2 September 13: The Programme of Research on Climate Change Vulnerability, Impacts and Adaptation (PROVIA) has released a report titled ‘Research Priorities on Vulnerability, Impacts and Adaptation: Responding to the Climate Change Challenge,’ which presents global research priorities that were identified through a consultation process with experts and policymakers, and are intended to serve as guidance to researchers, donor groups and other stakeholders.

The report consists of 33 topics presented in three sections: information to support policymaker decisions; systems and regions; and emerging topics. Each of the 33 topics includes a description of why the research is needed, followed by several paragraphs describing specific activities that respond to that need. A short bulleted list thereafter highlights representative examples of critical activities from the broader set of proposed activities for each research topic.

The report addresses vulnerability of the following key systems: food systems; water systems; ecosystems; energy systems; and infrastructure systems and the built environment. It also addresses the impacts of climate change on human well-being and identifies the following critical geographical areas: vulnerable coastal areas and islands; arid and semi-arid regions; open ocean; mountain regions and the cryosphere; and urban areas.

PROVIA was launched in September 2011 by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). [Publication: Research Priorities on Vulnerability, Impacts and Adaptation: Responding to the Climate Change Challenge] [PROVIA Website]