There is extensive evidence that social protection programmes significantly reduce climate vulnerabilities and increase absorptive and adaptive capacities. However, mainstreaming climate change into international social protection shows mixed progress. International actors focus overwhelmingly on shock-responsive social protection rather than slow-onset climate transformations, transformative adaptation, resilience-building, and just transition. This narrow approach limits potential for attracting climate finance and addressing comprehensive climate risks. With climate impacts intensifying in protracted crises, urgent action is needed to broaden engagement beyond short-term shocks.
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