Julia Marton-Lefèvre, Director General, International Union for Conservation of Nature

Climate change is likely to be the biggest challenge that humankind has ever faced. It is not just a challenge for the future. The impacts of climate change are evident today - species, ecosystems and people across the planet are already having to adapt to a changing climate. In recognition of this, adaptation is now a pressing challenge for us all and on the agenda of the negotiations of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The UNFCCC Bali Action Plan (2007) emphasised the need for enhanced action on adaptation, through support for actions to enable both development and reduce vulnerability, especially in developing countries. Although the urgency of adaptation is now widely recognised, a lot still needs to be done to implement effective and sustainable adaptation strategies on the ground. Considerable additional funding is also required as the estimates on the costs of adaptation in developing countries are in the billions, but currently only millions are available.

Developing countries, although emitting far less greenhouse gases per capita than those in the developed world, will nevertheless suffer most from the impacts of climate change. Rural communities in particular, which are often dependent on local natural resources, will be hardest hit – especially those that reside in the most vulnerable ecosystems, such as low-lying islands or dryland areas. However, sustainable management and equitable use of natural resources can allow for both ecosystems and people to adapt to climate change. For example, managing mangroves and other wetland areas can provide a means to restore and protect coastal and watershed resources, and provide protection from extreme weather events. “Ecosystem-based” adaptation approaches recognise the role of natural infrastructure alongside built infrastructure, such as flood defences. Healthy ecosystems not only provide protection from extreme weather events, but also provide critical ecosystem services such as food, disease control, and fuels essential for reducing livelihood vulnerability and strengthening the adaptive capacity of communities. The Nairobi Work Programme is a key platform for building on the lessons learned to increase the knowledge and facilitate the application of ecosystem-based adaptation.

The UNFCCC negotiations towards a post 2012 global climate change regime will need to reach agreement on mid- and long-term emissions reductions targets based on common but differentiated responsibilities. An agreement will also need to be reached on how these targets can be achieved. One of the potential ways of significantly reducing emissions now being discussed is Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation in developing countries (REDD). REDD can be a practical and cost-effective mitigation option, which also enables forests to provide critical ecosystem services. Any agreement reached on REDD must also support equitable and effective governance, consider benefit sharing, be participatory, and be based on sustainable forest management.

The UNFCCC COP 14 in Poznan is an opportunity to move ahead essential discussions on a shared vision for long-term co-operative action and emissions reduction targets. The challenge is great, but the opportunity for reaching an agreement by Copenhagen COP 15 in 2009 that is beneficial for both the environment and people, is there. It is in our hands, I look forward to a fruitful meeting in Poznan.