Progress on climate change adaptation is slowing on all fronts, but needs to accelerate to keep pace with the growing impacts and risks of climate change, according to a new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The Adaptation Gap Report 2023: Underfinanced was released ahead of the COP28 climate talks in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Underprepared – Inadequate investment and planning for climate change adaptation is leaving the world exposed to the realization that developing countries’ adaptation financing needs are 10 to 18 times greater than international public finance flows – more than 50 percent higher than previously estimated. “Today’s adaptation gap report shows a growing gap between need and action to protect people from climate extremes. Action to protect people and nature is more urgent than ever,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his message to the report. “Lives and livelihoods are being lost and destroyed, with the most vulnerable suffering.” (according to the UNEP Division of Public Communication and Information)