This background paper published by the Global Commission on Adaptation provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of climate adaptation metrics. It outlines what adaptation metrics are, what purposes they can be used for, which limitations they have, and how they are being applied from local to global levels. It also explores how adaptation can be tracked through frameworks and metrics at the global and national level under the UNFCCC and the Agenda 2030. Evolving practices of using adaptation metrics in the agricultural sector, by cities and by Multilateral Development Banks are presented. The current landscape and practices are synthesised into four main recommendations: (1) clarify the purpose of metrics and ensure supportive institutional arrangements; (2) promote an understanding of adaptation outcomes that goes beyond monitoring; (3) make metrics fit for purpose and increase their transparency; and (4) enhance the comparability, consistency, and comprehensiveness of adaptation frameworks and their associated indicators.

Leiter, T., Olhoff, A., Al Azar, R., Barmby, V., Bours, D., Clement, V.W.C., Dale, T.W., Davies, C., & Jacobs, H. (2019). Adaptation metrics: Current landscape and evolving practices. Background paper for the Global Commission on Adaptation.

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