🚣🏼‍♀️International Development and Sustainability Unit 8 – Climate Change: Impacts in Developing Nations

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global or regional climate patterns, primarily caused by human activities that increase greenhouse gas emissions
• Greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide) trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming
• Vulnerability assesses the susceptibility of a system to the adverse effects of climate change, considering its sensitivity, exposure, and adaptive capacity
• Adaptation involves adjusting to actual or expected climate change and its effects to moderate harm or exploit beneficial opportunities
• Mitigation focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing sinks to limit the extent of future climate change
• Resilience describes the ability of a system to absorb disturbances while retaining its basic structure and function
• Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

Global Climate Trends

• Global average surface temperature has increased by approximately 1.1°C since pre-industrial times, with the last decade being the warmest on record
• Sea levels have risen by about 21-24 cm since 1880 due to thermal expansion of the oceans and melting of glaciers and ice sheets
• Arctic sea ice extent has declined by roughly 13% per decade since 1979, with the summer minimum extent shrinking more rapidly
• Precipitation patterns are changing, with wet regions generally becoming wetter and dry regions becoming drier
• Extreme weather events (heatwaves, droughts, floods, cyclones) are becoming more frequent and intense in many parts of the world
• Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations have increased from pre-industrial levels of around 280 ppm to over 410 ppm today
• The ocean has absorbed about 30% of the emitted anthropogenic carbon dioxide, causing ocean acidification

Vulnerability of Developing Nations

• Developing nations are disproportionately vulnerable to climate change due to their limited adaptive capacity and high dependence on climate-sensitive sectors (agriculture, fisheries, tourism)
• Geographical factors (low-lying coastal areas, arid and semi-arid regions) increase exposure to climate hazards like sea-level rise, flooding, and droughts
• Limited financial resources and weak institutions hinder the ability of developing nations to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and implement effective adaptation measures
• High levels of poverty and inequality exacerbate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations, particularly women, children, and indigenous communities
• Developing nations often lack access to advanced technologies and expertise needed for climate change adaptation and mitigation
• Climate change can undermine progress towards sustainable development goals (poverty eradication, food security, health) in developing nations
• Many developing nations have contributed minimally to historical greenhouse gas emissions but bear the brunt of the consequences

Environmental Impacts

• Rising temperatures lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and mortality
• Changing precipitation patterns can cause more frequent and severe droughts, reducing water availability for agriculture, industry, and human consumption
• Increased rainfall intensity and sea-level rise contribute to more frequent and devastating floods, damaging infrastructure and displacing communities
• Ocean acidification and warming disrupt marine ecosystems, reducing biodiversity and productivity of fisheries that many coastal communities depend on
• Glacial retreat and snowpack decline affect the timing and availability of freshwater resources, particularly in regions that rely on glacier-fed rivers (Himalayas, Andes)
• Shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns alter the distribution and abundance of plant and animal species, leading to ecosystem disruptions and biodiversity loss
• Climate change can exacerbate land degradation, desertification, and soil erosion, reducing agricultural productivity and food security

Socioeconomic Consequences

• Climate change impacts on agriculture (crop failures, livestock losses) threaten food security and livelihoods in developing nations, where a large proportion of the population depends on agriculture
• Water scarcity and reduced water quality due to climate change can lead to increased competition for water resources, social tensions, and conflicts
• Damage to infrastructure (roads, bridges, buildings) from extreme weather events can disrupt economic activities and hinder development efforts
• Climate-related disasters (floods, droughts, cyclones) can lead to large-scale displacement and migration, straining urban infrastructure and social services
• Reduced productivity of climate-sensitive sectors (agriculture, fisheries, tourism) can slow economic growth and exacerbate poverty and inequality in developing nations
• Climate change can undermine public health by increasing the spread of vector-borne diseases (malaria, dengue), water-borne illnesses, and malnutrition
• The economic costs of adapting to and recovering from climate change impacts can divert resources away from other development priorities (education, healthcare)

Adaptation Strategies

• Developing climate-resilient infrastructure (flood defenses, drought-resistant water systems) to reduce vulnerability to climate hazards
• Promoting sustainable land management practices (agroforestry, conservation agriculture) to improve soil health, water retention, and crop productivity
• Implementing early warning systems and disaster risk reduction measures to minimize the impacts of extreme weather events
• Diversifying livelihoods and income sources to reduce dependence on climate-sensitive sectors and enhance resilience
• Strengthening social safety nets and insurance mechanisms to support vulnerable populations in coping with climate-related shocks
• Investing in research and development of climate-resilient crops and agricultural technologies to enhance food security
• Enhancing institutional capacity and governance to effectively plan, coordinate, and implement adaptation actions at national and local levels

Mitigation Efforts

• Promoting renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion
• Implementing energy efficiency measures in buildings, transportation, and industry to reduce energy consumption and associated emissions
• Encouraging sustainable land use practices (reforestation, afforestation, reduced deforestation) to enhance carbon sequestration and preserve natural carbon sinks
• Adopting low-carbon transportation options (public transit, electric vehicles, cycling) to reduce emissions from the transportation sector
• Promoting waste reduction, recycling, and composting to minimize greenhouse gas emissions from waste management
• Implementing carbon pricing mechanisms (carbon taxes, emissions trading schemes) to incentivize emissions reductions and fund mitigation efforts
• Supporting research and development of low-carbon technologies and practices to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy

International Cooperation and Policy

• The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) provides a global platform for international cooperation on climate change mitigation and adaptation
• The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, sets a global goal to limit temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are the climate action plans submitted by countries under the Paris Agreement, outlining their mitigation and adaptation commitments
• Climate finance mechanisms (Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund) provide financial support to developing nations for implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation projects
• Technology transfer and capacity building initiatives help developing nations access and adopt low-carbon technologies and build institutional capacity for climate action
• International partnerships and networks (Climate and Clean Air Coalition, Global Covenant of Mayors) facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration on climate change solutions
• Integrating climate change considerations into national development plans and sectoral policies is crucial for mainstreaming climate action and achieving sustainable development goals