17 January 2012: The World Bank has reported on an international Learning Week on Global Best Practices in Comprehensive Climate Change Planning, which was held as part of Tanzania’s preparation of a national climate change strategy, and brought together over 30 Tanzanian decision makers, researchers, and civil society advocates in Windhoek, Namibia. The meeting was also held in preparation for the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP 17), which took place in Durban, South Africa, in November-December 2011.

According to the World Bank, Tanzania is highly vulnerable to climate shocks, a trend which is expected to increase as droughts, floods, and tropical storms are likely to become more frequent and intense due to climate change. The World Bank also highlighted a recent UK Department for International Development (DIFD) study on the Economics of climate change in Tanzania, which estimates that Tanzania would currently need US$500 million per year to adapt to current extreme weather events, while future adaptation could cost an additional US$150 million annually.

Funded by the World Bank’s South-South Learning Exchange and DIFD, the Tanzania delegation was joined by climate change experts from Namibia, Mexico, South Africa and Zambia, all countries that have undertaken major initiatives to prepare for climate change at the national level. Participants shared experiences in climate change adaptation, addressing stakeholder engagement and climate financing, among other topis. They also visited several innovative climate change adaptation efforts at work in Namibia. [Publication: Economics of Climate Change in Tanzania] [World Bank Press Release]