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The UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2020 presents salient new and updated information related to planning, finance and implementation of adaptation actions and has begun setting criteria for improving the assessment of adaptation outcomes in view of several conceptual and methodological challenges. The results are very much a work in progress and will therefore require continued efforts to further hone in on how this relates to the global goal on adaptation, which is a dynamic concept closely linked to our efforts and success in limiting global warming to well below 2°C and avoiding catastrophic climate change. While, in hindsight, there is already some evidence that the adaptation gap is widening, at least in terms of adaptation finance to tackle rising adaptation costs, the analysis is restricted to extrapolation of current trends without recognition of future scenarios and how they might affect the gap. It will, therefore, require multiple editions of AGRs to further elucidate progress on adaptation, building on, triangulating and integrating an ever-growing body of information, including from global analyses and national reporting to the UNFCCC, as well as subnational, sectoral and non-state actor assessments.

The report finds that while nations have advanced in planning, huge gaps remain in finance for developing countries and bringing adaptation projects to the stage where they bring real protection against climate impacts such as droughts, floods and sea-level rise. Public and private finance for adaptation must be stepped up urgently, along with faster implementation. Nature-based solutions - locally appropriate actions that address societal challenges, such as climate change, and provide human well-being and biodiversity benefits by protecting, sustainably managing and restoring natural or modified ecosystems - must also become a priority.