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Richard Klein
Climate adaptation policy research at Stockholm Environment Institute, Adaptation Without Borders, IPCC, WASP
Richard Klein is a distinguished figure in the field of climate change adaptation, with over 30 years of experience in research and policy.
He is renowned for his work on the global challenges of adaptation to climate change and has been instrumental in designing policies to address these issues.
As a professor, researcher, and policy advisor, Richard has contributed significantly to the field through his roles at SEI, Linköping University, and various global initiatives.
His leadership in international collaborative projects, extensive publication record, and advisory roles for governments and organizations reflect his deep expertise in climate change vulnerability, impacts, and adaptation.
Richard's academic background includes studies in Geography, Environmental Economics, Risk Management, and Quaternary Geology from prestigious institutions.
He has held key positions at SEI, Global Center on Adaptation, NORD-STAR, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Highlights
Dr Saleemul Huq was more than an advocate for climate justice; he was its embodiment. Radiating warmth and wisdom, he steadfastly championed the rights of the most vulnerable countries and marginalised people confronting the brunt of climate change. He stood as a beacon of hope for countless who sought justice in an unjust world. His legacy will undeniably inspire and guide future generations in the battle against climate change and in pursuit of climate justice.
During the last years of his remarkable life, Saleem ardently pushed for the creation of an international fund to address #lossanddamage. The decision to establish funding arrangements at COP27 last year was a breakthrough he had helped to achieve. However, the Transitional Committee tasked to operationalise this fund now finds itself in a deadlock. Earlier this month, it could not reach agreement at what was supposed to be its final meeting. A last-minute make-it-or-break-it meeting has been scheduled for 3–4 November in Abu Dhabi.
I call on the co-chairs and all members of the Transitional Committee to honour Saleem’s indelible legacy of dedication, passion and transformative leadership. Allow yourselves to be among the many inspired and guided by his work. You have the power to shape the future of climate action, and that of the lives of vulnerable people around the world. Let Saleem’s legacy guide you towards the dream he fervently championed and the choices that future generations will laud.
The ultimate homage to Saleem’s unwavering commitment to climate justice would be to finalise the loss and damage fund in the coming week and launch it at COP28 later this year. Commemorating the fund in honour of Dr Saleemul Huq would serve as a constant reminder of the responsibilities that lie ahead. In the wake of losing such a giant, let's rally to achieve what he fought for. #TheSaleemulHuqLossAndDamageFund
Mohamed Nasr Sumaya Zakieldeen Hana AlHashimi Albara Tawfiq Angela Rivera Matheus Bastos Avinash Persaud Diann Black-Layne Adao Soares Barbosa M. Hafijul Islam khan Manjeet Dhakal Ph. D. Gayane Gabrielyan Georg Børsting Jean-Christophe Donnellier Jaime de Bourbon de Parme Dr. Heike Henn Jun Yamazaki Youssef Nassef Simon Stiell
