Climate change adaptation investments are good for business

Natalie Tang at TriplePundit: Shared-value investments can increase much-needed climate change resiliency in the most vulnerable countries, according to top thought leaders from public and private sectors who met to discuss opportunities for innovation and resiliency at Norte Dame Adaptation Index’s (ND-GAIN) Annual Meeting held December 12, 2013 in Washington D.C.

The ND-GAIN Index annually ranks more than 175 countries based on their vulnerability to climate change and their readiness to adapt to natural disasters exacerbated by shifting weather patterns.  Their mission is to enhance the world’s understanding of the importance of adaptation and facilitate private and public investments in vulnerable communities.

According to this year’s data, which was released at the annual meeting, “it will take more than 100 years for the poorest countries to reach the readiness levels that the richest countries have already attained” stated Associate Professor Jessica Hellmann, who leads Norte Dame University’s climate adaptation program.  Hellmann posited that while countries are becoming more resilient, adaptation is not happening fast enough, in part due to a lack of investment.

...The ND-GAIN index is an open source, navigation tool to compare overall vulnerabilities of different countries and also specific metrics, such as infrastructure, health, or water, to get a better understanding of risks and opportunities as they relate to individual businesses. Despite the potential to prevent investments in already marginalized countries, Hersh hopes the information will instead open dialogue with governments and lead to partnerships to push for increased adaption strategies that will serve the needs of both parties....