One week of discussions at the COP15 in Copenhagen has produced many numbers, most of which geared towards greenhousegasses mitigation. However, little progress is to be seen when it comes to adaptation, despite it being a crucial issue. The initial syndrome of an approach favoring reduction is still clearly visible. Although a provisional text (“draft text”) seems now to have a consensus, one is obliged to note that the implementation of financing mechanisms and the supervision of adaptation programs must still be clarified.

Between “adaptation framework” or “action program” for climate change, ideas are still uncertain when it comes to which adaptation measures to support in developing countries. The priority must go to countries that are already facing climate stress. First, investment choices must be re-oriented, and access to additional financial and technological resources must be facilitated (infrastructure, agriculture, etc.). This is far from being the case.

The goal will also be to facilitate the collection and pooling of information, and the exchange of knowledge and experience. The aim here is to create and/or improve the capacities— including institutional capacities—of various actors in developing countries.

Finally, the goal is to predict and develop all capacities to anticipate, prevent and adapt to future risks, and cover the costs involved in damage due to the hazards of climate change. In this spirit, the question of insurance and social safety nets remains largely to be considered.

The “additionality” of funds—that is to say, the amounts to allocate in addition to the promised ODA—is still widely under debate and, at this stage, an unresolved stumbling block between civil societies and the Parties.