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More efforts to reduce emissions needed as floods get worse

COP26 was heavily focused on climate change mitigation. The most recent IPCC report made it clear that the climate change we are currently seeing is caused by human activity and is . People are already impacted by climate change – it’s a reality now, not a future risk.

Important pledges on reducing deforestation, reduction in the use of coal, methane, and commitments to greener transport were made and celebrated at COP26. However, we worry about the lack of details around many of the pledges and we’re concerned about the speed and quality of delivery of much of the action agreed. We’re still not on track to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Across the board, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are still lacking the ambition required to limit the climate crisis and countries were asked by the UK COP President to return next year with stronger commitments.

The  is an accessible tool for comparing current and planned policies and action with what is required to limit catastrophic climate change.

Climate adaptation finance commitments are still inadequate

Communities we work with across the globe are already seeing the effects of climate change, floods are becoming more common, unpredictable, and severe as weather pattern shift and sea levels rise. These communities need resources now to adapt to their new reality.

We were at COP26 to advocate for increased investment in adaptation and support for those already impacted by climate change. . During the conference we contributed with our experience and expertise in a wide range of forums. We highlighted the devastating impacts floods and other weather and climate related are having on communities, and called for wealthy countries to deliver their . You can find links to the recordings of most of our events on our dedicated .

There were positive developments on climate change adaptation at COP26 as wealthy countries renewed their commitment. Unfortunately these are inadequate to meet current and future adaptation needs. Read our partner International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies  for more details.

Loss and Damage require functioning finance mechanism

For many people impacted by climate change it is too late to adapt. Their homes, livelihoods, and way of life have been irreparably damaged. These people must be compensated for what they have lost.

We welcome the commitments made by the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, which were later doubled during a , to fund loss and damage in the global south.

More world leaders must acknowledge the responsibility that wealthy countries with historically high levels of pollution have for compensating those hardest hit by the climate crisis who lack the resources needed to cope. It’s therefore encouraging to see Loss and Damage acknowledged in a  for the first time, even though the wording has been left too vague.

So far the international community has failed to agree on how such compensations should be financed. Colleagues at LSE have outlined , and colleagues at IIASA have developed a framework – you can find a  or read the policy brief .

What’s next

 to work with flood prone communities around the world, supporting them in building resilience to current and future levels of flood risk.

On the  we share knowledge gained from this work and the evidence from our research with decision makers and practitioners who can make a difference for those hardest hit by the climate crisis.

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