Climate Change and Developing Countries: 11 (Advances in Global Change Research, 11) - Softcover

Ravindranath, Nijavalli H.; Sathaye, Jayant A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 140200771X ISBN 13: 9781402007712

Publisher: Springer, 2002

Synopsis

Among global environmental issues, climate change has received the largest attention of national and global policy makers, researchers, industry, multilateral banks and NGOs. Climate change is one of the most important global environmental problems with unique characteristics. It is global, long-term (up to several centuries) and involves complex interactions between climatic, environmental, economic, political, institutional and technological pressures. It is of great significance to developing countries as all the available knowledge suggests that they, and particularly their poorer inhabitants, are highly vulnerable to climate impacts. The projected warming of 1. 4 to 5. 8° C by 2100 and the related changes in rainfall pattern, rise in sea-level and increased frequency of extreme events (such as drought, hurricanes and storms) are likely to threaten food security, increase fresh water scarcity, lead to decline in biodiversity, increase occurrence of vector-borne diseases, cause flooding of coastal settlements, etc. Recognizing the potential threat of severe disruptions, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development was organized in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to begin to address ways to reduce these impacts, which led to the formulation of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. This Convention and the subsequent Kyoto Protocol recognize “the common but differentiated responsibility” of developing and industrialized countries in addressing climate change. Developing countries thus have a unique role to play in formulating a sound, reasoned, and well informed response to the threat of climate change.

About this title

Synopsis

This book presents the alternative perspectives of developing countries on opportunities to benefit from the current and emerging global negotiations, institutions, and mechanisms to address climate change. Analyses show that the developing countries, with appropriate policy and institutional responses, could benefit from the global programs for mitigating the climate change. A comprehensive and simplified guide to assist negotiators and policy makers from developing countries, as well as researchers, is provided. The unique feature of this book is that it provides a comprehensive coverage of different issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, mitigation analysis, impacts and adaptation, policy options, emerging global institutions and mechanisms, and alternative perspectives of developing countries. The book provides basic information, analysis, and interpretation of various aspects relevant to climate change and will be a valuable asset to researchers, negotiators, policy makers, and environmental groups engaged in the analysis and discussion of climate change.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 140200771X
• ISBN 13: 9781402007712
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 300