Climate change adaptation and its implementation at national and international levels

Abstract

Climate change adaptation is the second arm of climate change action and seeks to ensure that all countries tackle the impacts of climate change by addressing both social and geographical vulnerabilities. The article discusses adaptation and its application at national and international levels. It also examines adaptation to climate change as a developmental challenge and how the principles of sustainable development can aid climate change action. The article analyses relevant aspects of national and international instruments relating to climate change adaptation and spotlights the commitment of Nigeria and South Africa to climate change adaptation. The article finds that integrating sustainable development into governance helps adaptation and increases resilience against the impacts of climate change. The article also emphasizes the necessity of good governance, particularly protection of human rights, climate finance and effective land use governance, to ensure climate change adaptation. The article argues that climate change adaptation should be viewed more as a developmental, rather than an environmental, challenge. It further asserts that coordinated action, especially in relation to land use governance and sustainable development is required to ensure sustainable climate action. This is particularly so given that citizens of many developing countries, including Nigeria and South Africa, depend on land and its resources  for social and economic development.

Keywords: Adaptation; Climate Finance; Good Governance; Nigeria; South Africa.