Climate crisis rapidly out-pacing efforts to adapt, warns UN

WWF urges countries to agree an ambitious climate finance goal at COP29 that meets adaptation and Loss and Damage needs of vulnerable communities

WWF is urging countries to increase their climate adaptation efforts starting with a commitment to act on finance at COP29 as a new United Nations (UN) report indicates that ambitious climate finance is crucial to address growing climate impacts. 

The world is nearing a critical threshold, with global temperatures on track to rise well beyond 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. New predictions warn of a devastating increase of 2.6-3.1°C this century if world leaders don’t take immediate, large-scale action to cut greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UN Emissions Gap Report 2024. Urgent adaptation efforts are needed to manage the escalating impacts, but a major gap in funding is holding back progress.

Stephen Cornelius, WWF Global Deputy Climate and Energy Lead, said: “The world is at a tipping point for climate action, and COP29 must be the catalyst for the deep, transformative shifts we need. Climate change is already affecting millions, especially the world’s most vulnerable communities, who are bearing the brunt of a crisis they did not cause.”

“WWF calls on nations to agree on an ambitious climate finance goal at COP29—one that addresses mitigation, but also adaptation and loss and damage for those who need it most. This is more than funding; it’s about a commitment to prevent a future defined by escalating climate disasters. The science is clear, the solutions exist, and investing in adaptation is the smart economic choice.”

As the climate conference approaches in less than a week, all eyes are on securing the critical finance needed for developing countries to implement these solutions.