Nick Ferris

Extreme heat and escalating climate impacts are intensifying the urgency for climate adaptation funding, with developing countries facing a shortfall of more than $300 billion annually. Wealthy nations have reduced aid and contributions to climate funds, prompting a push at major climate events to attract private investment into resilience efforts. The Climate Investment Funds, the World Bank and other institutions are expanding blended finance models to draw private capital into areas such as agriculture, water management and infrastructure. Despite growing interest from investors and governments, experts warn that fragile states remain unattractive for private financing and still depend on grants and aid. Stakeholders stress that valuing resilience, improving data and strengthening public sector capacity are essential to mobilising large-scale investment. Growing recognition that climate resilience is tied to long-term financial stability is helping shift global attitudes, though the poorest countries risk being left behind without sustained international support.