The background to CAS 2021

Even while rightly taking measures to mitigate climate change and reduce its causes, we must prepare and adapt to new and extreme conditions. Higher temperatures, more precipitation and rising sea levels, among others, are already taking their toll. Government, business, and other leaders must radically rethink how to protect people, the planet, and our prosperity.

Integrating efforts

The report of the Global Commission on Adaptation, “Adapt Now,” made the case for revolutions in understanding, planning and financing to make climate risks visible, incorporate them into all decisions, and release public and private funding to mitigate them. Collectively, the international community benefits enormously from managing these complex and interconnected challenges.

CAS 2021 provides a unique opportunity for leaders to promote integrated efforts to improve resilience.

Responding to a call for action

At the United Nations Climate Action Summit 2019, global leaders endorsed a call for action advocating a vision that puts climate adaptation at the center of decision making, and gives impact response and building resilience for the future “equal and increased urgency.”

This call for action resonates the message of the Global Commission on Adaptation and warns that, while the true costs of adaptation in developing countries could amount to USD 300 billion per year by 2030, there are “substantial benefits to be gained from acting now.”

CAS 2021 responds to this call for action.

Global Commission on Adaptation

The Global Commission on Adaptation comprises more than 30 Commissioners and 22 convening countries, chaired by Ban Ki‑moon, Bill Gates, and Kristina Georgieva. It seeks to accelerate adaptation action and increase political support for building climate resilience.

Netherlands minister for Infrastructure and Water Management, Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, and chairman of Royal DSM, Feike Sijbesma, are the Dutch members of the Global Commission.

Global Center on Adaptation

The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organisation, hosted by the Netherlands, with the role of a solutions broker to accelerate, innovate, and scale adaptation action for a climate resilient world. The GCA acts as managing partner for the Global Commission.