Climate Change and the Developing World

BLOGPOST, Mon 20 December 2010 17:08, Jason Aramburu

As citizens of developed countries, we are well aware of the looming specter of global climate change. Many of us have made strides to introduce green technologies and practices into our daily life. In addition, we are learning to live in a world with fewer resources. But what about citizens of developing world nations? How will the 1Billion+ people living on less than €1 per day cope with changing environmental conditions and climate?

As citizens of developed countries, we are well aware of the looming specter of global climate change. Many of us have made strides to introduce green technologies and practices into our daily life. In addition, we are learning to live in a world with fewer resources. But what about citizens of developing world nations? How will the 1Billion+ people living on less than €1 per day cope with changing environmental conditions and climate?

According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), developing countries are "the most vulnerable to climate change impacts". Unlike the western nations, these developing economies are fragile, and have limited social, technological and financial resources to cope with climate change. In addition, many of the developing world economies are based on agriculture, which will likely be disrupted as temperatures and growing seasons change. The UN estimates that by 2030, developing countries will require between €20 billion and €50 billion in aid to adapt to global climate change. This is equivalent to nearly 1% of global investment flows.

How can we help developing nations adapt to global climate change, beyond providing aid? The greatest thing we can do is reduce our consumption. By lowering our carbon footprint dramatically, we can slow down the effects of climate change.

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How can we help developing nations help themselves? The solution lies in innovative agricultural techniques. Because of poor soil and poor farming techniques, agricultural productivity in places like Sub-Saharan Africa is a fraction of its true potential. Innovative farming technologists are introducing new techniques to these regions to boost yields, and sequester CO2. Techniques like no-till farming, biochar, and composting will reduce carbon footprints while improving crop yield. These technologies can double crop yield, while offsetting the CO2 equivalent of millions of cars each year.

Jason Aramburu