Saving lives and livelihoods: The benefits of investments in climate change adaptation and resilience

Adaptation to and resilience against the impacts of climate change are urgent and growing priorities around the world as levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere continue to increase. Impacts such as sea level rise and changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall, tropical storms and heatwaves, are a threat to lives and livelihoods around the world. These impacts undermine economic development and efforts to eliminate poverty and raise living standards. Indeed, efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals are being harmed by climate change impacts that are already occurring. It is the poorest people in every country who are usually most vulnerable and exposed to these impacts. And these impacts will continue to grow until global emissions of greenhouse gases are reduced effectively to [net] zero. Investing in climate change adaptation and resilience can be an extremely cost-effective way of protecting communities, livelihoods and businesses, and promoting economic development and growth. Case study findings This report highlights six case studies of successful climate change adaptation and resilience, mostly in developing countries. We assess the impacts of specific adaptation and resilience processes, the benefits gained and the lessons learned.