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Two Caribbean SIDS with different environmental and socio-economic characteristics were selected as case studies: Jamaica and Saint Lucia. Detailed assessments of the vulnerability of the islands’ transportation assets were carried out to: (a) improve knowledge and understanding at the national level, and (b) test new approaches in order to develop an appropriate methodology for assessing climate- related impacts on coastal transportation in other SIDS. The present report presents the assessment of the criticality of Saint Lucia’s major transportation assets (airports and seaports) and their potential vulnerabilities to Climate Variability and Change (CV & C).

Because of this heightened vulnerability [as further detailed in Chapters 1 and 2 of this report], development of climate change adaptation strategies and policies are of paramount importance to Jamaica at this time in its planning framework. No longer can Jamaica, or any of the other Caribbean SIDS, afford to ignore the looming impacts of climate change on their respective nations.

An examination of the cost of the impacts of climate change on Jamaica was examined in Chapter 2 of the report. The analysis revealed that the current cumulative loss of GDP due to damage associated with natural disasters was estimated to be in the order of $120 billion (roughly 7% of GDP). This is a significant number, which is even more grave given the already slow growth and fragility of Jamaica’s economy. When this is coupled with potential climate change-induced impacts, such as an increase in the number of extreme hurricanes, the figure is even more worrisome as it is likely to rise. Estimates indicate that it could reach as high as 56 per cent of GDP by 2025 if climate predictions are accurate.

The framework provides a structured way for organizations in SIDS to approach climate change adaptation. Climate change adaptation can be daunting, particularly when gaps in data create uncertainties around what conditions may arise and what the costs of impacts and the costs and effectiveness of responses may be over time. This framework is intended to help SIDS overcome these challenges by providing a practical approach that uses available data to inform decision-making at a facility, local, and national level. The primary audience is port and airport managers in Caribbean SIDS, though it will also be relevant to local and national government agencies.

The present report relates the key findings of the survey, together with some additional information about climate trends and climate-related impacts on seaports and some concluding remarks. The respondent port sample collectively handles more than 16 % of global seaborne trade and can be considered as representative. Although the majority of respondents had been impacted by weather/climate-related events, including by extremes, the study revealed important gaps in terms of relevant information available to seaports of all sizes and across regions, with implications for effective climate risk assessment and adaptation planning.

The Climate Research for Development in Africa initiative (CR4D) maximizes opportunities presented by climate change and variability while addressing challenges posed to Africa’s socio-economic development efforts.

The strategic plan is aimed at improving knowledge, access, quality, usability and the mainstreaming of climate information into development planning and programmes to attain Africa’s development objectives, as framed by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement and Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want

The framework shows that the socio-economic benefits generated from higher-quality climate information services far outweigh the costs of investing in such services. In addition, the cost of investing in climate information services is minimal compared with the significant costs incurred if countries fail to invest sufficiently in them.

To address a specific gap, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has been using conventional approaches, policy and investment assessments along with forecasting tools. The analyses conducted are often comparatively static (mostly employing linear approaches) and narrowly focused on a sector or a specific set of thematic indicators. Instead, a systemic, nexus approach is needed that takes into account social, economic and environmental indicators within a sector, and link them across sectors to generate dynamic projections that make it possible to estimate policy outcomes for all economic actors

This toolbox has been developed to provide a series of specific questions to answer when government officials and other stakeholders consider the use of insurance as a CCA and DRM measure. It offers an insurance perspective to DRR and CCA, with a focus on the added value of climate risk insurance. It explores necessary questions to be considered in order to assess risk, develop risk reduction measures, address residual risk, prepare for imminent disaster impacts, respond, and recover from disaster impacts. This toolbox has been developed for the agricultural sector in developing countries to help stakeholders transfer their risks involved in extreme weather events. Access here

This report represents the greatest challenge the German Advisory Council on Global Change has taken on since it was founded in the Rio year 1992 – intellectually, politically and ethically. 

While climate change mitigation measures may cause short-term job losses, this report shows that a just transition to a more sustainable economy offers much potential for job creation and the promotion of decent work. The report also looks at key issues linked with the path to a greener economy, including macroeconomic and environmental policy, public programmes, worker protection and skills.

The phenomenon of heat stress refers to heat received in excess of that which the body can tolerate without physiological impairment. It is one of the major consequences of global warming. By 2030, the equivalent of more than 2 per cent of total working hours worldwide is projected to be lost every year, either because it is too hot to work or because workers have to work at a slower pace. This report shows the impact of heat stress on productivity and decent work for virtually all countries in the world. It presents innovative solutions based on social dialogue to promote occupational safety and health for the most vulnerable groups of workers.

Equally, involving persons with disabilities – who comprise 15 per cent of the global population – is critical to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals that pledges to ‘leave no one behind’.​ This offers key recommendations for governments, enterprises, trade unions, UN and international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and development partners.

This plan describes the proposed implementation of a global observing system for climate, building on current actions. It sets out a way forward for scientific and technological innovations for the Earth observation programmes of space agencies and for the national implementation of climate observing systems and networks.

This document summarizes the key role played by WMO to strengthen the scientific and operational foundations of weather, climate, hydrological, marine and environmental services.

This document prepared under the auspices of the Science Advisory Group of the Climate Action Summit features the latest critical data and scientific findings on the climate crisis. It shows how our climate is already changing and highlights the far-reaching and dangerous impacts that will unfold for generations to come.

This document is based on the information that is included in the annual WMO Greenhouse Gas Bulletins produced during the last 14 years on the basis of the long-term high-quality observations undertaken by the global network and taking into consideration the recent advances in greenhouse gas research. The information is prepared by the Scientific Advisory Group on Greenhouse Gases under the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Programme of WMO.

Over the past years, the mini-grid sector has seen an increase in the use of digital technologies while at the same time digital innovations transform the socio-economic landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa. In light of these developments, the report explores how digital technologies could be applied to mini-grids to help meet the requirements mentioned above.

Momentum for Change 2018 Annual Report highlights 15 activities and projects. The full report can be accessed here

This report is the second global analysis of local and regional government and corporate climate contributions, updating “Global Climate Action from Cities, Regions, and Companies” launched at the 2018 Global Climate Action Summit. 

It aggregates the climate mitigation commitments reported to some of the world’s largest voluntary pledging and reporting platforms for city, region, and company climate commitments. The analysis was conducted at a global level as well as for ten major emitting economies: Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union (EU), India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, South Africa and the United States (US).