London Climate Action Week roundtable: Is development adaptation?

The world’s most climate-vulnerable people are also its poorest, raising a central question for researchers and policymakers: to what extent is development itself a form of climate adaptation? The two agendas are deeply intertwined. Development builds the infrastructure, financial security, and institutional capacity that allow people to withstand climate shocks, while well-designed adaptation can accelerate poverty reduction and improve lives. At the same time, development alone may not fully address the risks posed by a changing climate, with targeted adaptation measures remaining necessary. Where, then, does development end and adaptation begin? This question is not merely conceptual – it shapes how adaptation is measured, what qualifies for adaptation finance, and which interventions are prioritised. The stakes of this distinction are only rising as governments and donors confront a widening gap between adaptation needs and available finance.

This event will bring together a select group of researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners for a high-level discussion on what the distinction between development and adaptation means in practice for policy design, climate finance, and where we need more evidence. 

Please note that this is a closed-door event and attendance is by invitation only.