ND-GAIN Index

The ND-GAIN matrix

The “ND-GAIN Matrix” illustrates the comparative ability of countries to undertake adaptive actions to increase its resilience to climate. The vertical axis measures the relative vulnerability of countries. The horizontal axis measures to what degree a country is prepared to deal with climatic and environmental changes. Divisions for the quadrants correspond the the median Vulnerability and Readiness of the world.

The matrix can be accessed by clicking on the button at the top of the page. For your convenience we also provide a pdf document. Below we further evaluate on the diffe/2014rent ND-GAIN Matrix quadrants

Below we further evaluate on the different ND-GAIN Matrix quadrants

Red, or Upper Left Quadrant

A country with a high vulnerability to climatic change, but a low level of readiness, has both a great need for investment and innovations to improve readiness and a great urgency for action. Unless the government, international organizations and the private sector move quickly to improve the ability to adapt, significant human suffering will result. Initially this country is more likely to receive investment from the government or NGOs than from the private sector looking for financial returns.

Yellow, or Lower Left Quadrant

Countries that are not highly vulnerable, even if not ready for investment. These countries will have time to prepare. While private investment towards adaptation will be low, few people should be at risk.

Blue, or Upper Right Quadrant

Countries in this quadrant are highly vulnerable but are ready to accept adaptation investment. There is strong urgency to act and the private sector is more likely to invest in adaptation relative to the red or yellow quadrants.

Green, or Lower Right Quadrant

These countries have both low vulnerability and are ready and open for investments. They require little help in coping with their adaptation challenges.

Indicator trends

Indicator trends are represented by the slope of the indicator line over the last six years. The linear fit is obtained by utilizing Least Squares Fitting. For Readiness and ND-GAIN, increasing trends signify that the nation is improving its Readiness and/or ND-GAIN. For vulnerability, increasing trends signify that the nation is becoming more vulnerable to climate change, as computed during the same time period. It is important to remember that these trends are computed using the last six-year data.