What works for metrics and indicators to track progress on the Global Goal on Adaptation targets

The adoption of the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience, commonly referred to as the global goal on adaptation (GGA) framework, was a major COP 28 decision. The framework sets 11 global adaptation targets, including for key sectors and adaptation processes. This brings the question of what indicators and metrics can work for tracking GGA targets? It also requires understanding the characteristics of good indicators for tracking the progress of GGA targets. We are synthesising wide evidence of human adaptation to inform robust discussion on what effective metrics and indicators for tracking GGA targets would look like and what is available for use to track the progress of GGA targets. Using in-depth synthesis of literature on adaptation evidence between 2014 and 2024 we will provide insights on what robust metrics and indicators for tracking the GGA targets could look like. In-depth synthesis of scientific literature is supported by synthesis of metrics and indicators listed in government adaptation policy documents (e.g., Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), Adaptation Communications (AdComs)). This synthesis of a diversity of adaptation information ensures that the metrics and indicators developed are also supported by evidence on what countries are prioritising and have relevance for monitoring and evaluating the GGA targets at both global and national or subnational levels. This approach holds the potential for ensuring that the metrics and indicators are robust and supported by empirical evidence on what countries are prioritising, thus supporting linkages between global and national scales in the assessment of adaptation progress.