Global Commission on Adaptation

Global Commission on Adaptation
Name	Global Commission on Adaptation
Founded	October 2018
Founders	Ban Ki-moon, Bill Gates, Kristalina Georgieva
Headquarters	Rotterdam, Netherlands and Washington, D.C., United States
Key people	Patrick Verkooijen (CEO)
Website	https://gca.org/

Global Commission on Adaptation. It is a major international initiative launched to accelerate action on climate adaptation and build resilience to the effects of climate change. The commission was founded by former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, philanthropist Bill Gates, and then-World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva. Its secretariat is hosted by the Global Center on Adaptation, with offices in Rotterdam and Washington, D.C., and it works to elevate the political visibility of adaptation challenges.

Background and establishment

The commission was officially convened in October 2018, recognizing a critical gap in global efforts despite the landmark Paris Agreement. Its creation was driven by the understanding that even with successful mitigation, significant climate impacts were already locked in, necessitating urgent adaptation. The founding leaders, including Ban Ki-moon and Bill Gates, announced its formation at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Katowice, Poland. The initiative was strategically designed to operate for a two-year period, aiming to produce a flagship report and catalyze a broader movement ahead of the 2020 Climate Summit.

Objectives and focus areas

The primary objective is to make climate adaptation faster, smarter, and more systemic by advocating for increased investment, better planning, and accelerated innovation. Its work is structured around key action tracks that address the most vulnerable systems. These focus areas include food security and agriculture, with an emphasis on supporting smallholder farmers, and building resilient infrastructure in the face of extreme weather. Other critical tracks involve protecting and restoring mangroves and other natural defenses, strengthening water resources management, and improving disaster risk management in cities. The commission also champions the role of social protection programs and innovative finance mechanisms like catastrophe bonds.

Key reports and publications

Its seminal publication, "Adapt Now: A Global Call for Leadership on Climate Resilience," was launched in September 2019 at the United Nations headquarters. This flagship report outlined a bold agenda for adaptation, presenting a compelling economic case and highlighting specific actions. Another significant document is the "State and Trends in Adaptation" report, which provides a comprehensive assessment of global progress. The commission has also produced numerous thematic reports, such as those focusing on Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program and adapting infrastructure in South Asia. These publications are frequently launched at major events like the Climate Adaptation Summit and the COP meetings.

Leadership and membership

The commission was chaired by Ban Ki-moon, Bill Gates, and Kristalina Georgieva, who later became Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. Its CEO is Patrick Verkooijen, who leads the day-to-day operations of the secretariat. The commission comprised over 30 commissioners and convening countries, representing a diverse array of global leaders. Notable commissioners included former heads of state like Helle Thorning-Schmidt of Denmark and Luis Alberto Moreno of the Inter-American Development Bank. Leaders from the private sector, such as Achim Steiner of the United Nations Development Programme, and civil society were also integral members, providing a multi-stakeholder perspective.

Major initiatives and actions

A cornerstone initiative is the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program, developed in partnership with the African Development Bank, aiming to mobilize substantial funding for the continent. The commission actively promotes the Year of Action, a campaign following its flagship report to turn recommendations into tangible commitments from governments and businesses. It has spearheaded the Water Adaptation Coalition and the Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator, bringing together coalitions of actors. Major advocacy moments include its high-level participation in the Climate Adaptation Summit 2021 hosted by the Netherlands and ongoing engagement at every UNFCCC Conference of the Parties.

Impact and reception

The commission has been widely credited with significantly raising the political profile of adaptation on the global agenda, influencing discussions at the G7 and G20 summits. Its economic analysis, which argues that investment in adaptation yields high returns, has been cited by institutions like the World Economic Forum and major financial entities. The initiatives it launched, particularly the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program, have mobilized billions in pledged finance. While praised by leaders from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to Macky Sall of Senegal, some civil society groups have called for even greater focus on ensuring that funding reaches local communities most affected by climate change.

Category:Climate change organizations Category:International environmental organizations Category:Organizations established in 2018