Adaptation is no longer an additional choice on the climate agenda, but an urgent necessity, Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister and Lead Negotiator of COP29 Yalchin Rafiyev said, Report informs.
Rafiyev made the remark during the event titled "Progress in the Preparation and Implementation of National Adaptation Plans: Accelerating Adaptation Actions," held as a part of COP29.
"Climate change is already here. Its impacts are felt with increasing intensity in different parts of the world, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and claiming more human lives," Rafiyev emphasized.
"From rising sea levels to extreme weather events, droughts, and floods, the challenges are immense. The Global Review shows that we are lagging behind in our adaptation efforts. Therefore, adaptation requires political will more than ever before. We must take urgent action to accelerate adaptation efforts globally and give it the attention and support it deserves. We must achieve the global goal on adaptation, including the implementation of the UAE framework for global climate resilience."
The deputy minister added that National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) are crucial for the climate adaptation agenda. "NAPs are essential tools for building resilience against climate change at the national level. As we approach the 2025 milestone, when all parties are expected to complete their NAPs, we reiterate the necessity to accelerate action and achieve tangible, measurable progress on the ground. At the same time, NAPs are not just planning tools, but also implementation plans that enable countries to better understand their vulnerabilities, mobilize necessary resources, and ultimately strengthen their resilience to climate change."
He also drew attention to the difficulties developing countries face in accessing finance: "The Global Review shows that developing countries face significant challenges in accessing finance for the implementation of NAPs and adaptation information. The COP29 Presidency has emphasized the urgent need for sustained and increased contributions to the funds, and we are also working to improve the functionality of adaptation finance with these funds. We also call for accelerating support from the funds to NDCs. Our efforts should not be limited to this. We must work together to ensure the implementation of NAPs. To this end, support should be increased, and capacities should be expanded for countries in need. I am pleased to announce that earlier this month, Azerbaijan submitted its NAP."
Rafiyev further highlighted that this platform is not only a demonstration of progress but also a means to share lessons learned over the past decade: "We call on all parties to submit their NAPs by 2025 so that significant progress can be made in their implementation by 2030. These plans will guide the sharing of best practices, technology transfer, and support for ambitions."