SOAS-led University Network Convenes Research Workshop on Climate Adaptation and Resilience

The RAMP University Network for Strengthening Macrofinancial Resilience to Climate and Environmental Change held a two-day online workshop on 8-9 July 2024 where faculty from member universities presented their findings from research supported by the Resilience and Adaptation Mainstreaming Program (RAMP).

Convened by Senior Fellow Dr Jonathan Acosta-Smith, the workshop saw faculty from member universities presenting the findings from their research. The workshop drew strong interest from across the University Network.

In October 2023, the RAMP University Network awarded ten case study research grants. The case study research projects were presented at the workshop from member universities across Uganda, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania. 

These case studies provide an in-depth illustration and local context with respect to four courses developed by the University Network: adaptation finance; disaster risk finance; climate budgeting; and public financial management. 

Faculty members presented on a broad range of topics. These included research into disaster risk management and financing in Tanzania, adaptation and mitigation options in Uganda, the impact of hand pollination of cocoa farms in Ghana, the analysis of adaptation programs supported by the Green Climate Fund in sub-Saharan Africa, and the financing of transformative adaptation to improve flood resilience in Bangladesh. 

Building on the positive and constructive feedback received at the workshop, papers will be revised in the coming months, and revised papers will ultimately be published in a new RAMP working paper series.

The University Network for Strengthening Macrofinancial Resilience to Climate and Environmental Change was established to promote multi-disciplinary academic teaching and research in areas important for strengthening macrofinancial resilience to climate change. The Network consists of global universities that seek to build capacities to conduct relevant high-quality teaching and research and acts as a strategic and knowledge partner of major international organisations working in this field.

The University Network is a key part of the Resilience and Adaptation Mainstreaming Program (RAMP). The objective of RAMP is to accelerate climate adaptation in developing countries by building capacity in ministries of finance, planning and economics to understand, plan for, and finance climate adaptation actions. RAMP is supported by a secretariat hosted by the World Resources Institute, working in close partnership with the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, the Bretton Woods institutions, UNDP, regional development banks, and other stakeholders.

Header Image credit: Geranimo via Unsplash.