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Low-carbon Development for Least Developed Countries

24 pages

This paper examines the rationale for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to pursue low-carbon growth paths, and identifies areas where such countries can contribute to mitigation whilst retaining a focus on poverty reduction. It argues low-carbon growth paths, appropriate to the needs of LDCs, ought to be explored now. Policies for low-carbon development offer an opportunity to share in the benefits of green growth, address a range of existing market and government failures in LDCs, and provide low-cost options for global emissions reductions. Synergies between poverty alleviation and emissions reduction exist in the forestry and agriculture sectors, as well as rural electrification. But elsewhere there may be trade-offs, for instance in the transport and industrial sectors. Where additional costs are involved, these should not be borne by poor people, making it vital that an international framework is in place to assist LDCs, with rich countries compensating them for measures they undertake that go beyond their immediate development interests.

KeywordsClimate change adaptation Climate finance Natural resources