Timo Leiter

The author of this paper outlines five aspects to guide future research on NDCs as a governance instrument including the crucial distinction between exploring potential NDC functions based on submissions during the negotiation process and examining the actual NDC functions based on the adopted Paris rulebook and empirical observations. Read more

This book chapter provides practical guidance on conducting fieldwork at international environmental conferences by drawing on the experiences of four advanced or recently completed PhD research projects: two on the climate change negotiations and two on biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions. Read more

This article proposes a framework for tracking negotiation outcomes on adaptation based on the four dimensions of the Adaptation Gap Report of the United Nations Environment Programme (planning, finance, implementation, and effectiveness) and on key governance functions outlined in the climate policy literature. Read more

This cross-chapter box of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, Working Group II on Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability, outlines approaches and challenges of assessing progress in climate change adaptation globally. Read more

This section in the IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report, Working Group II on Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability synthesizes the state of knowledge on monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of adaptation to climate change. Read more

Contributors to this paper discuss the implications of the post-Glasgow climate ‘pact’ for the continued relevance of evaluation. Read more

This perspective identifies how recent advances contribute to re-evaluating and re-constructing global environmental negotiations as a research object by calling into question who constitutes an actor and what constitutes a site of agreement formation. Read more

This synthesis of 1,682 articles presents a systematic and comprehensive global stocktake of implemented human adaptation to climate change. Read more

This study finds that more than 60% of countries that adopted a national adaptation plan (NAP) are not tracking its implementation. Read more

This background paper published by the Global Commission on Adaptation provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of climate adaptation metrics. Read more

The article first examines distinct characteristics of climate change adaptation and mitigation and the implications for measuring progress in these two interrelated policy domains. Read more

This is a submission to a call from the Standing Committee on Finance for information and data to inform the preparation of a report on the doubling of adaptation finance. Read more

To support the process of adopting a framework for the Global Goal on Adaptation at COP28, this submission outlines key aspects that need to be addressed in its development. Read more

The Adaptation Gap Report 2022, published by the UN Environment Programme, looks at progress in planning, financing and implementing adaptation actions.  Read more

This paper provides guidance on key elements of a robust M&E system and identifies nine best practices for Canada to guide its development. Read more

This report, published by the UN Environment Programme, finds that there is an urgent need to step up climate adaptation finance. Estimated adaptation costs in developing countries are five to ten times greater than current public adaptation finance flows, and the adaptation finance gap is widening. Read more

This chapter of UNEP's Adaptation Gap Report 2020 looks at available evidence of implementation of climate change adaptation globally. Read more

This report reviews the indicators included in Grenada’s National Adaptation Plan, especially their measurability and completeness regarding the goals of the NAP, and proposes options for improvement. Read more

This book chapter provides practical guidance on conducting fieldwork at international environmental conferences by drawing on the experiences of four advanced or recently completed PhD research projects: two on the climate change negotiations and two on biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions. Read more

This episode of the Climate Discourse podcast, produced by Climate and Carbon Law Review (CCLR) features Timo Leiter discussing his recent CCLR article, ‘Too Little, Too Slow? Climate Adaptation at the United Nations Climate Change Negotiations Since the Adoption of the Paris Agreemen Read more

This news article considers the cost (per ton of CO2)of climate impacts, demands from developing countries for compensation, and the... Read more

In this radio interview Timo Leiter discusses expectations of COP27 and progress made since the last COP hosted by the UK in Glasgow. Read more

In this article Timo Leiter responds to South Africa’s proposal for a quantitative target for boosting resilience to climate impacts. He says that the proposal faces both technical and political challenges. Read more

Climate policy has long been relegated to the sidelines in Tanzania. The late President's vision for economic growth can be achieved only if his successor puts Tanzania on a climate-resilient development pathway, argues Timo Leiter. Read more

Timo Leiter, a lead author on UNEP’s latest Adaptation Gap Report, explains why simplistic metrics are not meaningful in understanding global progress on adaptation and how this is being improved. Read more