Africa's Adaptation Gap – Climate-change Impacts, Adaptation Challenges and Costs for Africa

This technical document aims to inform policymakers of the shortcomings and opportunities for adaptation to climate change in Africa. It details adaptation costs under three scenarios. According to the document, annual adaptation costs due to past emissions are estimated at US$7-15 billion by 2020. Under a scenario where warming is kept below 2°C by 2050, annual adaptation costs are estimated at US$35 billion per year. Under the scenario where present emissions policies remain unchanged and the world experiences warming to 3.5-4°C by 2100, the adaptation cost could reach US$50 billion per year by 2050.