Earth Today | Upcoming Adaptation Futures conference to showcase resilience

WITH A strong focus on the Pacific region, the 8th Adaptation Futures Conference is set to take place in New Zealand from October 13-16, and is to spotlight some of the most pressing adaptation challenges and solutions shaping the world today.

Among the nations most vulnerable to climate change, Vanuatu stands out. This island nation – comprised of 83 islands from across the South Pacific – has consistently ranked as the world’s most at-risk country, according to the World Risk Index. It’s exposure to rising sea levels, intensified tropical cyclones, and seismic activity in the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ places its communities on the frontlines of climate disruption.

But, amid these challenges, Vanuatu is demonstrating resilience through locally led innovation. From the restoration of vital ecosystems to disaster preparedness and food security programmes, the country is testing new approaches that can offer valuable lessons for small island states and beyond.

One such initiative on Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu’s largest island, is supported by the Adaptation Fund through the Climate Innovation Acceleraton.

Managed by UNDP, this project aims to empower isolated communities with the tools and knowledge they need to adapt and thrive in a changing climate.

As Adaptation Futures 2025 draws closer, stories like Vanuatu’s will shape vital conversations on equity, resilience, and the future of adaptation in the Global South.