Adaptation is Development in a Climate-Disrupted World

Rising heat extremes are emerging as one of the most severe climate threats to the Global South—undermining agricultural productivity, straining water systems, and endangering the health and livelihoods of millions. As heatwaves intensify, they erode community resilience and food security, exposing the limits of existing infrastructure and planning frameworks. The cascading impacts of heat on crops, energy demand, and rural incomes demonstrate that adaptation is no longer optional—it is central to development itself.

This session will explore pathways to mainstream adaptation into planning, scale risk-informed infrastructure, and enhance community resilience. Discussions will focus on how mobilizing finance for adaptation can bridge the critical gap between ambition and action. By integrating nature-based solutions, digital tools, and decentralized governance, the discussion will spotlight scalable models from across the Global South that restore ecosystems, enhance productivity, and strengthen community resilience in a warming world.