Efficient Adaptation in Developing Countries: Platform for small and medium-sized enterprises

Many emerging and developing countries are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The effects of climate change, such as heavy rainfall, heat waves, flooding, and sea-level rise could have a decisive impact on their business activities. To minimise these climate risks, enterprises will have to adapt to climate change. Adaptation, however, is not only a reduction in the negative impacts of climate change. It can also offer new business opportunities for businesses. There will be a growing demand for products that require less water and energy, or that have been adapted to changes in climate, that businesses can use to their economic advantage.

Against this background, the project’s goal is to promote the topic of private sector adaptation among small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and emerging countries. A short study has defined stakeholders and selected sectors and countries where climate change is of particular relevance. Beyond that, adelphi set out various areas in which development cooperation projects could be supported, including the fields of climate finance and capacity building. Interviews with experts and practitioners in the field rounded out a comprehensive literature and project review on the stated topics.