Climate change is dramatically reshaping our world, with critical sectors like agriculture, livestock management, forestry, and fisheries facing unprecedented challenges. From dwindling yields to disrupted supply chains and increased vulnerability to extreme weather, the impacts are undeniable. As temperatures continue to rise, current agricultural practices become increasingly unsustainable, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including women, Indigenous Peoples, and small-scale food producers.
While global frameworks such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) are in place, their implementation is often hampered by resource constraints and technical capacity limitations, particularly in developing nations. Bridging the gap between policy and practical action is crucial, demanding effective tools that empower stakeholders to implement tangible adaptation measures against climate change.
Enter the Climate Action Review (CAR) Tool, a vital resource developed through the collaborative efforts of the FAO and UNDP as part of the SCALA programme. This innovative Car Tool integrates practical strategies with long-term planning, aligning with NDCs, NAPs, and other climate commitments to drive meaningful change.
Click here to explore the web CAR Tool interface
Unpacking the Purpose of the CAR Tool
The primary objective of the CAR Tool is to equip national adaptation planners and practitioners with actionable guidance. It facilitates the crucial transition from high-level NDC and NAP frameworks to the on-the-ground implementation of relevant adaptation actions within agriculture and land-use sectors. This car tool is designed to foster transformative, system-wide change.
It delivers a practical, step-by-step methodology for pinpointing key entry points for transformative change, leveraging adaptation actions already defined in NDCs and NAPs. Adaptability is at its core; the tool is versatile enough to suit diverse country contexts and strategic priorities, promoting evidence-based adaptation planning through inclusive, participatory approaches.
Furthermore, this car tool performs a vital “planning function,” offering valuable insights into strategic interventions for future adaptation initiatives. It aligns seamlessly with international guidelines for NAP formulation and implementation, making it an indispensable asset for forward-thinking climate action.
Who Benefits from the CAR Tool?
The Climate Action Review (CAR) Tool is specifically designed to support a range of stakeholders:
- Government NDC and NAP planners and focal points: This car tool is tailored to assist those directly involved in national climate policy and planning.
- Senior policy and technical units within ministries, departments, and agencies: Teams supporting climate change and/or agriculture sector projects will find this tool invaluable for practical implementation.
- Multilateral and bilateral organizations, civil society groups, and financial institutions: Entities supporting country-driven climate action and NDC/NAP implementation in agriculture and land-use sectors can leverage this car tool to enhance their impact.
How the CAR Tool Operates: A Step-by-Step Approach
At its heart, this car tool assesses the potential impact of planned adaptation measures on bolstering the resilience of agrifood systems against climate variability. This evaluation employs six core elements and 20 indicators of transformative climate action. It utilizes both quantitative and qualitative analyses to rigorously compare current and planned adaptation actions, providing a comprehensive overview.
The tool follows a structured five-step process:
- Preparation for Consultative Assessment: Setting the stage for effective and inclusive evaluation.
- Short-listing Adaptation Priorities: Selecting key adaptation priorities from NDCs and NAPs for in-depth evaluation, ensuring focus and relevance.
- Stakeholder Mapping for Consultation: Identifying and engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure a participatory and comprehensive assessment process.
- Assessing Transformative Potential: Evaluating the transformative potential of prioritized adaptation actions to maximize impact.
- Developing an Actionable Roadmap: Creating a clear roadmap for implementing transformative climate actions in the agriculture and land-use sectors, turning plans into reality.
The CAR Tool Handbook: Your User Guide
For comprehensive guidance on utilizing this powerful car tool, users can access the detailed CAR Tool handbook.
Click here to access the CAR Tool handbook
This essential handbook is designed to:
- Provide a deep understanding of the background and rationale behind agricultural and land-use system transformation in the face of climate change.
- Offer step-by-step instructions on applying the CAR Tool and interpreting results, enabling evidence-based adaptation planning using participatory methods.
- Guide the formulation of actionable roadmaps for locally relevant NDC/NAP adaptation action programming and resource mobilization, accelerating transformative climate action in agriculture and land-use sectors.
