World Leaders Ready to Help the Most Vulnerable People Adapt

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Adaptation Can't Wait is a message that will resonate through the Global Adaptation Institute's (GAIN) 2012 Annual Meeting & Scientific Convening in Washington, D.C., May 9-10. High-level presenters and panelists from AECOM, Baker & McKenzie, PepsiCo, Ernst & Young, Swiss Re, The World Bank, The Kresge Foundation and other prominent organizations as well as ministers of environment and commerce will partake in open dialogue on the subject of adaptation and how the private sector can create actionable solutions.

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The high level of interest in this annual event speaks to GAIN's success thus far in raising awareness of the importance of adaptation. Record insurance losses from catastrophic disasters, a continued rise in global food prices and urbanization outpacing the ability of cities to provide proper sanitation and infrastructure prove that now is the time for the public and private sectors to tackle these challenges together.  

"I am excited about the response from leaders from around the world and their commitment to the most vulnerable people," said GAIN's Founding CEO and Former Managing Director of the World Bank, Dr. Juan Jose Daboub.

He also highlighted the dimension of the challenge in economic terms.

"Worldwide up to $100 billion USD is needed in adaptation investments every year for the next 25 years to save lives and improve livelihoods," Dr. Daboub said. "There is an urgency to act. Practical solutions exist and can be implemented. Governments have the key to enable the environment for private sector investments. Civil society is the glue that can connect the pieces of the puzzle. And, scientists are working towards developing metrics to measure results."

GAIN's Chief Scientist Ian Noble will present the GAIN Index (index.gain.org) and engage participants on how this navigation tool can help the private sector prioritize adaptation investments, as well as assist governments in determining the best public policies to facilitate such investments.

The GAIN Index ranks 161 countries according to their level of vulnerability and readiness to adapt to climate change and other global challenges. Several leaders have applauded the GAIN Index including former President of Spain Jose Maria Aznar, former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo, former U.S. Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson and others. 

The first day of meetings will conclude by awarding the GAIN Prize to organizations that are on the ground working shoulder-to-shoulder with vulnerable communities on innovative adaptation projects. GAIN Board of Directors Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NGP Energy Capital Management Mr. Kenneth Hersh will announce the winners during the GAIN Annual Reception.

While participation in the invitation-only meeting is at maximum capacity, GAIN hopes that more will join the conversation in the future.

The world will GAIN from Adaptation, but it will take the help of those partnering in the public and private sector and also civil society to get the job done. 

The Global Adaptation Institute (GAIN) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization guided by a vision of building resilience to climate change and other global forces as a key component to sustainable development.

Please visit us at: gain.org 

SOURCE Global Adaptation Institute