equitable benefits, as a 'one size fits all' approach fails to accommodate diverse needs.

The authors contend that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed fragilities caused by a global economic focus on productivity over resilience, disproportionately impacting informal workers and vulnerable regions. They advocate for post-pandemic stimulus packages to prioritize inclusive governance by empowering grassroots organizations, diversifying concentrated food, energy, and finance value chains, and recognizing the interdependence of human and planetary wellbeing.

The document argues that COVID-19 recovery offers a political opportunity to implement greener, more livable cities by prioritizing 'shovel-ready' decarbonization projects and non-motorized transport. It emphasizes that urban recovery must address social vulnerabilities, specifically by integrating informal settlements and workers into planning to ensure equity. The text highlights the critical role of public transport as the 'backbone of mobility' and calls for improved direct access to international finance for cities to bridge the gap between national recovery packages and local needs.

The report identifies that poor Tarai and Hill Dalits, along with marginalized indigenous peoples, are the most vulnerable to climate-induced disasters in Nepal. It highlights a critical lack of GEDSI-disaggregated data for GLOFs and notes that women suffer from 'time poverty' due to increased household workloads caused by climate change. Institutional findings reveal that local planning is often dominated by political power, sidelining marginalized groups and rendering women's leadership roles largely tokenistic. The report recommends establishing intersectional stakeholder definitions, promoting women-friendly climate technologies, and integrating mandatory GESI quotas into project activities.