Adaptation isn't keeping up with global warming, UN warns

A new UN report reveals that global warming is outpacing efforts to adapt to its impacts, with insufficient financial support identified as a major hurdle. The 2026 Adaptation Gap Report warns that current adaptation finance falls short of the estimated US$305 billion needed annually by 2035, even if international public adaptation finance flows triple by 2035 as called for at COP30.

Realistically, this increased funding would only cover 20%–29% of the required adaptation spending. The report highlights the significant financing gap, noting that financial flows between developed and developing countries reached US$28.2–31.7 billion in 2024, with the largest increases going to least developed countries and small island developing states.

However, these flows have stagnated since 2022. The report emphasizes that institutional barriers, such as complex procedures and limited capacity, also hinder effective implementation of adaptation measures. Additionally, while financial flows from multilateral development banks and South–South cooperation are on the rise, private sector flows largely address private sector concerns and may only reduce the funding gap by 15%–20%.

The report stresses the urgent need for stronger assessment capacity, adequate and predictable financial and technical support, and more meaningful participation by affected communities in addressing losses and damages, which remain underfunded.