AMSTERDAM: At the World Climate Adaptation Summit (CAS) held on 25 and 26 January, world leaders discussed joint actions and investments to adapt to climate change over the next ten years.
On January 25, Prime Minister Rutte and Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen opened the Climate Adaptation Summit (CAS) digitally from the Netherlands. It was the first world summit on climate adaptation in which both global leaders and stakeholders participated. Prime Minister Rutte stated that the current efforts and measures are not yielding enough money for climate change.
Adaptation Action Agenda Launched
It saw the launch of a comprehensive Adaptation Action Agenda, with clear commitments to make the world more resilient to the effects of climate change.
The global action plan should help poorer countries in particular to arm themselves against the effects of global warming. Effects such as extreme weather, floods, prolonged drought and sea level rise can have a devestating impact. Rutte reports that research shows that an investment of 1.8 trillion dollars in adaptation can ultimately yield more than 7 trillion in the next ten years.
The Dutch Prime Minister pushed for more action, more investment and more cooperation for a resilient future in 2030. Leaders agree that wealthier countries should invest more to protect and assist the most vulnerable countries in their adaptation.
Nearly half a million deaths from extreme weather
Current UN President Guterres reminded everyone there have been some 11,000 natural disasters in recent years. These disasters have claimed the lives of more than 450,000 people. The UN emphasised world leaders have a responsibility to change the world; countries should be more committed to changing the climate emergency.
America returns to climate change talks
America was welcomed at the summit and congratulated by former UN secretary Ban Ki Moon on rejoining the Paris Agreement. Climate envoy John Kerry apologised for the years of absence and was “proud and happy” to be back. One of President Biden’s top priorities for the coming years is climate change.
Spain supports strategic climate adjustments
Spain’s Minister of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Teresa Ribera, said Spain is fully behind the partnership. According to Ribera, these actions are essential to prevent the serious consequences for people, the economy and the planet.
