A new conceptual framework for analysing transboundary climate risk 

CASCADES is a project supported by the European Commission which identifies how the risks of climate change to countries, economies and societies beyond Europe might cascade into Europe. The project has produced a new conceptual framework and accompanying nomenclature to describe and analyse transboundary climate risks and to inform adaptation policies. Watch a short animation and explainer video here and read the full journal article here. 

Four C’s to foresee a climate-resilient Europe 

With the launch of the new EU Adaptation Strategy earlier this year, it is clear that the European Commission now recognises that it is only by strengthening climate resilience globally that it can hope to achieve climate resilience regionally – but what are the steps it must now take? Read this short blog, released to coincide with the high-level closing panel of ECCA21.  

For a deep-dive into a particular risk, read this short study (summaries here and here) on the cross-border climate vulnerability of the EU, which finds that around 44% of the EU’s agricultural imports are sourced from locations that are set to become highly vulnerable to drought as a result of climate change.  

The UK and Canada recently published national assessments of climate change, and both reports include a chapter on international dimensions.  

The Third UK Climate Change Risk Assessment Technical Report shows that the urgency of action for some of the risks associated with the international dimensions of climate change is greater than previously assessed. These risks include food security, violent conflict, international law and governance, and public health.  

The Canadian National Issues Report, which contributes to the national knowledge assessment process ‘Canada in a Changing Climate: Advancing our Knowledge for Action’, focuses on Arctic shipping, transboundary resource management, international trade, and climate-related human migration and displacement. It concludes that it is challenging to assess the significance of excluding these transboundary, teleconnected or cascading effects in measuring Canada’s progress in adapting to climate change. 

The partnership

Adaptation Without Borders is brought to you by three founding members – SEI, ODI and IDDRI – and nine partners – Business for Social Responsibility (BSR), the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, ENDA Énergie, the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI), PlanAdapt, the University of the West Indies (UWI) and Winrock International.