Hello, everyone! It is my pleasure to introduce myself.
This is Suyeon (Sue) Yang and I recently joined the GAN Secretariat at UNEP's Headquarters in Nairobi as a Junior Professional Officer (JPO). My role in the Secretariat is to support the coordination and operation of GAN. I'm happy to be supporting this network and to be connected with all of you!
I previously worked at the UNEP Global Environment Monitoring System (GEMS) Air Unit and supported the management of air quality monitoring projects. At the Green Technology Center (GTC) in Seoul, I contributed to the research on international climate policy and agreements such as NDCs.
Such experiences have built my interest in working for climate change adaptation and made me realize the coordination of various streams of adaptation work is essential to maximize adaptation efforts at a global scale. I'm very excited to have an opportunity to support GAN to lead this coordination.
Lastly, I hope you and your family are safe in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.
Best Regards, Suyeon (Sue) Yang
Network News
APR-MAY UPDATE
Global Adaptation Network - The Adaptation Gap Report (AGR) comes out every two years and is UNEP's flagship publication on adaptation. This next AGR will come out in late 2020 or early 2021 and will be focused on assessing the global status and progress of adaptation in planning, financing, implementation and results, with a special chapter focused on nature-based solutions (NbS). We are now looking for Expert Reviewers for the AGR. If you're interested, your name will be included in the publication. Please contact ying.wang@un.org or marcus.nield@un.org for more information.
Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Food Security in Africa (EBAFOSA) - The last issue of EBAFOSA's Climate Action Digest (CAD) focuses on the effects of COVID-19 on the informal sector in Africa through the climate change lens. The issue also provides a strategic framework and intervention policies necessary to combat such disasters presently and in the future. You can find the issue here.
Asia Pacific Adaptation Network - In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 7th Adaptation Forum, which was set to take place from 5-9 October 2020 in Tokyo, has been rescheduled to the first quarter of 2021. In the run-up to the Forum, the APAN Secretariat is organizing a Virtual Networking for Enabling Resilience and Scaling-up Action on Climate Change Adaptation webinar series to bring together perspectives from stakeholders in different sectors across the Asia-Pacific region. The online consultations, in the form of webinars, technical workshops and groups discussions, will be organized during the first part of the last quarter of 2020. They will cover the Forum's four streams on: a) inclusive resilience; b) nature-based resilience; c) economic sector resilience; d) communities and local resilience.
Albania: How a lagoon became a frontline defence against climate change - Almost 1/3rd of Albania’s coastline is being eroded by violent waves, and the challenge is accelerating at an alarming speed due to climate-induced storm surges and rising sea levels. The government is now turning to nature for answers. Kune-Vain Lagoon hosts stunning wildlife, but it also protects people from climate change. Here’s how.
The Global Commission on Adaptation is working with leading organisations and countries, including UNEP, to scale up nature-based approaches to adaptation through its Nature-based Solutions Action Track. According to the Commission’s Adapt Nowreport, there are three crucial steps needed to make this happen.
National Adaptation Plans (NAPs): Universities and locally led climate action in Nepal - The government of Nepal has prioritized adaptation planning to better prepare for extreme weather through the formulation of its National Adaptation Plan (NAP). An interview with Mr Mathema from Nepal's Pokhara University sheds light on the role of universities in the development of the country’s NAP.
How countries’ climate ambitions can support a sustainable recovery from COVID-19 - As the world emerges from the COVID-19 crisis, countries will need to focus on stimulus packages to stem the economic impact. As they do, it will be vital to build the foundation for a more resilient, sustainable and prosperous future. National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) must be involved in these stimulus discussions.
2019 Annual Report of the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems-This new report outlines the actions taken by WMO, World Bank/GFDRR and UNDRR in the past year to save lives through the advancement of early warning climate forecasting systems. In 2019, support for Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) was scaled up to 44 least developed countries and small island states.
World Environment Day, 5th June: Time For Nature - Every World Environment Day, UNEP colleagues and partners join forces to raise awareness of the urgency to act for the environment. In 2020, nature has sent a message to humanity: to care for ourselves we must care for nature. It’s time to wake up. To raise our voices. It’s time to build back better for people and planet.
The devastating impact of floods in India - and what can be done - Frequent hydrological disasters in India cause tremendous amounts of damage and casualties. Thanks to funding from the European Commission, UNEP is collaborating with Partners for Resilience to focus on scaling-up nature-based solutions for disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Kerala, South India.
Building a new vision for climate services in Africa - With finance from the Global Environment Facility, UNDP’s Climate Information for Resilient Development in Africa (CIRDA) Programme supported 11 African nations in improving the effectiveness and sustainability of climate information and early warning systems. For every dollar invested in climate services, there is an economic return of five dollars.
