Contributor

November 5, 2025

From Plans to Markets: China’s Experiment in Building an Adaptation Economy

This Paulson Institute and Basilinna technical paper, in partnership with Morphosis and Instituto Itaúsa, focusses on emerging climate adaptation markets in China. 

Drawing on national policies, local pilot programs, and private sector participation, this paper offers an initial overview of China’s experiments with adaptation finance. This case study seeks to explore how actors across government, financial institutions, and the real economy are beginning to define and address the adaptation challenge. 

This report draws on examples and analysis from China that could help inform public and private stakeholders hoping to catalyse adaptation finance in their home markets. And contributes lessons and takeaways originating from China to the global adaptation finance discourse.