Climate Adaptation Platform

05/10/2026

Eating fish is highly recommended because of its numerous health benefits and its rich supply of Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid).

Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel are particularly high in these essential nutrients. Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in cellular defence, controlling inflammation, supporting brain development and cognitive function, lowering triglyceride levels and blood pressure, reducing stroke risk, and protecting vision, among other benefits.

05/10/2026

As the world hastens its transition to a clean economy and reduces reliance on polluting fossil fuels, the movement faces several challenges, including water scarcity.

Minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, and copper are essential for renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, digital infrastructure, and energy storage technologies. Demand for these critical minerals has skyrocketed over the past decade, largely fueled by advances in clean energy technologies.

Explore the water scarcity and environmental challenges of mining critical minerals essential for the clean energy transition worldwide.

05/10/2026

Ports are essential infrastructure that underpins the economy at both global and local levels. Because of their location—often in coastal, low-lying, or reclaimed areas—ports are particularly vulnerable to climate change.

These threats include sea level rise, storm surges, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events, which can affect not only the ports themselves but also the long-term, high-value assets associated with them.

Given the ports’ and their associated infrastructure and assets’ exposure to and vulnerability to growing climate change risks, responding to these impacts is of strategic economic importance.

Read how climate-related financial disclosures are reshaping port strategy, resilience, and investment bids across New Zealand and Australia.

17/09/2026

As the intensity and frequency of climate change effects grow, land use and changes continue to evolve, driven by rapid urbanisation, development, and population growth. Maps, both historical and interactive digital versions, allow users to track landscape changes over time and evaluate and project how climate change affects various locations, now and in the future.

The Ordnance Survey (OS) map produced by the British and Irish governments was originally used for military defence and later for outdoor recreation. The first OS map started mapping Britain 230 years ago and has since documented changes in the country’s topography. Today, Ordnance Survey maintains Great Britain’s National Geographic Database (NGD), which powers the country’s most advanced, detailed, and accurate digital maps.

Discover how Ordnance Survey maps and geospatial data help drive climate adaptation, risk management, and resilience efforts in the UK.

17/09/2026

We often think of climate change as having a slow, unfolding effect – the planet and oceans get warmer, the ice melts, and the sea level rises. But a deeper look at the latest data reveals a more complex and surprising reality.

From microscopic particles that act as “heating agents” to the political fallout from wildfire smoke, the challenges we face are moving in ways we can’t always predict.

In July 2026, the Climate Adaptation Platform (CAP) published 19 articles. Below are seven key takeaways from July’s articles, grouped by theme.

Explore surprising climate change trends: microplastics, methane from dams, extreme heat job loss, sinking cities, and more.

17/09/2026

As carbon dioxide concentrations rise, humans inhale more CO2. A new study shows that rising atmospheric CO2 levels can potentially harm the human body.

Rising CO2 levels are a main driver of climate change, making extreme events like heatwaves, droughts, and storms more intense and frequent. New research suggests rising carbon dioxide in the atmosphere may also be changing the human blood chemistry with potentially damaging consequences. CO2, an important blood marker, could approach the upper end of its health range in the next several decades. This finding has significant implications for children and teenagers because their bodies are still developing and they may face high CO2 levels in their lifetimes.

A study reveals rising atmospheric CO2 may alter human blood chemistry and health as levels approach toxic thresholds within decades.

17/09/2026

Nepal and the world are still recovering from the shock of the catastrophic flood that levelled Nepal’s towns and infrastructure on 26 August 2026.

Nearly a week after the tragic event, the death toll is at more than 900, with over 4000 people still missing. Officials believe the surge of floodwaters that washed through Rasuwa, Nepal, was caused by the collapse of a glacier on Langtang Lirung peak.

When the glacier fell, it blocked the Trishuli River, forming a barrier and creating an upstream dam. However, as the barrier, made of ice, rocks, and soil, gave way, it unleashed an avalanche of thick liquid, with the same consistency as wet cement, levelling anything and everything in its path, not just in Nepal but also in neighbouring Tibet.

A catastrophic flood in Nepal highlights the dangers of Himalayan glacier retreat and climate change, threatening lives and critical infrastructure.

17/09/2026

Compound events – when two or more hazards occur simultaneously, such as droughts and floods, storms and earthquakes, wildfires and floods, or earthquakes and heatwaves are increasingly becoming more common.

These compound events can produce significantly higher impacts or greater losses than each event happening on its own. One hazard happening on top of another can worsen and complicate the other’s effects, magnifying the outcome or consequences.

Two examples of compound events are Pakistan’s record-breaking heatwave, immediately followed by an unprecedented monsoon in 2022, and a hurricane in the US followed by an intense heatwave in July 2024.

Japan faces increasing risks from compound disasters. Learn how climate change and multi-hazard events demand preparedness and adaptation.

17/09/2026

The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide has been a resounding success. According to the IEA, the electric car market reached a new high in 2025, with over 20 million EV units sold, a 20% increase from 2024.

Today, EV sales account for 25% of the market share. Since 2021, EV annual sales have reached 3.5 million for five consecutive years; as a result, about 5% of the cars on the road are now electrified, displacing 1.2 million barrels of oil per day in 2025, the IEA report notes.

Rising EV battery waste poses global risks—discover recycling challenges and the urgent need for safer management solutions worldwide.

17/09/2026

Flooding is New Zealand’s most frequent hazard, causing significant losses and triggering declared emergencies. These floods typically stem from heavy rainfall and can cause injuries, loss of life, and damage to property, land, and infrastructure.

The Otago region is in the south of New Zealand’s South Island and covers over 32,000 square kilometres. The region is susceptible to severe rainfall and subsequent flooding because of its climate and topography. Otago’s many rivers and streams – the big three rivers being Waitaki, Clutha, and Taieri- have all flooded in the past. Flooding occurs when stormwater and drainage systems, particularly in urban areas, are overwhelmed during prolonged heavy rain and coastal storm surges.