Turning National Adaptation Plans into Local Action: Lessons from Brazil, India and Indonesia

In large and decentralized countries like Brazil, India and Indonesia, translating national adaptation plans into impactful local action remains a major challenge. The complexity of tailoring adaptation responses to diverse geographies is compounded by fragmented governance, uneven capacity, and gaps in data and finance. As climate impacts intensify, strengthening connections between national and subnational governments will be critical to overcoming these barriers and ensuring adaptation efforts reach the communities most vulnerable to climate change.

Frameworks and political support are emerging in support of stronger vertical integration, with local realities and priorities shaping national decisions and national systems and resources supporting local implementation. But what will it take to make this integration work in practice? How can countries move from fragmented efforts to coordinated action across levels of government? And how can we ensure subnational governments are equipped to deliver adaptation where it matters most?

Join us for a discussion with policymakers and experts exploring how countries can close the gap between national and local adaptation. Drawing on new WRI research, this webinar will highlight lessons from Brazil, India and Indonesia and identify practical pathways for turning national adaptation plans into effective action that delivers for communities on the frontlines of climate change.