Climate Change and Development Links

Abstract

"This paper describes the independent evolution of climate change and development discourses, and provides some explanation as to why the two fields have operated largely independently from one another. The recent initiatives to strengthen links between the climate change and development communities are also described. These are of particular importance as climate change impacts will significantly affect national development. Climate change experts can no longer ignore the fact that most climate change impacts will fall predominantly on the world’s poorest people. Likewise, without addressing climate change issues, much development policy and practice will be wasted. Alternative development pathways will influence the capacity of communities and countries to adapt to climate change and will also determine future greenhouse gas emission pathways."