


07/2010
Selected for the Global Economic Symposium 2010
Climate change poses the serious challenge of carbon dioxide emission reduction. Emission control by developing countries is becoming a key for effective mitigation of climate change, as those countries now account for more than a half of global emissions and are still expanding their energy infrastructure. Substantial emission reduction in developing countries would require strong policy commitments and subsequent investments in a green economy. Some highly efficient, emission-saving production technologies could already be implemented without technical complexities. The challenge is therefore how to bring these technologies to countries that do not have the financial means to invest in them. The successful implementation could generate a “triple dividend,” that is, energy saving, emission reduction and job creation. In this sense climate change can be seen as a chance for economic development in these countries.
Meanwhile, climate experts indicate that the damages of climate change will fall disproportionately on developing countries and particularly on the poor, which are the most vulnerable and least able to adapt. Those damages could inhibit economic development. The World Bank estimates that developing countries will need $145–$175 billion for mitigation and $30–$100 billion for adaptation annually by the year 2030. However, the amount of international funding is currently $9 billion for both measures combined.
There are two areas in which we need international solutions. The first is how to promote implementation of efficient technologies in developing countries. The second one is how to finance the adaption to climate change in developing countries. The first part can be solved not only on the political level, but to a high degree on a business level, particularly by multinational firms.
In order to solve the second part, there is a need for intensified communication between politics and development partners.