Towards A More Coordinated Approach of Adaptation and Loss and Damage Policies and Projects

Climate change adaptation and loss and damage associated with climate change impacts are often confused at the practical level. These two concepts developed through negotiations under the UNFCCC mechanisms with certain political backgrounds, and they have been discussed separately since the Paris Agreement was adopted. However, apart from negotiations, the interlinkage between adaptation and loss and damage responses in practical settings is often elusive. We suggest a more coordinated approach to adaptation and loss and damage responses, considering the interconnectedness of these two concepts, while delineating them. Our approach takes the view that the response to loss and damage is part of a long-term adaptation process that mitigates existing climate risks, facilitates recovery from shocks, and builds back better to adapt to future climate impacts. This helps ensure that action and support for addressing loss and damage, including the recent development of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), does not duplicate existing adaptation efforts but instead focuses on addressing unmet adaptation needs. This policy brief aims to inform future practice on loss and damage by suggesting a framework for a holistic approach to address climate change impacts.