Adaptation to climate change is costing developing countries up to €80 billion per year ($75- $100 billion). This is the conclusion of the World Bank study ‘The Economics of Adaptation to Climate Change’.

The study estimates the cost in sectors that are sensitive to climate change, such as agriculture, forestry and fishing. It also looks at infrastructure, coastal zones, water supply and flood management – sectors where the effects of climate change are conspicuous.

In a response to the World Bank’s findings, development minister Bert Koenders said: ‘The study shows that if we do nothing, the costs will only escalate. We need to take action now, because shortage of water and food breeds conflict. Conflicts destabilise entire regions and cause refugee flows. It’s already happening around Lake Chad. Cattle are dying because of drought, depriving people of their livelihoods.’

Mr Koenders would like to see the results of the study included in the forthcoming climate conference in Copenhagen. ‘With these figures in mind, we can make solid agreements about financing climate adaptation in developing countries. The Dutch government’s basic principle is that, if possible, the funding should be new and additional.’

The study, which is being presented today in The Hague, was launched on the initiative of the governments of the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Switzerland.



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