IPCC Report Working Group II: Act Now, Thank Yourself Later

The Working Group II: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability Report, as described by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), ‘assesses the vulnerability of socio-economic and natural systems to climate change, negative and positive consequences of climate change, and options for adapting to it.’ This article will look at the key findings of the report and what this means for businesses. 

Natural and human systems have been pushed beyond their ability to adapt 

As reported in the Working Group I Report: Physical Science Basis, human-induced climate changes have caused adverse impacts on both natural and human systems, pushing the systems beyond their ability to adapt and irreversible changes. Our previous article, IPCC Report Working Group I: How should Businesses Respond, explores this in more detail. Whereas impermanent and permanent disruptions to natural systems will worsen with the continuation of global warming, limiting global warming to 1.5°C can substantially reduce these projected climate-related losses and damages.   

Human and ecosystem vulnerability are interdependent 

According to the Sixth Assessment Report, human and ecosystem vulnerability are interdependent, with the degradation and destruction of ecosystems increasing human vulnerability. Safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystems is therefore fundamental to climate-resilient development. Yet, current unsustainable development patterns are worsening the situation by exposing ecosystems and people to climate hazards.  Research shows that vulnerability to climate impacts is driven by:  

• Patterns of intersecting socio-economic development  

• Unsustainable exploitation of land and oceans 

• The marginalisation of communities  

• Historical and ongoing patterns of inequity (i.e., colonialism, and governance) 

Climate change already contributes to humanitarian crises across the globe, with over 3 billion people already living in contexts that are highly vulnerable to climate change. This will rise as global warming continues, disproportionally affecting those already vulnerable.  

Climate change risks are becoming increasingly complex 

The report highlights that climate change risks are becoming increasingly complex, with the potential for multiple climate hazards to occur simultaneously. The interaction between myriad worsening climate risks and increasing vulnerability could result in compounding repercussions spreading across all industry sectors and geographic regions. If global warming ‘overshoots’ (exceeds 1.5°C) in the coming decades, then human and natural systems will face additional severe risks; some being irreversible.   

Adaptation Measures  

Optimistically, Working Group II reports good progress in adaptation planning and implementation across all sectors and regions, with the enabling of institutional frameworks and enhanced knowledge being key for implementing, accelerating, and sustaining adaptation. However, the feasibility of these measures differs across sectors and regions. Likewise, their effectiveness decreases with increased warming. Mitigation and adaptation measures will therefore become harder to implement and sustain as global warming continues to worsen.  

Additionally, some of the adaptation responses to climate change can also lead to new impacts and risks. Working Group II found increased evidence of maladaptation, where adaptation measures make people more, rather than less vulnerable to climate change. Maladaptation often occurs when adaptation policies fail to change the social and political dynamics that have produced varying levels of vulnerability patterns in the first place. For instance, in São Tomé and Príncipe, an adaptation intervention marginalised a vulnerable group further, as it only included those with their own land when those without ownership of land tend to be more vulnerable to climate change.

It is thought that maladaptation is avoidable with flexible, multi-sectoral, inclusive, and long-term actions. However, the uneven distribution of current adaptation progress and prioritisation of near-term risk reduction results in a missed opportunity for transformational adaptation.  

Moving Forwards: the need for climate-resilient development 

The evidence laid out in the report demonstrates the urgency of actioning worldwide climate-resilient development. Comprehensive, effective, and innovative responses can encourage unity, reducing trade-offs between adaptation and mitigation to advance sustainable development.  

According to Working Group II, several factors enable climate-resilient development, including international cooperation, governments collaborating with communities and institutions, and the development of effective partnerships with traditionally marginalised groups. Coastal cities and settlements are further found to play an especially important role in advancing climate-resilient development, and the rapid trend of urbanisation provides a critical opportunity, as well as challenges, to advance climate-resilient development in the near term.  

Conclusion and the role of Businesses  

Societal choices and actions implemented over the next decade will determine the extent to which successful adaptation is achieved. Large emitting corporates, businesses, and organisations play a key role in this. Awareness and management of the potential climate risks and impacts will help businesses adapt, and by making the transition to net-zero, reduce their own contribution to global warming. Ultimately, increased global warming results in more extreme climate changes, making it hard to successfully adapt. By making changes now, businesses can effectively increase their own viability to handle climate change impacts in the future.  

How we can help

Orbis Advisory work across a broad range of sectors to develop and support ESG strategies to meet investor demands, prepare for upcoming legislative changes, and create tangible benefits both now and in the future. Please see our website to explore our full range of services, or send an email to info@orbisadvisory.com for any inquiries.

Sources

https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-working-group-ii/

https://www.ipcc.ch/about/

https://rgs-ibg.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/area.12630