When early evidence of the dangers of global warming emerged three decades ago, some scientists urged the world’s nations to boost the capacity to withstand climatic and coastal hazards even as efforts were made to curb greenhouse-gas emissions. But adaptation to climate change was criticized by many as a distraction from the need to sharply cut the use of fossil fuels.
No more. Even as carbon dioxide emissions and global temperature climb, communities are building and farming vulnerably in zones prone to wildfire, flooding, drought and storms around the world.
With losses rising and no quick fix from emissions cuts, the adaptation imperative has rapidly moved into the foreground. The media focus has yet to catch up.
In this session, Mami Mizutori, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, and a top European advisor to a new Global Commission on Adaptation will explore issues and story opportunities with award-winning environmental journalists from Africa, Asia and North America.