Drivers for Climate Adaptation in the Global South: A Comparative Analysis in Latin America and the Caribbean and Sub‐Saharan Africa With Quantile Regression Analysis

Climate adaptation and resilience (ClimAdp) pose a challenge in vulnerable countries, with a cumulative effect that is particularly pronounced in the face of changing socio‐ecological dynamics. This study utilizes panel data from 67 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) spanning the period from 2007 to 2022. It applies the method of moments quantile regression (MMQR) as a baseline estimation and robustness check through feasible generalized least squares and bootstrap quantile regression. Ethnic cohesion (EtC) impedes adaptation due to fragmented collective action, while the rule of law (RoL) and government effectiveness (GoE) are key enablers. We also explore how the EtC × RoL interaction mitigates the adverse effects of ethnic fragmentation, except in the top 20% of resilient countries. SSA outperforms LAC in managing ethnic fragmentation. However, LAC's top 30% adapters demonstrate superior RoL enforcement. Furthermore, incorporating regional political cooperation (RegCop) has shown a progressive impact on ClimAdp in both regions. It also nullifies or helps eliminate the EtC, even in the lowest 20% of resilient countries, while enhancing the capacity of state governance for better implementation of climate change enforcement. By reviewing the regional advantages and comparisons, the study concludes that both vulnerable regions should continue to cooperate intra‐ and inter‐regionally for better climate change initiatives, which help strengthen their adaptive capacity. It also suggested that in intraregional cooperation, top resilient countries should support weaker countries to promote better social cohesion and institutional settings, monitor their Climate Adaptation and Resilience framework, and provide expertise in support of the 2030 Agenda.