The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released its Adaptation Gap Report (AGR) 2025, titled “Running on Empty”.
The report updates the cost of adaptation finance needed in developing countries, putting it at US$310 billion per year in 2035, when based on modelled costs.
The needs expressed in Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans, figure rises to US$365 billion a year.
But, international public adaptation finance flows to developing countries were US$26 billion in 2023, down from US$28 billion the previous year.
This makes adaptation financing needs in developing countries 12-14 times as much as current flows.
If current finance trends continue, the Glasgow Climate Pact goal of doubling international public adaptation finance from 2019 levels by 2025 will not be achieved.
The private sector could do more – with potential to provide around US$50 billion per year if backed by targeted policy action and blended finance solutions.