As climate change affects societies, economies, and the environment, adaptation is becoming increasingly vital, particularly countries, groups, or communities highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. In addition to ambitious mitigation action, concrete support for adaptation is needed at scale and on all levels to address adverse climate impacts. Scaling up adaptation support and establishing a Global Goal on Adaptation as outlined in Article 7 of the Paris Agreement should therefore be a priority in negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and strengthened at all levels in- and outside the UNFCCC system.

It is of vital importance to highlight the need for developing countries to access and receive tangible support for those most threatened by climate change impacts, in particular in vulnerable developing countries. Civil society organizations can play a key role in contributing to bringing these aspects to the forefront of climate finance discussions and mobilize support for developing countries and communities that are most vulnerable to climate change impacts. By providing evidence from the local, national, and regional level to the international processes, as well as sharing technical expertise, experiences, knowledge and good practices CSOs could enhance and strengthen the case for adaptation finance and support as well as connect different stakeholder groups at all levels of engagement to ensure that climate finance needs of those vulnerable to climate change impacts are addressed.

This knowledge product was developed as part of activities conducted by Southern Voices on Adaptation and SLYCAN Trust focusing on climate change adaptation and loss & damage needs and actions for enhanced engagement of civil society in climate action and resilience-building.