As climate change impacts intensify, many countries will need to undertake long-term, systemic transformative adaptation actions – and will require finance to support such significant changes. But what exactly does this look like, and when are such approaches needed? Leading resilience experts explain.

Oranges are the new coffee, or at least they are in parts of Costa Rica, where rising temperatures have led some farmers to abandon the heat-sensitive beans in favor of fruits better suited for warmer weather. And these former coffee growers are not alone.

Agriculture is one of the sectors most vulnerable to climate change, and many farmers around the world are now contending with intensifying impacts. Rising sea levels are drowning Bangladeshi fields in salt water; extreme droughts are decimating livestock populations across Ethiopia; and wildfires have charred orchards throughout western America.

Relying solely on incremental adaptation strategies that seek to maintain existing production systems, such as introducing drought-resistant seeds or micro-irrigation, will no longer be enough to build resilience in every situation. Feeding the world’s growing population, making adaptation investments that reduce vulnerability over the longer term and reducing escalating risks of conflict over scarce resources will increasingly require broader, more systemic shifts in agricultural production – transformative adaptation.

But what exactly is transformative adaptation, and how can it best be planned, funded and implemented? Join leading resilience experts from WRI, the World Bank and Tetra Tech as they dive into what this new approach is, how to identify situations that warrant such significant changes and strategies for effective, widespread implementation.

Speakers

Rebecca Carter, Deputy Director, Climate Resilience Practice, World Resources Institute @WRIGovernance

Arame Tall, Senior Climate Specialist, Climate Change Group, World Bank, @ArameTall3 ‏

Richard Choularton, Director, Agriculture and Economic Growth, Tetra Tech, @RChoularton

Stefanie Tye, Research Analyst, Climate Resilience Practice, World Resources Institute, @tyestefanie

About the Series

WRI’s Greening Governance Seminar Series explores how good governance – inclusive, transparent decision-making processes, equal access to justice, strong institutions and a vibrant civil society – not only help policymakers advance more effective, equitable policies, but also implement ambitious commitments like the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.

Greening Governance seminars bring diverse panels of experts together to grapple with tough questions and identify successful strategies at the intersection of governance, environmental sustainability and human well-being. Interested in attending or watching remotely? Subscribe to our Greening Governance newsletter and follow us on Twitter @WRIGovernance to stay updated on upcoming events.

Share With Your Networks