Our Work
The Global Adaptation Institute's (GAIN) mission is to enhance the world's understanding of the urgency for adaptation to climate change and other global forces and for the support needed through private and public investments for developing countries. Climate change, population growth, urbanization and resource scarcity jeopardize the improvements made on many human development goals, particularly in developing nations. The world must adapt now, and adapt in a way that harnesses human ingenuity and creativity.
Through the open-source GAIN Index, demonstration projects and outreach with businesses, government leaders and other NGOs, GAIN is showing how the private sector can bring about change to help those most vulnerable adapt.
GAIN Index
The GAIN Index is a navigation tool too assess a country's ability to address global forces and help decision-makers prioritize actions that harness the power of the private and public sectors. The Index shows a country's level of vulnerability, and the readiness of a country to successfully implement adaptation solutions.GAIN Prize
GAIN identifies result-oriented demonstration projects and awards the GAIN Prize to each during GAIN's Annual Meeting. Winners are judged on criteria including effectiveness, scalability, impact, marketability and relevance to the GAIN Index. The monetary awards are rapidly implemented to spark sustainable change and present innovative solutions to adaptation challenges around the world.GAIN Knowledge
GAIN is sharing ideas and efforts to governments, NGOs and the business community to increase awareness of the urgent need to adapt. GAIN's Annual Meetings and Scientific Convenings gather an unparalleled field of private sector, academic and government leaders to develop pragmatic adaptation solutions. News, next practices and Though Leader pieces can be found at GAIN.org.
GAIN is concentrating its efforts in four sectors crucial to saving lives and improving livelihoods:
Reliable water supplies are the basis for economies and civilizations. Industry, agriculture and human health can be immediately impacted by alterations in water levels and precipitation. Technologies that make water use more efficient will be in high demand and resilient water distribution systems will save lives.
CC Image Courtesy of Oxfam International on Flickr
Rising sea levels will create challenges to any nation with a coastline and those communities living near the sea. Land loss will not only lead to a decline in the value of coastal property, but also eliminate livelihoods dependent on fishing and tourism in these areas.
CC Image Courtesy of Keith Marshall on Flickr
Billions around the world depend on agriculture and on the land they farm for their livelihood and subsistence. Population growth, environmental degradation and climate change are all stresses on current agricultural production. Through research and development, the private sector can help develop more drought-resistant crops, irrigation techniques and delivery systems to help provide safety nets for farmers experiencing increasing uncertainty.
CC Image Courtesy of United Nations on Flickr
Energy plays a fundamental role in the economic, social and technological development of all societies. Climate change will affect all energy systems - from traditional wood burning to industrial fossil fuel and renewable energy production. Increases in natural disasters can disrupt energy transport and transmission routes, as well as physically damage energy facilities.
CC Image Courtesy of International Rivers on Flickr
Water
Reliable water supplies are the basis for economies and civilizations. Industry, agriculture and human health can be immediately impacted by alterations in water levels and precipitation. Technologies that make water use more efficient will be in high demand and resilient water distribution systems will save lives.Coastal Protection
Rising sea levels will create challenges to any nation with a coastline and those communities living near the sea. Land loss will not only lead to a decline in the value of coastal property, but also eliminate livelihoods dependent on fishing and tourism in these areas.Food & Agriculture
Billions around the world depend on agriculture and on the land they farm for their livelihood and subsistence. Population growth, environmental degradation and climate change are all stresses on current agricultural production. Through research and development, the private sector can help develop more drought-resistant crops, irrigation techniques and delivery systems to help provide safety nets for farmers experiencing increasing uncertainty.Energy
Energy plays a fundamental role in the economic, social and technological development of all societies. Climate change will affect all energy systems - from traditional wood burning to industrial fossil fuel and renewable energy production. Increases in natural disasters can disrupt energy transport and transmission routes, as well as physically damage energy facilities.