Knowledge Gaps and Policy Needs to Tackle Loss and Damage - Science for Adaptation Policy Brief #8

United Nations 2 years ago

The World Adaptation Science Programme Science-for-Adaptation Policy Brief on Knowledge Gaps and Policy Needs to Tackle Loss and Damage is the eighth issue in the series published by eight international agencies that form the World Adaptation Science Programme (WASP): UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Global Environment Facility (GEF), Green Climate Fund (GCF), the United Nations University (UNU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The Secretariat of the WASP is hosted at UNEP, Nairobi, Kenya. Loss and damage are increasingly mentioned in National Adaptation Plans and National Determined Contributions, but these documents say little about options to address loss and damage and largely miss non-economic loss and damage. How to avert, minimize and address loss and damage is still in question. This issue of the WASP policy brief discusses the foundation on multiple dimensions of the loss and damage, which is induced by inadequate action on climate change. It seeks to answer the following questions: What is the current state of knowledge and recognition of loss and damage in national policy? What are the key science gaps obstructing the effective implementation climate related loss and damage measures? What are the policy gaps and possible mechanisms to better address observed and projected loss and damage?
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layersDaily Sustainability Digest

Published about 9 hours ago



Financial institutions are accelerating sustainable construction by aligning lending with measurable environmental performance. Santander UK’s decision to adapt mortgage models for Octopus Energy’s Zero Bills homes integrates credit policy with energy-efficient buildings, translating net zero carbon ambitions into mainstream financial metrics. This shift signals the emergence of whole life carbon assessment as a determinant in property valuation and positions embodied carbon and life cycle cost analysis as standard tools of risk management across the sector.

Digital transformation is amplifying the movement. The Monklands digital hospital project in Scotland demonstrates how offsite manufacturing, lifecycle assessment and connected data platforms enhance building lifecycle performance, minimise waste, and verify embodied carbon in materials. Durham’s adoption of digital planning and assessment tools reflects a broader drive toward resource efficiency in construction and environmental sustainability in construction. Together these initiatives redefine sustainable building design by embedding whole life carbon accountability into design and delivery workflows.

Policy remains an enabling force but the centre of momentum is shifting from government mandates to operational proof. A renewed national emphasis on green affordability and the integration of social equity with decarbonising the built environment are reinforcing the transition toward net zero whole life carbon outcomes. These developments illustrate a maturing circular economy in construction where sustainable building practices, low carbon design and eco-design for buildings converge to deliver verifiable carbon footprint reduction. The industry’s direction is now measurable—kilograms of CO₂, minutes saved, resources reused—evidence that green construction is evolving from aspiration to tangible low carbon building performance.

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