Climate change poses a potentially major challenge to social and economic development in all countries. It is widely accepted that at least part of the earth’s 0.6°C warming during the last 100 years is due to emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, caused by human activities. During this century, the world is expected to continue warming, by between 1.4 and 5.8°C. Other predicted impacts are a rise in global sea levels of between 0.09 and 0.88 metres by 2100, and changes in weather patterns, including an increased frequency and severity of extreme events such as hurricanes, floods and droughts. How can developing countries and development policies ensure progress in a changing climate?
Further articles in this issue of id21's insights 53 include the following:
- Synergies and trade-offs in climate change responses
- International policy in supporting adaptation
- Responding to drought and food insecurity
- Living with variable climate in southern Africa
- Responding to climate change
- Knowledge about our future climate
- Focus on the Pacific Islands
