UNEP’s Adaptation Gap Report 2025 warns of deepening crisis as Jamaica reels from Hurricane Melissa

IN NEWS: UNEP’s Adaptation Gap Report 2025 warns of deepening crisis as Jamaica reels from Hurricane Melissa

Analysis

1. Context
   • The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released its Adaptation Gap Report 2025: “Running on Empty” amid the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica on October 28, 2025.
   • The report underscores the growing climate adaptation financing gap, highlighting that developing countries face severe funding shortages even as climate disasters intensify globally.
2. Key Highlights of the Report
   • Rising Adaptation Costs: Developing nations will need between US$310–365 billion annually by 2035 to cope with worsening climate impacts.
   • Falling Adaptation Finance: International public finance for adaptation dropped from US$28 billion (2022) to US$26 billion (2023), widening the adaptation finance gap to US$284–339 billion.
   • Comparative Needs: Current finance flows are only 1/12th to 1/14th of what developing countries require.
   • Inflation Impact: With inflation factored in, adaptation needs could rise to US$440–520 billion per year by 2035.
   • Funding Shortfall: Even if the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) of US$300 billion annually by 2035 is met, it won’t bridge the gap since the amount is shared between mitigation and adaptation.
3. Associated Climate Agreements and Frameworks
   • Glasgow Climate Pact (COP26): Set a target to double adaptation finance from 2019 levels by 2025 (approx. US$40 billion) — a goal now unlikely to be achieved.
   • Baku to Belém Roadmap (COP29): Calls for enhanced global cooperation but emphasizes non-debt-creating instruments to avoid worsening developing nations’ financial vulnerabilities.
   • National Adaptation Efforts: About 172 countries now have national adaptation policies, though 36 remain outdated.
4. Specific Country Impact – Jamaica and Hurricane Melissa
   • Hurricane Melissa is one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the North Atlantic Ocean and the most powerful to strike Jamaica.
   • Its devastation underscores UNEP’s warning that rapid intensification of extreme weather events is becoming more common due to climate change.
5. Statements by Global Leaders
   • António Guterres (UN Secretary-General): “Adaptation is not a cost — it is a lifeline. Closing the adaptation gap is how we protect lives and deliver climate justice.”
   • Inger Anderson (UNEP Executive Director): Emphasized the urgent need for increased adaptation finance from both public and private sources without adding to debt burdens.
6. Recommendations from the Report
   • Close the Finance Gap: Mobilize new finance providers and instruments.
   • Encourage Private Sector Participation: Potential contribution may reach US$50 billion/year (up from US$5 billion currently) through targeted policy action and blended finance.
   • Avoid Maladaptation: Prevent initiatives that misallocate funds and undermine long-term community resilience.
   • Enhance Climate Resilience: Integrate climate adaptation into financial and policy decision-making frameworks.

Static/Background Information

1. About UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme):
   • Established in 1972 following the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.
   • Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya.
   • Mandate: Coordinate global environmental activities and assist developing nations in implementing sustainable environmental policies.
2. Adaptation Gap Report (AGR):
   • Published annually by UNEP.
   • Evaluates progress and shortfalls in global climate adaptation efforts.
   • Focus areas include financing, policy frameworks, and implementation capacity.
3. Hurricane Melissa (2025):
   • Classified as one of the strongest North Atlantic hurricanes on record.
   • Struck Jamaica directly, causing catastrophic damage.
   • Illustrates the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events linked to global warming.

Updated – 29 Oct 2025 ; 6:28 PM | Source: Down to Earth