22 March 2010: The UNFCCC Secretariat has published a Synthesis report (FCCC/SBSTA/2010/3) of information contained in submissions from parties and relevant organizations, and other relevant sources, on efforts undertaken to assess the costs and benefits of adaptation options.
The report complements the technical paper reviewing the existing literature on the potential costs and benefits of adaptation options, in particular in the areas of lessons learned and good practices, gaps and needs. The technical paper was also prepared following a decision of Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technical Advice (SBSTA) at its 28th session, and considered assessments at global, national and subnational levels. In contrast with the technical paper, this synthesis report focuses on the sectoral level to reflect the content of the submissions.
The report also contains a summary of lessons learned and good practices. It further identifies remaining gaps and needs relating to: a need for more comprehensive assessments of costs and benefits; and methodological gaps and needs encountered by adaptation researchers and planners when undertaking such assessments. The report will be considered by SBSTA at its 32nd session, to be held in Bonn, Germany, from from 31 May-11 June 2010. [The Report]