Three landmark global agendas were produced in 2015: the ParisAgreement, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the framework of the2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Sendai Framework for DisasterRisk Reduction 2015–2030.[1]

The ParisAgreement aims to mitigate climate change and to adapt to adverse effects ofclimate change, as well as making finance for climate action consistent for climate-resilientdevelopment.[2] TheSDGs are 17 goals that have been modeled after the success of the UnitedNations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). They address global challenges andaim to provide a blueprint for a more sustainable future, with goal 13 inspecific focusing on addressing climate change and its impacts.[3]

The SendaiFramework is the successor instrument to the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA).It notes that climate change exacerbates many disasters and increases boththeir frequency and intensity, which hinders sustainable development.[4]

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Integratingclimate adaptation, SDGs, and the Sendai Framework 

Many countriesand stakeholders have noted an interest in integrating approaches toadaptation, sustainable development, and disaster risk reduction.[5]Experts consider that these three agendas should not be applied separately[6]and should instead be implemented as components of one agenda. Enhanced coherence,coordination, and integration among the three agendas could bring a number ofadvantages. It could contribute to identifying and reducing actions that furtherone set of goals while undermining others; it could avoid contradictions amongthe three agendas[7];and it could increase overall efficiency and facilitate a better use ofresources and available capacities.[8]

NationalAdaptation Plans (NAPs) process under the UNFCCC process is considered[9]an option for improving medium-term and long-term integration of the threeagendas by reducing vulnerabilities to adverse impacts of climate change,building resilience, and safeguarding development.[10]Resilience and resilient ecosystems could act as core motivation forintegration and tie it to national and international disaster risk reductionefforts.

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Capacity building

Effectiveand efficient integration of adaptation, SDGs, and the Sendai Frameworkrequires planning and coordinated efforts across multiple levels. Cross-sectoraland inter-ministerial collaboration could be challenging requiring capacity buildingof stakeholders.[11]

Theunavailability of data on many indicators has been pointed out as a majorproblem, especially in Africa and SIDS (Small Island Developing States). Capacitybuilding to address gaps and constraints related to data availability[12],and allocating resources for the collection and management of data are pivotalfor integrating the three agendas.[13]Capacity building on climate model projections, trainings on climatescience, and climate information also contribute to achieving the targets ofall three agendas.[14]

Furthermore,capacity building on the NAP process is important for integrating climatechange adaptation with the SDGs, and the Sendai Framework in medium- andlong-term planning processes.[15]

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Conclusion

Countriesare interested in integrating the three post-2015 agendas and common themes ofresilience and ecosystems. NAPs could be a tool that facilitates organising integratedplanning, which could in turn contribute to resilience building acrosssocieties.[16]

However, challengesexist. Capacity building and resource support are necessary to ensure multi-stakeholder driven, efficientlycoordinated actions at national and sub-national levels. Access to finance,technology development, and technology transfer are crucial for the effectiveintegration of climate change adaptation with the SDGs and the SendaiFramework, particularly for developing countries.[17]

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[1]Available at: https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/techpaper_adaptation.pdf

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] UnitedNations General Assembly resolution 69/283, paragraph 16

[5]Available at: https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/techpaper_adaptation.pdf

[6]Youssef Nassef, Director of Climate Change Adaptation Programme, UNFCCC.Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZIQ4J5szgE

[7]Available at: https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/techpaper_adaptation.pdf

[8] Ibid.

[9] ClimateChange Secretariat of Sri Lanka. 2016. National Adaptation Plan for ClimateChange Impacts in Sri Lanka. Available at https://goo.gl/ocY7Zq

[10]Youssef Nassef, Director, Adaptation Programme of the UNFCCC. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZIQ4J5szgE

[11]Available at: https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/AF%20Cape%20Town%202018%20concept%2015%20June%202018.pdf

[12]Available at: https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/Tufa%20Dinku%20climate_data_challenges_opportunities_Africa.pdf

[13]Available at: https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/techpaper_adaptation.pdf

[14] Ibid.

[15] Ibid.

[16] Ibid.

[17]Available at: https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/techpaper_adaptation.pdf