THEME INFO PACKS: CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change - Adaptation and mitigation in development programs: A practical guide by Muthukumura Mani, Anil markandya and Viju Ipe

Actions needed to adapt to climate change and to limit GHGs cover many sectors of the economy (agriculture, water, coastal areas, forests, biodiversity and ecosystems, health, transport and infrastructure investment). Since all of these are affected by most development programs, one can expect the choice of policies for development to have implications for adaptation policy. More widely, macroeconomic and sectoral policies also have potential impacts on emissions of GHGs and on the nature of development in a country, which in turn has implications on the costs of adaptation. It is important for donors and their country partners to be aware of these linkages. The purpose of this study is to draw on all available material in order to provide targeted guidance on the linkages between the design of development programs and the objectives of adapting to climate change and limiting emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). The report should be useful to practitioners in development organizations (multilateral and bilateral institutions) and countries for a better understanding of the implications of development programs and policies on climate change, as well as the implications of climate policies on budgetary and related operations. (From the preface)

Kyoto 2: How to manage the global greenhouse by Oliver Tickell, 2009. ISBN 978-1848130258. Zed Books, 7 Cynthia Street, London N1 9JF, U.K.

The Kyoto Protocol, the world's first tentative step towards avoiding the threat of climate change, has failed. We urgently need a new course of action. In Kyoto2 the writer, journalist and broadcaster Oliver Tickell puts forward a strikingly original new solution. Using a system of finite production rights for greenhouse gases, which would be traded by organisations on a global auction, Kyoto2 seeks to succeed where the original agreement failed. Regulated by an independent body, the funds could be poured back into healing the wounds inflicted by climate change. In his combination of idealism with realistic proposals, Tickell exposes the flaws in current approaches, and envisions a fairer and more effective system. Kyoto2 promises to banish the dejection of the post-Kyoto era, reviving hope that the cure for the crisis facing our planet is still achievable. (from the publishers)

The corporate greenhouse: Climate change policyin a globalizing world by Yda Schreuder, 2009. ISBN 978-1842779583. Zed Books, 7 Cynthia Street, London N1 9JF, U.K.

This timely book addresses the political economy of climate change. The author questions the disconnect between the current nation-state based negotiation framework and the forces in the global economy that: are driven by neo-liberal policies, organized around transnational corporations or international production networks and, refute effective climate change policy. With the emergence on the world economic and carbon scene of China and India and several other developing economies, the debate on "who is to blame, and who is to pay" can no longer be ignored. Carefully researched and sourced from original work and case studies, The Corporate Greenhouse argues that failing to account in climate change treaties for the activities of transnational corporations will hinder solutions to global climate change.  (From the publishers)

Sustainable energy - Without the hot air by David MacKay, 2009. ISBN 978-0954452933. Independent Publishers Group, 814 North Franklin St., Chicago, IL 60610, U.S.A. Downloadable at http://www.withouthotair.com

Addressing the sustainable energy crisis in an objective manner, this enlightening book analyzes the relevant numbers and organizes a plan for change on both a personal level and an international scale—for Europe, the United States, and the world. In case study format, this informative reference answers questions surrounding nuclear energy, the potential of sustainable fossil fuels, and the possibilities of sharing renewable power with foreign countries. While underlining the difficulty of minimizing consumption, the tone remains positive as it debunks misinformation and clearly explains the calculations of expenditure per person to encourage people to make individual changes that will benefit the world at large. (From the publishers)

The Global Deal: Climate change and the creation of a new era of progress and prosperity by Nicholas Stern, 2009. ISBN 978-1-58648-6693. Public Affairs

In October 2006, Nicholas Stern, one of the greatest economists and public intellectuals of our day, made headlines around the world with his report, which reviewed the costs and benefits of dealing with global warming. The world’s community has learned that it must act to mitigate global climate change, but until the Stern Review, no one knew how much it would cost, and how to do it. Now, Stern has transformed his report into a powerful narrative book for general readers. The Global Deal evaluates the economic future, and the essential steps we must take to protect growth and reduce poverty while managing climate change. The future Stern outlines is optimistic and pragmatic; he believes we have the capacity and creativity to change. But we need the will to inspire our political leaders to drive a new global strategy. (From the publishers)

Politics of climate change by Anthony Giddens, 2009. ISBN-13: 9780745646923. Polity Press.

Climate change differs from any other problem that, as collective humanity, we face today. If it goes unchecked, the consequences are likely to be catastrophic for human life on earth. Yet for most people, and for many policy-makers too, it tends to be a ?back of the mind? issue. We recognise its importance and even its urgency, but for the most part it is swamped by more immediate concerns. Politicians have woken up to the dangers, but at the moment their responses are mainly on the level of gesture rather than being, as they have to be, both concrete and radical. Political action and intervention, on local, national and international levels, is going to have a decisive effect on whether or not we can limit global warming, as well as how we adapt to that already occurring. At the moment, however, Anthony Giddens argues controversially, we do not have a systematic politics of climate change. Politics-as-usual won?t allow us to deal with the problems we face, while the recipes of the main challenger to orthodox politics, the green movement, are flawed at source. Giddens introduces a range of new concepts and proposals to fill in the gap, and examines in depth the connections between climate change and energy security. This book is likely to become a classic in the field. It will be of appeal to everyone concerned about how we can cope with what amounts to a crisis for our civilisation. (From the publishers)

Climate risk managet in Africa: Learning from practice by Molly E. Hellmuth, Anne Moorhead, Madeleine C. Thomson, and Jim Williams (eds.), 2007. ISBN 978-0-9729252-3-5. The International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI), Columbia University, Lamont Campus, 61 Route 9W, Monell Building, Palisades, New York 10964-8000, U.S.A. Downloadable from: http://portal.iri.columbia.edu/

This is the first volume of the Climate and Society series, a programme of the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI). The series is devoted to providing “authoritative and accessible” information on climate risk management research, practice and policy in support of sustainable development. It starts by looking at the strong relationship existing between climate and development, and at the need to incorporate climate information into the many development efforts taking place. The lessons presented at the end are backed by five case studies, all of which highlight the importance of integrating information into the decision-making frameworks, and the need to consider ICTs, the media and the local extension services. It is clearly written and will be useful for decision-makers and anyone working on climate change.

The atlas of climate change: Mapping the world’s greatest challenge by Kirstin Dow and Thomas E. Downing, 2006. ISBN 978-1-84407-522-5. Earthscan, 8-12 Camden High Street, London NW1 0JH, U.K.

This is an easy to read, yet complete analysis of the major issues related to climate change. Highlighting the magnitude of the problem, the authors aim at a better understanding of the causes and consequences behind climate change, in a way that “will help us to avoid some of the threats, direct our efforts wisely, and find opportunities for meeting the challenges”. With maps and diagrams, they present signs and evidence of change, and then examine the factors behind this change, including agriculture. After looking at the different threats (food insecurity, disrupted ecosystems, threatened water supplies), the last section looks at the international response, and at the steps which individuals can take. This book will be interesting to general readers, policy makers and practitioners.  

Adapting to climate change: How local experiences can shape the debate by Annelieke Douma and Danielle Hirsh, 2007. Briefing Paper, Both ENDS, Nieuwe Keizersgracht 45, 1018 VC Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Downloadable from http://www.bothends.org

This paper reviews the adaptation strategies of vulnerable communities, drawing on eight case studies prepared by local organisations working in Africa, Asia and South America (with full descriptions available on the internet). Presented as “the neglected aspect of climate change discussions”, the report looks at the international framework for adaptation, and at the main issues behind it: funding, the necessary knowledge base, the capacities needed, and the existing local policies. The case studies provide different examples of adaptation strategies, and help the authors draw some key lessons and recommendations.

Organic farming and climate change by Urs Niggli, Heinz Schmid and Andreas Fliessbach, 2007. Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, FiBL / International Trade Centre UCTAD-WTO. Palais des nations, 1211, Geneva 10, Switzerland. Downloadable from http://www.fibl.org/english

While agriculture is affected by climate change, it also contributes to it. Some estimates say this is as much as 12 percent of all global greenhouse emissions; others say this figure is rising as farmers are clearing new land for production, resulting in deforestation, tilling of pastures and soil degradation. This study looks at the potential of organic farming to mitigate climate change, as an option that reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases, or as one that stores CO2 in the soil. With data and references, the authors discuss the weaknesses generally attributed to organic agriculture (such as lower yields), and also consider the benefits that could come out of including it in the post-Kyoto negotiations.

Agriculture and climate beyond 2015: A new perspective on future land use patterns by Floor Brouwer and Bruce A. McCarl, 2006. ISBN 978-1-4020-4063-4. Environment and Policy series, volume 46. Springer, P.O. Box 17, 3300 AA Dordrecht, the Netherlands.

This book brings together the results of a workshop organised by LEI, the Agricultural Economics Research Institute in the Netherlands. Different papers look at the interactions between land use patterns, the current (and future) changes in worldwide agriculture, and the various efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. By considering cases from Central America, India, Europe and North America, the editors present an overview of the interactions between these issues, especially considering the situation expected in the near future.  

Reducing carbon emissions through community-managed forests in the Himalaya by Kamal Banskota, Bhaskar Singh Karky and Margaret Skutsch (eds.), 2007. ISBN 978-92-9115-058-8. International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), G.P.O. Box 3226, Khumaltar, Kathmandu, Nepal. E-mail: info@icimod.org

This book aims to generate awareness on the important role which community-managed forests can have in reducing carbon emissions and regulating climate change. It builds on the results of the “Think Global Act Local” research project, with case studies from India and Nepal. It looks at the Kyoto Protocol and Clean Development Mechanisms, discussing that they do not consider forest management activities, or projects which avoid deforestation. There is also a chapter on carbon measurement. The book is useful for professionals, researchers, policy-makers and students, and especially anyone working in community forestry projects.

Climate change: Turning up the heat by A. Barrie Pittock, 2005. ISBN 1-84407-300-9. Earthscan, 8-12 Camden High Street, London NW1 0JH, U.K.

This book provides a thorough and comprehensive look at climate change, reflecting the author’s vast experience. Aiming to “sort fact from fiction”, his analysis starts by looking at past climate changes, and then at possible future scenarios (considering, for example, the expected changes in crop yields or in sea levels). The author includes a chapter on adaptation, highlighting the need to enhance the adaptive capacity of many countries. Another chapter discusses why mitigation is needed, and how much is necessary. The final chapters look at the international responses and at the need for further co-ordinated action, considering that “there is still hope of avoiding the worst consequences if we act now”. It is written to be accessible to students and policy makers alike.  

Gender: The missing component of the response to climate change by Yianna Lambrou and Grazia Piana, 2006. 45 p. Gender and Population Division, Sustainable Development Department, FAO. Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100, Rome, Italy. Downloadable from ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/010/i0170e/i0170e00.pdf

Gender aspects have generally been neglected in international discussions and agreements on climate change. The authors see this as the result of a general preference for scientific and technological measures, rather than in policies which address behaviour and social differences. While poor people will face more difficulties in relation to climate change, women are generally more vulnerable to its impacts. In this brief report, the authors argue for the need to acknowledge gender differences, and the  need to integrate gender in governments’ and organisations’ responses. On the basis of the key role which women have in development, these responses need to make sure that the effect of climate change does not further impoverish women.

Mapping climate vulnerability and poverty in Africa: Report to the Department for International Development by P.K. Thornton, P.G. Jones, T.M. Owiyo, R.L. Kruska, M. Herrero, P. Kristjanson, A. Notenbaert, N. Bekele and A. Omolo, 2006. ISBN 92–9146–183–0. The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), PO Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya.  Downloadable from http://www.acts.or.ke/pubs/books/docs/Mapping_Vuln_Africa.pdf

“Climate change will add burdens to those who are already poor and vulnerable.” Following this assertion, DFID’s Central Research Department started a programme to improve the ability of poor people to be more resilient to current climate variability, and the risks associated with longer term climate change. This report was part of a broader effort to help identify where to locate specific research activities. The study looked at vulnerability on the basis of natural and physical capital, but also in terms of social, human and financial capital. Results showed the enormous diversity in households’ poverty levels, access to resources and abilities to cope. In turn, this highlighted the enormous variability and complexity of responses to climate change. These results are relevant to all those involved in helping communities adapt to change.

Climate change: Impacts, vulnerabilities and adaptation in developing countries by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 2007. Climate Change Secretariat. Martin-Luther-King-Strasse 8, 53175 Bonn, Germany.

Drawing on material provided to the UNFCCC during three regional workshops, this book was produced “to highlight the concerns and needs of developing countries in adapting to the effects of climate change”. It starts by showing why adaptation is needed, especially in developing countries, then looking at what is already being done. Separate sections examine the expected impact of climate change and vulnerability in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the small island states. This is followed by a detailed look at different strategies, considering both “reactive” and “anticipatory” responses to climate change. These include the integration of adaptation approaches into policy and planning, and work needed in capacity building, education and training, and public awareness. Its final chapter, “Looking forward”, stresses the need of collaboration and co-operation between countries.

Food, climate and development by Jessica Henryson, 2007. 28 p. ISBN 91-558-7991-8. Report, Swedish Society for Nature Conservation. Box 4625, 11691 Stockholm, Sweden.

Halving world hunger is one of the Millennium Development Goals, aiming to be achieved by 2015. The development of agriculture is expected to play a critical role, by increasing the total output of food produced. But conventional agriculture has had a negative effect on the environment during the past 50 years – in particular on the ecosystems on which most poor people depend. This report argues for an agricultural development that does not contribute to the degradation of ecosystems or to the emissions of greenhouse gases, “but that it is based to a greater degree on resources that are locally available, that is not reliant on fossil fuels and that promotes the recovery capacity of ecosystems”. It presents the measures proposed by the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation in terms of trade, education, ecosystem services and rural development.

More information? Please write to the editors, at ileia@ileia.nl