This report was published in response to requests made to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) by different parties to provide a preliminary assessment of adaptation gaps to complement information presented in the emissions gap reports UNEP has been producing since 2010. The emissions gap reports analyse the estimated gap in 2020 between emission levels consistent with the goal of keeping global average temperature increase in this century below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and projected levels if emission reduction pledges by parties are met. Parties have found the emissions gap reports useful in helping inform their discussions at the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC. The report focuses on developing countries, where adaptation needs are anticipated to be the highest and adaptive capacity is often the lowest. The main emphasis is on the period from 2010 to 2050, as the short- to medium term is considered the most relevant period of time for framing adaptation decisions and actions.