Race to Resilience second progress report: Action underway boosting the resilience of 1.87 billion people

As a testament to the world’s collective effort to address the stark reality of climate change, the second Progress Report of the Race to Resilience campaign was launched today at COP28.

Created in 2021, the Race to Resilience was created to catalyze radical collaboration and elevate the adaptation and resilience agenda to the same level of urgency as mitigation. The campaign aims to build the resilience of 4 billion people on the frontlines of the climate crisis by 2030. In the years since its inception, the campaign has made significant strides, committing to transforming pledges into tangible impacts.

To date, the campaign’s 34 partners and over 647 members, including 86 cities and 78 regions, have made pledges targeting resilience actions across 164 countries. These initiatives have pledged to enhance the resilience of 3.17 billion people by 2030, with concrete action plans already targeting more than 1.87 billion people.

The report also highlights the substantial financial mobilization underway, with partners collectively mobilizing US$39.44 billion. This funding is critical for implementing resilience-building actions and bridging the gap between pledges and plans.

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are at the forefront of these efforts, with pledges to protect, restore, or manage 59.8 million hectares of natural systems by 2030. This commitment reflects the campaign’s dual focus on benefiting both people and nature.

Diverse initiatives across various sectors illustrate the multi-disciplinary approach required for resilience. These include efforts in NbS, adaptation in human settlements and infrastructure, innovative adaptation finance, health adaptation outcomes, and the crucial role of businesses in accelerating investment in adaptation.

Transparent reporting is central to the campaign, building trust and accountability while informing evidence-based policies. To date, 86 percent of reporting partners have submitted a pledge, 72 percent have submitted an action plan, and nearly 52 percent have reported on adaptation finance mobilization.

The geographical spread of the campaign’s initiatives is vast, with a focus on the most vulnerable communities in developing and least developed countries. Countries with the majority of pledges include Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and India, demonstrating the campaign’s global reach and impact.

As the campaign progresses towards its 2030 goal, it remains committed to expanding its network of partners, supporting the delivery of commitments that benefit the most vulnerable, and maintaining high standards for accountability and transparency.

The report pays tribute to the late Professor Saleemul Huq, High-Level Champions’ Global Ambassador and a towering figure in the field of climate justice. His passing in October 2023 is a profound loss to the global climate community. Professor Huq’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide efforts in this critical mission.

Read the report