Integrated planning for climate change adaptation and mitigation

Integrated planning for climate change adaptation and mitigation should take into consideration the following (IMF, 2021):

• Holistic Approach: Recognise that adaptation and mitigation are interlinked components of climate action. A comprehensive strategy requires addressing both aspects to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Shared Goals and Trade-offs: Integrate adaptation and mitigation into climate policies with shared goals in mind. Consider potential trade-offs between actions, and seek solutions that align with multiple objectives.
• Sectoral Integration: Embed adaptation and mitigation considerations into sectoral policies such as agriculture, forestry, energy, and transportation. Maximise co-benefits and minimise conflicts between climate goals and sectoral objectives.
• Balancing Trade-offs: Focus on balancing trade-offs and synergies between adaptation and mitigation actions. Aim for strategies that offer co-benefits to various stakeholders and sectors.
• Climate-Resilient Development: Ensure that climate change considerations are deeply integrated into long-term national development plans, strategies, and visions. Make adjustments to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance resilience.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage stakeholders from various sectors, including government, private sector, civil society, and local communities. Encourage collaborative decision-making to achieve integrated outcomes.
• Policy Coherence: Strive for coherence between climate policies, development plans, and poverty reduction strategies. Avoid policies that inadvertently exacerbate climate risks or hinder adaptation efforts.
• Regular Review and Adaptation: Continuously review and update integrated plans to account for changing climate trends and evolving sectoral priorities. Flexibility is crucial to staying aligned with goals.
• Capacity Building: Strengthen institutional capacity for integrated planning, implementation, and monitoring. Provide training and resources to government agencies and organisations responsible for climate action.
• Mainstreaming Climate Action: Work toward mainstreaming climate considerations into every level of decision making, from national policies to local development plans. This ensures that climate adaptation and mitigation become intrinsic parts of governance and development processes.

Activity

Activity 5.3.  Indicate any two activities that could be undertaken for an integrated strategic and technical approach to climate change adaptation and mitigation.