Over 90 countries will participate in the eighth international Adaptation Future (AF2025) event, set to be held in Ōtautahi Christchurch, from 13-16 October.
Adaptation Futures is the world’s largest and most important climate adaptation event bringing together scientists, governments and industry, and will have a particular emphasis on issues for the Pacific and Indigenous people.
The flagship event of the United Nations’ World Adaptation Science Programme (WASP) will be co-hosted by WASP and Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury.
AF2025 co-convenor Professor Bronwyn Hayward of the University of Canterbury, said adapting to a changing climate is now an urgent reality.
“As the impacts of climate change affect more and more communities, economies and biodiversity, we must scale up our global efforts to protect vulnerable communities, businesses, and environments,” she said “Adaptation Futures brings together thought leaders for greater global action, while also looking at how climate change affects Indigenous and Pacific communities, and their innovation and leadership in adapting to mitigate these risks.
“At a time of great uncertainty and challenges in many parts of the world, we are heartened by the way people have come together to accelerate adaptation for a more climate resilient and fairer future.”
During the event, panels will discuss Indigenous leadership; the impacts of climate change on the Pacific and developing countries; how insurance will be tested; and the impacts for finance, loss, and damage in relation to climate adaptation. Masterclasses will also be take place, featuring state-of-the-art responses to climate risk.
New Zealand’s Minister for Climate Change, Hon. Simon Watts, said that the event will boost ongoing climate adaptation, highlighting its importance.
“I am looking forward to welcoming international delegates to Adaptation Futures in Christchurch in October. Bringing together world experts on adaptation strengthens the discussions we’re already having here in New Zealand how to face some climate change’s biggest challenges Watts,” Watts said.
Professor at the University of Canterbury, Steven Ratuva. a co-convenor, said that 1200 global and Indigenous leaders, climate scientists, policy makers, researchers, and investors come together to share knowledge, ideas, and stories to help accelerate climate adaptation action across the world. The event format will allow people to join in person or online
Foundation Sponsor Adaptation Fund will support five premier Innovation “Spotlight” events during AF2025, to showcase highly innovative approaches that accelerates adaptation, selected from the wider lineup of presenters.
The head of the Adaptation Fund Mikko Ollikainen, said AF2025 provided a vital platform for advancing innovative and inclusive climate adaptation. “We strongly welcome the focus on Indigenous leadership and locally led solutions, which are essential for building resilience that is both effective and equitable. Through our expanding portfolio in the Pacific and beyond, and by creating more opportunities for countries to pilot, scale, and share adaptation innovations, the Fund remains committed to closing the global adaptation gap,” he said.
