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SEI brief

A framework for distributive equity of adaptation finance: how funders and implementers of adaptation finance can support the most vulnerable populations

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SEI brief

A framework for distributive equity of adaptation finance: how funders and implementers of adaptation finance can support the most vulnerable populations

The authors propose a framework for distributive equity of adaptation finance at the national and subnational levels.

Zoha Shawoo, Katherine Browne, Nella Canales, Anisha Nazareth / Published on 6 November 2024

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Citation

Shawoo, Z., Browne, K., Canales, M., & Nazareth, A. (2024). A framework for distributive equity of adaptation finance: how funders and implementers of adaptation finance can support the most vulnerable populations. SEI brief. Stockholm Environment Institute. https://doi.org/10.51414/sei2024.050

Key messages

  • Distributive equity of adaptation finance must consider not only whether finance is reaching the most vulnerable countries, but also the most vulnerable and marginalized groups within those countries.

  • Achieving equitable adaptation requires international funders and implementers to account for the root causes of climate vulnerability and redress underlying conditions of inequity.

  • Our framework helps funders and implementers to transparently define equity and the principles they are using to guide allocation of finance, and encourages them to strive for achieving not only equitable outputs of adaptation but also equitable outcomes and structural change.

The framework draws on a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature on distributive equity and justice in climate finance, adaptation finance and development (62 papers in total; publication forthcoming). The researchers identified different definitions, principles and elements of distributive equity that funders and implementers of adaptation finance can consider and strive for achieving, through the design, implementation and evaluation of an adaptation finance project.

The framework can be applied in three steps. First, it asks funders and implementers to articulate a definition of distributive equity aligned with the end goal they seek to achieve (equitable outputs, equitable outcomes or structural change). These end goals fall on a spectrum, from less to more ambitious. Second, based on the selected definition, the framework provides a series of principles that funders and implementers can use to guide project design and implementation. And third, it provides corresponding elements of distributive equity that funders and implementers should aim to address in how they design, approve, implement and evaluate adaptation finance projects.

A table of text that presents the framework, with questions for users to answer and consider.

Figure 1: Distributive equity framework for funders and implementers of adaptation finance

Mia Shu/SEI

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SEI brief / PDF / 415 KB

SEI authors

Katherine Browne
Katherine Browne

Senior Research Fellow

SEI Headquarters

Nella Canales
Nella Canales

Research Fellow

SEI Headquarters