Latest news with #climateadaptation
Arab News
a day ago
- Science
- Arab News
Climate innovation can enhance nature-based solutions
Success will depend not only on the number of trees but on how effectively they are planted, maintained, and measured. (SGI photo) As Saudi Arabia commits to planting 10 billion trees and rehabilitating 40 million hectares in the coming decades under the Saudi Green Initiative, success will depend not only on the number of trees but on how effectively they are planted, maintained, and measured. Precision, ecosystem sustainability, and transparent monitoring are essential. Emerging climate technologies using artificial intelligence —such as satellite-based remote sensing and advanced carbon quantification platforms — offer transformative tools to enhance the effectiveness of nature-based solutions. This will enable the Kingdom to deliver measurable results while advancing global climate adaptation aspirations. Nature-based solutions, including afforestation, mangrove rehabilitation, and wetland restoration, can provide up to 37 percent of the cost-effective carbon mitigation required by 2030 to meet the Paris Agreement goals. However, implementing nature-based solutions in Saudi Arabia's hyper-arid environment presents unique challenges. Climate stressors such as extreme heat, saline soils, and water scarcity require data-driven approaches to ensure ecological suitability, long-term survival, and resilience. Technologies such as light detection and ranging, or LIDAR, which use laser pulses to map terrain and vegetation in three dimensions, allow detailed analysis of canopy structure, soil degradation, and vegetation health. When integrated with AI and hyperspectral imaging, these tools can identify optimal restoration sites, track survival rates, and verify carbon uptake in near real time. Institutions such as the National Center for Vegetation Cover could use this technology to improve resource targeting and support digital monitoring, reporting, and verification systems for national and international carbon markets. Globally, countries are successfully leveraging such technologies. Kenya's Regreening Africa initiative employs drone imagery and AI to evaluate large-scale restoration efforts, using geospatial tools to monitor tens of thousands of hectares and significantly improve outcomes. In Peru, satellite-based forest monitoring platforms enhance transparency and help prevent illegal deforestation in Amazonian restoration zones. These examples offer replicable models that Saudi Arabia can adapt and scale. The economic rationale is equally compelling. The social cost of carbon, reflecting the economic damage from each additional tonne of CO2 emitted, can reach as high as $185 per tonne depending on the applied discount rate and modeling assumptions, according to estimates reported in 2022 by Kevin Rennert and fellow researchers in the journal Nature. In contrast, the cost of restoring mangroves to sequester carbon has been estimated to range from $4.50 to $18 per tonne of CO2, depending on site-specific factors and carbon recovery assumptions, while delivering additional benefits such as coastal protection, biodiversity enhancement, and improved fisheries. In a country where approximately one third of the population resides along the coast, restoring mangroves and wetlands becomes a dual-purpose strategy that combines mitigation with adaptation. Technology also reduces the risk of maladaptation, where restoration efforts fail due to poor species selection or lack of climate-fit design. Applying frameworks like dynamic adaptive policy pathways can help Saudi policymakers sequence restoration phases under uncertainty and adjust plans based on feedback and risk thresholds. Even the most advanced tools will fall short without the trust, knowledge, and participation of those most affected by environmental change. Adnan Masoudy & Hassan Alzain Co-developing projects with local communities and scientists ensures financial stability and long-term social resilience. Adaptation finance remains critically underfunded. The Adaptation Gap Report 2024 estimates that the financing needed is between $231 and $416 billion per year, up from previous estimates of $194 to $366 billion, reflecting rising global costs and urgent adaptation needs. To fully realize this potential, Saudi Arabia should prioritize advancing three strategic steps. First, launch a national open-access geospatial dashboard that integrates LIDAR, AI, and remote sensing data to track nature-based solutions progress nationwide. Second, engage more deeply with global platforms such as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, the Global Mangrove Alliance, and the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility to exchange technical knowledge and obtain access to climate finance. Third, establish a climate and nature tech innovation hub in collaboration with local universities to pilot and localize nature-based solutions, monitoring solutions tailored for drylands, while accelerating the development and deployment of new climate and nature-based startups in the region. As Princess Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud, the Kingdom's ambassador to the US, eloquently stated on SGI Day 2025: 'The future is not something that comes at us; it's something we create ... Climate action is not a dream — it is a reality we are building together.' Her words capture the spirit of SGI as not just a national strategy, but a movement defined by momentum, measurable action, and collective resolve. That momentum is already visible. As of 2024, Saudi Arabia has planted over 115 million trees and restored 118,000 hectares of degraded land — a significant leap from where the journey began just a few years ago. These achievements demonstrate that bold climate pledges are being converted into tangible, large-scale outcomes on the ground. But technology and investment alone are not enough. As explained by Robert Klee, senior lecturer and managing director of clean energy programs at the Yale Center for Business and the Environment: 'Nature-based solutions can be empowered by technology, but must be governed by people — especially those most vulnerable to climate risks. 'It is in aligning science, justice, and local knowledge that real climate progress takes root.' This insight points to a deeper truth: meaningful climate progress depends as much on governance and inclusion as it does on innovation. Even the most advanced tools will fall short without the trust, knowledge, and participation of those most affected by environmental change. Within the SGI framework, embedding local leadership and equity into restoration design can elevate both the impact and legitimacy of nature-based solutions across Saudi Arabia's diverse landscapes. By fusing nature and innovation, and engaging local communities in the development and deployment of nature-based solutions, Saudi Arabia can transform its drylands into living laboratories of climate resilience. The SGI offers more than a greening strategy. With smart climate technologies, it can become a global model for how climate ambition, ecological science, cutting-edge tools, and social support converge to drive meaningful environmental transformation in the decades to come. • Adnan Masoudy is manager of corporate sustainability, environment, and biodiversity at Ma'aden and Hassan Alzain is author of the award-winning book 'Green Gambit.'
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Iraq plans to develop projects to improve climate adaptation
Iraq plans to develop a portfolio of projects to improve its climate adaptation and greenhouse gas mitigation strategies. The development is part of Iraq's Green Climate Fund (GCF) country programme, which targets projects in key sectors, mainly the agriculture and water sectors, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) said in a statement last week. The unveiling of Iraq's country programme follows the October 2024 approval of GCF's first $39 million project in Iraq to strengthen vulnerable agriculture livelihoods. The project, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization, will improve the livelihoods of two million Iraqis and contribute to the country's long-term food security and economic stability. The investment will empower water user associations and improve water management across the agriculture sector via policy reforms, improved irrigation technologies, and integration of renewable energy solutions, the statement said. (Writing by P Deol; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Fast Company
17-05-2025
- Science
- Fast Company
Trump wants to slash funding for climate adaptation—here's what we're going to lose because of it
It's no secret that warming temperatures, wildfires and flash floods are increasingly affecting lives across the United States. With the U.S. government now planning to ramp up fossil fuel use, the risks of these events are likely to become even more pronounced. That leaves a big question: Is the nation prepared to adapt to the consequences? For many years, federally funded scientists have been developing solutions to help reduce the harm climate change is causing in people's lives and livelihoods. Yet, as with many other science programs, the White House is proposing to eliminate funding for climate adaptation science in the next federal budget, and reports suggest that the firing of federal climate adaptation scientists may be imminent. As researchers and directors of regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers, funded by the U.S. Geological Survey since 2011, we have seen firsthand the work these programs do to protect the nation's natural resources and their successes in helping states and tribes build resilience to climate risks. Here are a few examples of the ways federally funded climate adaptation science conducted by university and federal researchers helps the nation weather the effects of climate change. Protecting communities against wildfire risk Wildfires have increasingly threatened communities and ecosystems across the U.S., exacerbated by worsening heat waves and drought. In the Southwest, researchers with the Climate Adaptation Science Centers are developing forecasting models to identify locations at greatest risk of wildfire at different times of year. Knowing where and when fire risks are highest allows communities to take steps to protect themselves, whether by carrying out controlled burns to remove dry vegetation, creating fire breaks to protect homes, managing invasive species that can leave forests more prone to devastating fires, or other measures. The solutions are created with forest and wildland managers to ensure projects are viable, effective and tailored to each area. The research is then integrated into best practices for managing wildfires. The researchers also help city planners find the most effective methods to reduce fire risks in wildlands near homes. In Hawaii and the other Pacific islands, adaptation researchers have similarly worked to identify how drought, invasive species and land-use changes contribute to fire risk there. They use these results to create maps of high-risk fire zones to help communities take steps to reduce dry and dead undergrowth that could fuel fires and also plan for recovery after fires. Protecting shorelines and fisheries In the Northeast, salt marshes line large parts of the coast, providing natural buffers against storms by damping powerful ocean waves that would otherwise erode the shoreline. Their shallow, grassy waters also serve as important breeding grounds for valuable fish. However, these marshes are at risk of drowning as sea level rises faster than the sediment can build up. As greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels and from other human activities accumulate in the atmosphere, they trap extra heat near Earth's surface and in the oceans, raising temperatures. The rising temperatures melt glaciers and also cause thermal expansion of the oceans. Together, those processes are raising global sea level by about 1.3 inches per decade. Adaptation researchers with the Climate Adaptation Science Centers have been developing local flood projections for the regions' unique oceanographic and geophysical conditions to help protect them. Those projections are essential to help natural resource managers and municipalities plan effectively for the future. Researchers are also collaborating with local and regional organizations on salt marsh restoration, including assessing how sediment builds up each marsh and creating procedures for restoring and monitoring the marshes. Saving salmon in Alaska and the Northwest In the Northwest and Alaska, salmon are struggling as temperatures rise in the streams they return to for spawning each year. Warm water can make them sluggish, putting them at greater risk from predators. When temperatures get too high, they can't survive. Even in large rivers such as the Columbia, salmon are becoming heat stressed more often. Adaptation researchers in both regions have been evaluating the effectiveness of fish rescues —temporarily moving salmon into captivity as seasonal streams overheat or dry up due to drought. In Alaska, adaptation scientists have built broad partnerships with tribes, nonprofit organizations and government agencies to improve temperature measurements of remote streams, creating an early warning system for fisheries so managers can take steps to help salmon survive. Managing invasive species Rising temperatures can also expand the range of invasive species, which cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars each year in crop and forest losses and threaten native plants and animals. Researchers in the Northeast and Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Centers have been working to identify and prioritize the risks from invasive species that are expanding their ranges. That helps state managers eradicate these emerging threats before they become a problem. These regional invasive species networks have become the go-to source of climate-related scientific information for thousands of invasive species managers. The Northeast is a hot spot for invasive species, particularly for plants that can outcompete native wetland and grassland species and host pathogens that can harm native species. Without proactive assessments, invasive species management becomes more difficult. Once the damage has begun, managing invasive species becomes more expensive and less effective. Losing the nation's ability to adapt wisely A key part of these projects is the strong working relationships built between scientists and the natural resource managers in state, community, tribal and government agencies who can put this knowledge into practice. With climate extremes likely to increase in the coming years, losing adaptation science will leave the United States even more vulnerable to future climate hazards.
Travel Daily News
16-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Benidorm leads Europe's Green Coastal shift
Benidorm named European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2025 for its sustainability, smart mobility, accessibility, and climate adaptation initiatives. Benidorm may be known for its golden coastline and sunny skies, but it's the city's approach to sustainability that has earned it the title of European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2025. In a time when coastal cities across Europe are facing climate uncertainty, Benidorm is showing that environmental resilience and tourism development are not mutually exclusive – they can be mutually reinforcing. Central to this transformation is the city's Climate Change Strategic Plan, already 40% complete. From large-scale photovoltaic installations on public buildings to a city-wide transition to LED lighting, Benidorm is slashing emissions and costs at the same time. Adaptation is just as important as mitigation: improved drainage systems, green engineering and heat-reducing infrastructure help prepare the city for extreme weather, without compromising its appeal as a year-round destination. Benidorm's smart mobility strategy brings these ambitions into the everyday. With over 130 kilometres of cycling lanes, secure bike storage and park-and-ride stations, the city invites visitors to explore more actively. Speed-reduction zones and expanded pedestrian areas shift the focus from cars to people. And for visitors with reduced mobility, Benidorm continues to lead from wheelchair-accessible viewpoints to beach access ramps, the city's commitment to inclusion runs deep. Its recent AENOR certification for senior-friendly tourism further demonstrates that accessibility is not a trend – it's a standard. The 2026 European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competitions are open until 30 May 2025. This EU initiative highlights cities that are leading the way in sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation, and cultural heritage and creativity. Winning means more than recognition – it's an opportunity to join a network of pioneers and inspire real change.
News24
07-05-2025
- Business
- News24
Bonds, debt swaps among finance solutions to adapt to climate change
There are several barriers to attracting private capital to fund climate adaptation measures, but collaboration by the private sector, governments, climate funds and multilateral development banks could plug finance gaps, writes Nigel Beck. For climate change news and analysis, go to News24 Climate Future. As the world grapples with escalating climate risks and impact, South Africa stands at a pivotal juncture. The nation's economic, social and environmental vulnerabilities underscore an urgent need for climate 'adaptation'. Defined as the process of adjusting to current and future climate impacts to reduce harm and seize opportunities, adaptation is not just a theoretical exercise; it's a socioeconomic imperative for South Africa and the broader African continent. Amid discussions at the G20 and COP29, adaptation finance emerges as a critical lever to build resilience; yet, significant obstacles hinder its implementation. But what does adaptation mean for South Africa and why is it so important? We consider the barriers to private sector financing, and how global frameworks can catalyse progress. What is climate adaptation? Climate adaptation involves proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change - such as drought-resistant crops, flood-resistant infrastructure, or water reclamation projects. Unlike mitigation, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation prepares communities and economies for inevitable changes. In South Africa, this translates to safeguarding water security, bolstering food systems, and fortifying cities against extreme weather. The Presidential Climate Commission's March 2025 report highlights key programmatic areas: resilient water, agriculture, cities, and transport, estimating a financing need of R866 billion by 2030 (1.37% of GDP). Globally, the UNEP's 2024 Adaptation Gap Report pegs developing countries' needs at $387 billion (about R7 billion) annually through 2030, with Africa alone requiring $579.2 billion (about R11 billion) from 2020-2030 per its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Why adaptation matters to South Africa and Africa South Africa's climate challenge is stark. Temperature anomalies have risen over the past century, and economic damages from floods, heatwaves, and droughts are projected to intensify, with losses potentially reaching R1.4 trillion annually by 2050 if unaddressed. For a country already battling unemployment, inequality, and energy insecurity, these risks threaten to unravel developmental gains. Africa, meanwhile, faces a disproportionate burden. Despite contributing less than 4% of global emissions, it requires vast adaptation investments to counter rising climate-induced disruptions to agriculture, water, and infrastructure. Adaptation is a smart investment. Projects like eMalahleni Water Reclamation Plant, which treats acid mine drainage to supply potable water, or the Working for Water Programme, which removes invasive plants to restore river flows, demonstrate tangible benefits: job creation, resource security, and economic stability. For South Africa, a leader in the region, scaling and replicating such initiatives could position it as a model for Africa, where adaptation finance flows remain woefully inadequate. Obstacles to private sector financing Despite its promise, adaptation struggles to attract private capital. Several barriers stand out. First, perception casts adaptation as a public sector duty, deterring private investment. This is compounded by information asymmetry - private players lack reliable climate risk data, unlike the quantifiable CO₂ reductions of mitigation projects. Measuring the effectiveness of a drought-resistant crop, for instance, is far trickier than tallying carbon emissions avoided by a solar farm. Second, nomenclature and frameworks confuse investors. Terms like 'green,' 'blue,' and 'adaptation' are used interchangeably. Third, shallow capital markets in Africa limit bond mandates not just for adaptation, with investors chasing risk adjusted returns elsewhere. High borrowing costs, driven by real or perceived risks and long-term investment horizons, further deter engagement. Finally, adaptation's benefits - environmental, social, and economic - are hard to capture fully. The Adaptation Fund mobilised $133 million (about R2 billion) at COP29, yet such commitments often stall in translation to on-the-ground projects. In South Africa, R18 billion in domestic public funding and R113 billion internationally flowed to climate finance in 2023, but private sector contributions remain underreported and unscaled due to tracking difficulties and a focus on insurance over broader resilience. The role of innovative finance and global frameworks Innovative financial instruments offer hope. Climate adaptation bonds - direct funds to resilience projects while spreading costs over time and attracting diverse investors. Outcome-based instruments tie funding to measurable results, enhancing accountability and investor confidence. Debt-for-adaptation swaps, as seen in Seychelles' $30 million (about R550 million) debt reduction for climate resilience, free up resources for vulnerable, debt-laden nations. Blended finance, combining public concessional funds with private capital, mitigates risk, as demonstrated by Acumen's Resilient Agriculture Fund. Yet, these tools alone cannot compensate for underdeveloped markets or macro risks like political instability. South Africa's currency volatility and Africa's hard-currency dependency highlight the need for deeper structural reforms. READ | International Partners Group | Backing SA's green future with over R2bn for just transition projects Here, the G20 and COP29 provide critical platforms. The G20's focus on country-led adaptation platforms aligns with South Africa's emerging Climate Adaptation Platform, which seeks to coordinate government, private sector, and community efforts. COP29's Baku Adaptation Road Map and $133 million in pledges underscore global momentum, building on the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience from COP28. With National Adaptation Plans due in 2025 and COP30 set to prioritise adaptation finance, these forums can drive standardised taxonomies, de-risking mechanisms, and data improvements -80% globally interoperable, 20% locally tailored, as suggested in financing discussions. The path forward South Africa must bridge the technical-finance divide. A Presidential Climate Commission-style platform, backed by interministerial leadership and early funding from philanthropies, can operationalise strategies. Key steps include regulatory reforms (tax incentives, climate disclosure mandates), enhanced climate risk data via AI and satellites, and a narrative shift - adaptation as a profit-and-loss opportunity, not a cost sink. Collaboration is non-negotiable: governments, Multilateral Development Banks, climate funds, and private players must co-create bankable projects. The stakes are high. With Africa's adaptation gap widening and South Africa's resilience hanging in the balance, adaptation finance is a lifeline. By leveraging G20 and COP29 momentum, South Africa can not only protect its future but also lead Africa toward a just, climate-resilient transition. The time to act is now - before the next flood, drought, or economic shock makes the case even clearer. Nigel Beck, head of sustainable finance and ESG advisory at RMB.
