Regional governments driving climate resilient development

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Introduction

Launched at COP21 in 2015 by Regions4, the RegionsAdapt initiative supports subnational governments in their efforts to build climate resilience. With over 70 members globally, the initiative fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy to address the climate crisis. Since 2021, it has been an official partner of the UN-backed Race to Resilience campaign, amplifying the voices of regional governments in global climate dialogues.

The 2021–2022 Progress Report, launched at COP27, draws from data disclosed through the CDP States and Regions platform. It showcases data and stories of progress, emphasizing regional governments’ leadership in advancing climate adaptation while highlighting barriers and enablers to achieving impactful outcomes.

Methodology

The report synthesizes quantitative data from 32 RegionsAdapt members across 16 countries, gathered via the CDP platform, and qualitative insights from interviews conducted in collaboration with the Basque Center for Climate Change (BC3). Members’ progress was assessed across four commitments:

• Assessing climate risks.
• Planning adaptation strategies.
• Implementing actions.
• Monitoring outcomes.

The analysis also includes a comparative review of adaptation actions reported for 2021 (222 actions) and 2022 (100 actions), categorized into key areas such as risk governance, capacity building, infrastructure, and nature-based solutions.

Key strategies and approaches

1. Climate Risk Governance and Capacity Building: 30% of reported actions focus on enhancing governance structures and building capacity to address climate risks, reflecting the growing awareness of the importance of institutional readiness.
2. Climate-Proofing Infrastructure and Services: Regions reported significant progress in climate-proofing infrastructure, with 18% of actions targeting resilience in critical sectors such as transportation, energy, and water systems.
3. Nature-Based Solutions (NbS): 11% of actions prioritize NbS, such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and sustainable land use, showcasing their dual benefits for climate mitigation and resilience.
4. Knowledge Sharing and Monitoring: 15% of actions involve sharing best practices and developing monitoring frameworks, which are essential for scaling successful adaptation initiatives.

Challenges to adaptation

Despite progress, persistent barriers hinder the scale and impact of adaptation efforts:

• Financial Constraints: Regions in the Global South face acute funding shortages, exacerbating their vulnerability to climate impacts.
• Data and Capacity Gaps: Limited access to data and expertise delays the implementation of effective adaptation strategies, especially in lower-income regions.
• Policy Fragmentation: Insufficient integration of adaptation measures across sectors and levels of governance hampers systemic solutions.

Enabling Conditions for Success

The report emphasizes the following as critical enablers of successful adaptation:

1. Integrated Policy Frameworks: Aligning regional actions with global frameworks like the SDGs and the Race to Resilience ensures coherence and scalability.
2. Improved Access to Finance: Enhancing financial flows through grants, partnerships, and innovative mechanisms can unlock large-scale adaptation projects.
3. Stakeholder Inclusion: Engaging Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities, and other key stakeholders fosters inclusive and sustainable climate solutions.

This report reflects the resilience and innovation of subnational governments as they navigate the growing challenges of climate change, demonstrating their critical role in advancing global adaptation goals.