Adapting to climate change: towards a structural transformation of the international aid sector

19/02/2026

If current trends continue, the world is on course for a temperature increase of almost +2.9°C by the end of the century, resulting in more frequent and severe climate, humanitarian and social crises. These developments are putting increasing pressure on the capabilities of states, civil societies, and the international aid system in both the Global North and Global South. Against this backdrop, a key question is being asked across the sector: is international aid truly prepared for the profound changes required to adapt to climate change?