Adaptation in the UNFCCC: how the G77 & China shaped the agenda

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of the G77 & China on the adoption and evolution of adaptation mechanisms within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Despite extensive literature on climate negotiations, few studies have systematically analyzed how southern countries have contributed to the adoption of adaptation outcomes. This study addresses this gap by identifying the power mechanisms employed by the coalition across three historical periods between 1997 and 2023, reflecting the evolving prominence of adaptation within the group. Initially limited in the 1990s, adaptation gained traction between 2001 and 2015, and fully blossomed during the period of 2016 to 2023. Through a qualitative analysis of negotiation texts, official statements, and key agreements, the paper explores how the G77 & China has successfully positioned adaptation as a core pillar of climate action. This has been done primarily through naming and shaming tactics and leveraging scientific knowledge. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the G77 & China’s agency in climate diplomacy and its evolving role in shaping global adaptation governance.