Using Access and Benefit-Sharing Policies to Support Climate Change Adaptation

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the earth’s surface has become progressively warmer during the last three decades, with temperatures in each decade exceeding those in the preceding decade since 1850. Changes in temperature and precipitation, and increased atmospheric CO₂, have already led shifts in the production of food and non-food crops around the world, affecting agricultural incomes and food security. Climate projections depend on the chosen scenario and the assumptions made, but overall it is predicted that by mid-21st century the global temperature will increase about 4°C above late 20th century levels, with highly irregular changes in precipitation around the globe (IPCC, 2014).