COP31 Briefing: States have a legal obligation to accelerate adaptation

This briefing sets out that States have a legal obligation to protect people subject to their jurisdiction from foreseeable climate change harms, including harms from extreme weather events such as floods, wildfires, droughts, storm surges, and heatwaves.

ClientEarth is calling for Governments to strengthen and scale a rights-based approach to adaptation: including adopting and implementing rights-based adaptation frameworks that uphold

the right to a healthy environment and protect those most vulnerable to climate impacts. Adaptation planning and delivery must be participatory, locally led, and responsive to the needs of at-risk and marginalised groups. Climate finance should prioritise resilience-building measures that safeguard communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems.