[Policy Brief] Adaptive Social Protection in the Age of Climate Change

Problem
Climate shocks (floods, droughts, storms) are hitting harder and more often. Traditional SP reacts too slowly, leaving millions unprotected. Without anticipatory systems, poverty and inequality deepen.

Evidence

• Countries with strong digital registries and payment rails scaled cash faster during COVID-19.

• Pre-arranged financing (sovereign insurance, contingency funds) is cheaper than post-disaster appeals.

• Hybrid climate + vulnerability triggers balance speed and accuracy.

Policy Options

1. Build shock-responsive delivery systems: digital IDs, payment rails, and registries.

2. Pre-arrange financing instruments: reserves, risk pools, and parametric insurance.

3. Integrate livelihood adaptation: link cash with climate-smart agriculture and asset protection.

4. Institutionalize cross-ministry coordination for rapid scale-ups.

Impact
Adaptive SP prevents households from sliding into poverty after disasters and strengthens resilience to climate change.