As the impacts of climate change intensify, countries are under growing pressure to protect lives and livelihoods while building long-term resilience. Adaptation is an urgent priority. Yet too often, adaptation strategies overlook a crucial enabler of resilience: renewable energy.
At COP30, REN21, the Climate Action Network (CAN), and the Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI) will co-host the official side event “Driving Climate Resilience and Adaptation with Renewables: Solutions for People and Nature.” This event explores how renewables can drive climate resilience and adaptation, highlighting how integrated energy planning, resilient grids, and nature-positive approaches can support communities, ecosystems, and sustainable development.
Why this conversation matters
Renewables are widely recognised as a cornerstone of climate mitigation. But they are equally vital for climate adaptation, enabling communities to respond to shocks, reduce economic vulnerability and secure essential services such as health, food and water.
For renewables to fulfil their full potential as a driver of climate, economic and social resilience, they must be embedded in integrated planning processes that align energy, climate, and development goals. This means designing resilient grid infrastructure, empowering community ownership, and ensuring deployment that benefits both people and nature.
About the event
The side event brought together policymakers, community voices, and technical experts to examine how renewables can be a bridge between climate resilience, energy access, and biodiversity protection.
High-level representatives from all stakeholder groups discussed:
- Position renewable energy as a key enabler of climate adaptation across systems and sectors
- Integrate energy planning into National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA)
- Embed nature-positive practices in energy infrastructure and grid development
- Strengthen community-led resilience through inclusive, locally driven renewable solutions
- Align public and private finance to support resilient, equitable, and sustainable energy transitions
Key Insights from the Discussion
- Adaptation Must Be Integrated into Development Plans
Governments need policy recommendations that integrate adaptation into their national development plans. Renewable energy should be central to this process, as it provides sustainable solutions to help build resilience at both the local and national levels. - Framing Adaptation Financing for Contextual Impact
Climate change is already a daily reality in Africa. There is a need for a shift in how we view adaptation financing: it’s not just a sunk cost but an opportunity for investable solutions. For instance, solar-powered irrigation systems provide a double benefit — helping communities adapt to climate change while being financially viable for investors. Business models need to be tailored to local contexts, ensuring that adaptation strategies are both practical and scalable. - People and Nature Must Be at the Centre of the Energy Transition
While the goal is to scale renewable energy to address the climate crisis, it is crucial that we do so without sacrificing nature. RE projects, when done right, can create co-benefits for both people and the environment. One example shared was a solar farm in Eastern Europe that worked with local communities to ensure the development process protected sensitive areas, restored vegetation, and created a thriving local ecosystem. These kinds of projects can serve as models for the sustainable integration of RE and nature. - Renewables as a Lifeline for Health and Continuity
There is a profound impact of RE on the health sector in Africa. Renewable energy is not just an environmental solution; it’s an essential adaptation measure. Solar-powered health facilities ensure that critical services continue without disruption, even during power outages. By investing in renewable energy for healthcare, we improve access to continuous care and connectivity, benefiting entire communities. - Data, Tools, and Systems Thinking to Drive Action
Data-driven decision-making is integral in adaptation strategies. Using modern tools to gather and communicate data on climate impacts helps bridge the gap between stakeholders and makes adaptation efforts more actionable. Systems thinking — understanding the interconnectedness of challenges — is key to developing coherent, effective solutions.
Event details
Date: 12 November 2025
Time: 16:45–18:15
Location: COP30 Blue Zone Pavilion, Side Event Room 5
Co-organisers: REN21, Climate Action Network (CAN), and Renewables Grid Initiative (RGI)
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