The Adapta Program, from FGVces, developed this research in partnership with the Climate and Society Institute (iCS) with the objective of contributing to the planning of the actions of Brazilian philanthropic organizations in the climate change adaptation agenda and, therefore, ensuring that financial resources are directed to the most relevant gaps and leverage points capable of boosting adaptive and response capacities to the climate emergency in an equitable way across social, economic, and environmental systems. The initiative is motivated by the urgency and complexity of the climate crisis, the insufficiency of resources and efforts dedicated, both internationally and nationally, to adaptation, and the central role of philanthropy in overcoming barriers, enabling innovations, and promoting structural transformations.

The research was based on the review of literature and technical documents, as well as semi-structured interviews with specialists to identify challenges, gaps, and opportunities for action in nine strategic themes and sectors for adaptation and resilience, both in urban and rural environments in Brazil: financing, infrastructure, energy, food systems, industry, health, loss and damage, and climate justice. The findings and recommendations were systematized into the following areas of action, transversal to the themes and sectors: advocacy, knowledge production and dissemination, methodologies and tools, managerial and technical capacities, and strengthening of the system of actors.

Based on the recognition of the central role of philanthropy in accelerating and amplifying these networks, strengthening the capacities of civil society organizations, especially community-based ones, and consolidating multi-level and multi-actor climate governance for adaptation to climate change in Brazil, the final report of the research presents the main findings on challenges and leverage points of the agenda, as well as recommendations directed to philanthropic agents. In addition to the complete report, the results and recommendations were summarized into five thematic briefs: financing for adaptation, resilient infrastructure, adaptation in food systems, adaptation in the energy sector, and climate justice.

FGV São Paulo School of Business Administration (FGV EAESP)

FGV Center for Sustainability Studies (FGVces)

Researchers: Mariana Nicolletti / José Andrade 

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