What is climate adaptation? Read and learn why it matters
In an interview with Conectas, climate policy expert Natalie Untersell explains why the topic is key to socio-environmental justice and the future of Brazil
Natalie Unterstell, do Talanoa Institute. Foto: IISD/ENB
During the World Environment Week, Conectas spoke to climate justice expert Natalie Unterstell to discuss why climate adaptation is a key matter when it comes to socio-environmental justice and the future of Brazil.
The effects of climate crisis are already perceptible and felt disproportionately by vulnerable populations. The need to think of climate adaptation thus becomes a crucial agenda for human rights advocates.
Unterstell presides over the Talanoa think tank, a research and analysis organization dedicated to Brazilian climate policy. Her career path has matched practical experience and strategic vision. She has worked as a negotiator for Brazil in climate change matters at the UN and contributed to the design of public policies in several levels of government, including the direction of the Brasil 2024 program – considered the most ambitious climate change adaptation program ever carried out in the country.
Read more
The expert will now share her perspective on climate adaptation, the groups that should be prioritized in public policies, Brazil’s role in this global agenda, and how civil society can effectively contribute to building a stronger, fairer future.
Conectas: What exactly is climate adaptation and why is it so crucial to today’s context?
Natalie Unterstell: Adapting means preparing for the effects of climate change. We must protect people and lands from drought, floods, extreme heat and other impacts that are already taking place. This includes, for instance, structural reinforcement, changes in agricultural practices, and securing water and health for those in need. Without adapting, we will lose lives and our quality of life.
Conectas: In terms of climate adaptation policies, which social groups do you believe should be prioritized? Why?
NU: We must prioritize those who are directly affected by the impact: indigenous peoples, traditional communities, residents of vulnerable areas and small-scale farmers. These people are at the frontlines and, at the same time, are very knowledgeable about how to handle nature. Adaptation will only be fair if it starts with them.
Conectas: Brazil has an important role in this global agenda. How do you see the actions of our country in climate adaptation? Is there anything we could do differently, or better?
NU: Brazil could be a world leader in the adaptation effort, but it is still trailing behind. We have many studies, local programs, and knowledge on how to face or even live with extreme weather conditions. What is missing is ambition, clear goals, and directing funds to put these actions into practice. We need a robust national strategy and to redirect public and private investments into resilience.
Conectas: Civil society can play an important role in climate issues. How do you believe we could contribute effectively to climate adaptation?
NU: Civil society helps bring adaptation to the places where it needs to happen: on land. It strengthens communities, monitors public policies, offers solutions, and holds governments accountable. It is a bridge between recommendations from the scientific community and what the population experiences in its everyday life.
Conectas: COP30 draws nearer every day. How important is this event when it comes to moving forward in climate adaptation discussions in Brazil?
NU: COP30, to be held in Brazil, is a unique chance to establish adaptation as a priority. Both because it is the topic with the most pending decisions in this COP and because it can unite more countries. To me, Brazil has 3 tasks as homework before the events in Belém. First off, developing industry-wide plans and allocating financial resources (through the Climate Fund, for instance), to arrive at the COP as a role model of policy implementation. Then, we must dedicate our full attention to articulating all countries in order to move forward in negotiations, completing the adaptation architecture under the Paris Accord. To that end, the inter-session negotiations in Bonn (Germany) in June may be critical. Lastly, we must show that adaptation is based on actions in real economy, mobilizing private entities, financial institutions and society through the Action Agenda. With these 3 ingredients, we may just leave Belém with a very strong and impactful context for people and nature.
