The Economics of Low Carbon, Climate Resilient Patterns of Growth in Developing Countries: A Review of the Evidence. Final Report.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to review the evidence from the economics of climate change literature to assess to what extent developing countries can move towards low or lower carbon patterns of growth, without compromising economic growth. In addition, the study explored the impact of climate change on economic growth, and the investment needs for increasing climate resilience to ensure continued economic growth in future years.

This final report is structured as follows:

  • A broad review of the economics of climate mitigation in developing countries is described in Section 2. This section provides insights into the main question of whether significant greenhouse gas reductions can be made whilst maintaining growth, and where the main opportunities lie.
  • Section 3 outlines the evidence concerning the impact on economic growth of ensuring future climate resilience through investment in adaptation.
  • Section 4 assesses issues concerning implementation of low carbon, climate resilience growth strategies

Further information on low carbon growth studies is provided in Appendices 2-4. The appendices provide a case study using the Mexico low carbon growth reports (which are in agreement that Mexico has significant low carbon growth potential) and one for Kenya based on the recent East Africa Regional Economics of Climate Change Studies (one of the few low income country studies). Appendix 1 and 5 describe different approaches to assessing the economics of mitigation and impacts/adaptation. Appendix 6 identifies research gaps, and describes how to improve future research in low carbon, climate resilient patterns of growth.

Citation

Pye, S.; Watkiss, P.; Savage, M.; Blythe, W. The Economics of Low Carbon, Climate Resilient Patterns of Growth in Developing Countries: A Review of the Evidence. Final Report. Stockholm Environment Institute, Stockholm, Sweden (2010) 126 pp.

The Economics of Low Carbon, Climate Resilient Patterns of Growth in Developing Countries: A Review of the Evidence. Final Report.

Published 1 January 2010