Using a nexus approach to improve climate resilience and benefit society, the economy and the environment: policy brief

Abstract

The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has been using conventional approaches, policy and investment assessments along with forecasting tools. The analyses conducted are often comparatively static and narrowly focused on a sector or a specific set of thematic indicators. Instead, a systemic, nexus approach is needed that takes into account social, economic and environmental indicators within a sector, and link them across sectors to generate dynamic projections that make it possible to estimate policy outcomes for all economic actors. Using a nexus approach makes it possible to identify potential synergies and bottlenecks, which can be used to determine if a project or investment is economically viable. Climate adaptation most often gains relevance under this approach. A multi-stakeholder approach is needed for a nexus approach to integrate knowledge across domains. Investment in data collection and dissemination are required. Climate information services can be very useful for supporting efforts to create strong synergies in policy planning and investment analysis when using the nexus approach.