Report

Technology Transfer for Climate Change Adaptation

Bridging climate and trade policy perspectives

Exploring the concept of adaptation technology in trade and climate policy fora and how better integration of climate and trade policies can enhance adaptation technology transfer in developing countries.

By Katharina Schmidt on August 26, 2025

Policy Recommendations

  • Stronger integration of climate and trade policies is needed to accelerate technology transfer for climate change adaptation, especially in developing countries.

  • Trade policy-makers should actively consult national adaptation strategies and participate in adaptation planning processes to ensure trade policies support technology transfer for climate resilience.

  • Climate policy-makers should clearly identify and communicate adaptation technology needs and barriers in national adaptation plans and assessments to align with trade policy frameworks.

  • Regional and bilateral trade agreements can be leveraged to address context-specific adaptation needs by including tailored provisions for technology cooperation and capacity building.

This publication analyzes how technology transfer for climate change adaptation is addressed at the intersection of climate policy and trade policy frameworks, with a particular focus on the Global South. It reviews the roles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the World Trade Organization, highlighting barriers, country experiences, and negotiations around trade as a driver for adaptation technology transfer. The report critically explores definitions of adaptation technology as well as challenges and examples of adaptation technology transfer. It further assesses trade policy mechanisms and documents how countries identify technology needs and barriers through national adaptation plans and technology needs assessments. The report concludes with lessons and actionable recommendations for trade and climate policy-makers and development partners to better link climate and trade policies, advancing technology transfer to enhance climate resilience in the Global South.