Items tagged:
Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
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High-level summit and video showcase poorest countries’ spearheading efforts to tackle climate crisis
A new film being launched in advance of the Thimphu Ambition Summit underlines how the least developed countries are leading the way when it comes to climate action
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The Green Climate Fund: time to shift focus to locally led adaptation
The Green Climate Fund needs to consider how it can better channel funds directly to countries, helping build strong accredited entities that can support adaptation in adaptation initiatives
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LDCs and the Paris Agreement: getting to grips with tougher climate reporting
Implementing the Paris Agreement brings new reporting challenges for LDCs. A recent IIED webinar explored ways forward for these countries to meet the treaty’s stringent transparency requirements
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Training developing country delegates to engage in climate negotiations
Through regional workshops, IIED and partners build capacity to engage in international climate decision-making processes, so delegates are better equipped to negotiate
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Tailored publications
A series of guidebooks produced by ecbi and bespoke dissemination practices support the training of UN climate negotiators from developing countries
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Fostering regional collaboration and national implementation
Joint climate negotiation workshops allow country delegates to collaborate and exchange regional knowledge, so climate issues become an integral part of policymaking across government ministries
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Building our regional partners’ capacity
ecbi collaborates with organisations in developing countries to train participants from the region. Our longest partnership is with Enda Energie, which has organised workshops in East and West Africa
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Targeting support to women
The ecbi training and support programme aims to increase female participation in training workshops, support more women to attend the UN climate negotiations and track participants’ involvement in the negotiations themselves
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Mentoring women to become climate leaders through a joint initiative
To help address the gender gap at the UN climate negotiations, ecbi developed a mentorship programme that supports women negotiators to engage in high-level decision-making
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Experience sharing on long-term strategies (LTS) in least developed countries
IIED hosted a webinar to explore the experiences of least developed countries as they develop their long-term strategies to address climate change. The event showcased the opportunities coming out of the process and provided a space to discuss challenges and concerns among participants
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Transitioning to a better global ‘new normal’
COVID-19 has changed our world. To mark Earth Day 2020, and the global call to act on climate change, we ask: what lessons can we apply from the pandemic response to help tackle other global crises, including the climate emergency?
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Developing a vision for The Gambia’s future
The Paris Agreement invites all countries to submit mid-century low-carbon, climate-resilient development strategies by 2020. Gabrielle Swaby chronicles The Gambia’s progress towards fulfilling this commitment
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Supporting LDCs to develop long-term strategies
IIED is providing research and dedicated support to help least developed countries design long-term strategies for low-carbon, climate-resilient development, in line with international commitments
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Supporting more than equal numbers in international climate debates
For International Women’s Day, Brianna Craft and Samantha McCraine detail efforts to bring more women to the UN climate change negotiations
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Acting on the planetary emergency
With evidence of grave ecological and social crises mounting, director Andrew Norton considers the scale and shape of the challenges ahead and how IIED can step up action to meet them
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Real climate ambition means switching to 'business unusual'
Leadership at the UN Climate Action Summit came from least developed countries and grassroots communities. Clare Shakya argues that supporting their efforts requires a shift away from business-as-usual
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Least Developed Countries launch 2050 Vision for a climate-resilient future
The world’s least developed countries have launched a long-term strategy for climate resilience and net zero emissions by 2050
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LDC 2050 Vision for a climate-resilient future
The world's least developed countries have set out their response to the climate challenge, with a long-term vision for 2050 that aims to ensure that no country is left behind
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New rules for governing high seas must be fair for everyone
As the third session of BBNJ negotiations starts in New York, Essam Yassin Mohammed makes the case for a global ocean treaty that is fair and equitable for everyone
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Climate action: let’s be bold in Bonn
As the UN climate change conference kicks off in Bonn on Monday (17 June), Subhi Barakat calls for negotiators to be bolder and braver with an emphasis on action
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Leading from the front: responding with urgency to the climate emergency
Representatives of the least developed countries, grassroots community organisations and climate action leaders will attend an IIED-organised series of high-level debates during London Climate Action Week in July
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Climate adaptation: its time is now
As adaptation shares more of the limelight, champions of community-based adaption have messages on three key areas that international policymakers must hear
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Independent Research Forum (IRF): supporting change for a sustainable future
To view or download all of the IRF's Briefings, Discussion papers and Reports,
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The sharp learning curve of an LDC negotiator
Fatima Athoumani describes the fast-paced journey to representing her nation of Comoros at the UN climate talks
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"Follow the science": Least Developed Countries Group lead negotiator
The chair of the UNFCCC Least Developed Countries Group, Gebru Jember Endalew, called for climate action to be guided by science when he spoke at the closing of Development and Climate Days 2018
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Seeing clearly: transitioning to transparency at COP24
As climate envoys prepare to negotiate the ‘rulebook’ that brings the Paris Agreement to life, Illari Aragon argues the importance of its new transparency framework and explores some of the challenges negotiators face in realising it
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Celebrating 10 years of the UK Climate Change Act: an influential law beyond its borders
IIED director Andrew Norton says the UK's Climate Change Act provides a clear and ambitious framework for addressing climate change, and says it can be a model for other nations for turning the Paris Agreement into national action
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Momentum builds for ambitious agreements at COP24
When COP24 starts next month, the least developed countries will again be in the spotlight. In a special guest blog, LDC Group chair Gebru Jember Endalew outlines the group's hopes for Katowice
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LDC Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR)
The LDC Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR) aims to develop an over-arching least developed countries (LDC) vision for adapting towards a climate resilient future by 2050. The vision will be LDC led and driven, driving forward climate action in line with LDC needs and priorities
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Call for evidence: long-term effective adaptation
The Least Developed Countries Group is inviting submissions on effective long-term adaptation to climate change. The submissions will contribute to a major new initiative that seeks to develop a long-term vision for climate resilience up to 2050
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First steps towards a global agreement
IIED director Andrew Norton responds to the end of the first session of negotiations of new laws for the high seas, calling for a greater presence of the views of those most affected to ensure a fair and inclusive treaty
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Supporting LDCs to strengthen national legislative and policy responses in line with international climate commitments
We help LDCs to strengthen their institutional, policy and legislative environments for enabling long-term national climate action, and thus drive global ambition to implement the Paris Agreement
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Negotiating transparency for the Paris deal: next stop, Bangkok
As climate experts gather in Bangkok for the final negotiating session before the December UN climate talks, guest blogger Tshewang Dorji discusses the transparency requirements of the Paris Agreement – and why these need to work for the LDCs.
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How I learnt to make my voice count at the UN climate negotiations
A junior climate negotiator from Laos explains how a recent training workshop gave her the tools to navigate the complex UN climate talks and the skills to push for more positive outcomes for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) from these crucial international exchanges
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The International Centre for Climate Change and Development
Building long term capacity for adaptation to climate change in Bangladesh and across the Global South
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Helping the LDCs negotiate the high seas
IIED is helping the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to participate effectively in talks about a new international treaty on the high seas
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Author Q&A: Trends in climate change legislation
Subhi Barakat discusses a new book exploring the rapid increase in the number of climate change laws. The book includes a chapter he co-authors with IIED's Achala Abeysinghe and Michal Nachmany of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, analysing the experience and trends within the Least Developed Countries
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Book summary: Trends in Climate Change Legislation
IIED's Achala Abeysinghe and Subhi Barakat, alongside Michal Nachmany of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, co-author a chapter in the book 'Trends in Climate Change Legislation' that explores how a deepening understanding of the importance of climate change has caused a recent and rapid increase in the number of climate change or climate-related laws
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The Talanoa dialogue: sharing stories in Bonn to inspire ambitious climate action
As the spring UN climate change conference in Bonn gets under way, IIED director Andrew Norton offers his thoughts on the Talanoa dialogue – an unprecedented consultation process designed to bring together different voices to strengthen countries’ climate pledges and keep the Paris Agreement on course
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Climate diplomacy in the age of Trump: updating our theory of change
We're incorporating feedback to sharpen our theory of how the Least Developed Countries can extend their influence in international climate change decision making
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Developing Myanmar’s national climate change policy
IIED supported the Myanmar government in developing an overarching national climate change policy to integrate climate change into national priorities and planning, and provide a long-term vision for the country's sustainable development
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Supporting Least Developed Countries on climate technology transfer
In March, experts on technology development and transfer gathered in Copenhagen and Bonn to take forward the work of the UN climate negotiations. IIED supported representatives of the Least Developed Countries to present proposals that would work for them
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Building the capacity of LDCs to engage in the UNFCCC negotiations
Our efforts to strengthen the capabilities of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group in the UN climate talks involved participating in training workshops and strategy meetings, informing the negotiations through research, and developing toolkits for new delegates
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Facilitating greater representation of LDCs in the UNFCCC process
Our participation support helps Least Developed Countries in their efforts to increase their representation and engage fully and meaningfully in the UN climate talks
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Changing landscapes: key issues for action on sustainable development in 2018
As we face up to the challenges of the coming year, how does the global landscape for sustainable development look? IIED director Andrew Norton offers his thoughts on the key debates and changes we may see during 2018, and what they might mean for IIED's work
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Discussion: what next for UN climate talks?
Leading international climate negotiators and their advisors will analyse the outcomes of the Bonn climate talks and discuss key issues for future negotiations at an IIED event
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Negotiators from developing countries get skills boost ahead of UN climate talks
More than 40 climate negotiators from vulnerable developing countries were briefed on key issues and negotiating strategies at a workshop just before the opening of the Bonn climate talks
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LDCs approach Fiji COP with high expectations
When COP23 starts next week, the least developed countries will again be in the spotlight. In a special guest blog, LDC Group chair Gebru Jember Endalew outlines the group's detailed preparation and hopes for Bonn
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Least Developed Countries Group sets out priorities for COP23
The chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group has issued the group's key priorities at a high-level preparatory meeting for the next UN climate talks
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BRICS summit: an opportunity to lead a fairer more sustainable world
Ahead of this week's BRICS summit, IIED's chief economist identifies two key ways the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa can fill the growing global political vacuum and promote sustainability
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Book summary: Climate Justice in a Non-Ideal World
IIED's Achala Abeysinghe and Saleemul Huq co-author a chapter in the book Climate Justice in a Non-Ideal World, exploring the different viewpoints from leading experts on what would be a just outcome to the climate change problem. Book summary includes: a Q&A with one of the authors
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US Paris withdrawal: where now for climate action?
President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement elicited a collective sigh of despair from the environmental community. But his action creates opportunities as well as challenges
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Building climate negotiation skills for African officials
Officials from African countries will have the opportunity to increase their climate negotiation skills at two training workshops in Dakar this June.
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Marching into May talks: LDCs lead the way on climate change
The world's poorest countries champion long-term, emissions-neutral development strategies, and several are leading by example. Ahead of the UN climate talks, the LDC Group chair reflects on recent marches
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LDC women in world climate talks: building a cohort of champions
The Least Developed Countries Group will be at the table when next week's UN climate conference plans how to step up its 'gender agenda'.
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How can the poorest increase the influence of their climate diplomacy?
We've developed a theory of change to better understand how the Least Developed Countries can influence international decisions on climate action. Is our theory up to the job? We want to hear from you
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Watch now: daily video updates from COP22
Get daily video updates from the UN climate summit in Marrakech from IIED senior fellow Saleemul Huq, with a special focus on the issues affecting the Least Developed Countries
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Poorest must be heard on climate action to deliver Paris Agreement’s success
The Paris Agreement on climate change enters into force today. IIED director Andrew Norton argues that the voices of the world's most vulnerable must be heard if the treaty is to be effective
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Anglophone African officials enhance their climate negotiating skills
A workshop in Dar es Salaam trained junior climate negotiators from Anglophone African countries
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Lessons in climate diplomacy from Ethiopia and Bhutan
IIED has been examining how two of the world's poorest nations are playing a leading role in the climate diplomacy needed to define the rules for implementing the Paris Agreement
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Climate change negotiation skills: training for LDC negotiators
In a recent workshop, participants from Least Developed Countries learned about the mechanics of climate negotiations, tackled complex terminology and discussed how to resolve conflict situations that can arise during multilateral talks
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How are the LDCs defining a new sustainable development agenda?
IIED talks to development experts from around the globe to find out how the Least Developed Countries are working to define new ways forward for sustainable development
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Five obstacles facing Least Developed Countries
Essam Yassin Mohammed recently participated in a mid-term review of the Istanbul Programme of Action for LDCs, an ambitious 10-year plan that aims to see half of LDCs (23) graduate from "least developed country" status by 2020. The conference highlighted five main issues that could hinder LDCs reaching this ambitious goal
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Five challenges for Least Developed Countries in the post-2015 era
Can the Least Developed Countries reimagine development? A meeting in London looked at the key issues
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Painting a new picture of development
Can the Sustainable Development Goals trigger a new approach to development in the world's Least Developed Countries? A dialogue event explored the potential
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Ending endemic violence through education in Cité Soleil
How to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for children growing up in a violent slum? An innovative project in Haiti faces big challenges
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Q&A: LDC Independent Expert Group chair on the SDGs and tackling inequality
Former Prime Minister of Haiti Michèle Duvivier Pierre-Louis discusses the challenges of the Sustainable Development Goals and reducing inequalities related to gender, trade and climate change
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In the world's poorest countries, cities could be the Sustainable Development Goals test
Ahead of next week's dialogue event on the challenges and opportunities posed to Least Developed Countries by the Sustainable Development Goals, Gordon McGranahan examines how cities and urbanisation can contribute to attaining development goals.
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Q&A: A shift in mindset for the LDCs
The Least Developed Countries need a new way of thinking if they are to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, says Saleemul Huq
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Q&A: Linking low-carbon pathways with the SDGs
Youba Sokona discusses the challenges and opportunities around low-carbon development in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals
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Q&A: Making the SDG agenda work for LDCs
Farah Kabir discusses how the Least Developed Countries have been driving their own sustainable development, and outlines what's needed for these vulnerable countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
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Taking the Paris Agreement forward: what to expect in Bonn?
As discussions get under way in Bonn on the next steps for the Paris Agreement on climate change, Achala Abeysinghe looks at what needs to be achieved
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Reimagining development in the LDCs: what role for the SDGs?
The challenges and opportunities that the Sustainable Development Goals create for Least Developed Countries were discussed at an event in London in June
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Breaking out of the development silos
Many of the world’s least developed countries, hit hard by the impacts of climate change, are among the front-runners in finding ways forward for climate-friendly economic development, Fatima Denton has told IIED
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): IIED and the new global agenda on sustainable development
In September 2015, the global community agreed the Sustainable Development Goals, setting out new development priorities for all countries, post-2015. The 17 new goals have been designed to integrate global ambitions on tackling poverty, reducing inequality, combating climate change, and protecting ecosystems including oceans, forests and biodiversity. It is an ambitious and universal agenda.
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An opportunity for LDC leadership
As Christiana Figueres stands down as executive secretary to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, IIED director Andrew Norton argues the time is right for an LDC representative to take the reins
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A diplomatic approach to raising climate ambition
Veteran climate negotiator and Gambian Minister Pa Ousman Jarju reflects on the Paris Agreement and the continued need for diplomacy and ambitious climate action
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Briefing: After Paris – what's next for the LDCs?
IIED to host high-level briefing on the outcomes and challenges of the Paris Agreement
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What's happening to aid to the Least Developed Countries?
New figures show an overall decline in aid to the world's Least Developed Countries, yet commitments made in Paris and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda call for more aid, not less
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2016 – when global meets local in climate action
Building on the historic agreement forged in Paris, IIED's director Andrew Norton looks at the opportunities to ensure global agreements on the need for sustainable development reach the local level
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What does the Paris Agreement mean for LDCs?
A video draws on the expectations of the Least Developed Countries ahead of last month's climate deal and looks at what the Paris Agreement will mean for them
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A symbolic victory on 1.5 degrees for LDC Group in Paris
The text of the Paris Agreement, finalised after four years of negotiations culiminating in COP21, represents a significant victory for the Least Developed Countries at the talks – whose specific needs and special situations are often overlooked. How did one of the smallest negotiating groups manage to make their voices heard?
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Zero carbon – costs and opportunities for Least Developed Countries
The zero carbon, zero poverty agenda at Development & Climate Days is challenging for all countries. For the Least Developed Countries the costs are high, but the opportunities may be even greater
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Least Developed Countries create pressure for climate shift
As climate talks in Paris move into the final hours, the Least Developed Countries are fighting for their right for support and protection, and more and more countries are recognising the need to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees
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Climate finance is vital to secure a future worth having
A key issue dominating the landmark climate summit in Paris is that tricky subject of climate finance: who pays, how much, for what? Some elements of the global discourse on the sums required to tackle the urgent climate change threat seem to think there is a simple distinction to be drawn between choosing to spend money on climate or other development issues. But this simplistic rhetoric is damaging and puts lives at risk
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Least Developed Country experts raise their voices at COP21
Members of IIED's Least Developed Countries Independent Expert Group will be at D&C Days in Paris as well as playing an active role at COP21
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A legally binding agreement in Paris? Points to watch
Achala Abeysinghe sets out the key requirements for a legally binding agreement on combatting climate change at the Paris summit
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COP21 side event discusses how to unlock climate finance for developing countries
COP21 side event discusses how to unlock climate finance for developing countries
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LDC climate action plans estimated to cost US$93.7 billion per year
A report by IIED has estimated the cost of all 48 Least Developed Countries implementing their post-2020 climate action plans to be around US$93 billion per year
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What do the Least Developed Countries want from COP21?
A series of nine new interviews brings together different voices from the world’s Least Developed Countries to ask what they want from COP21 in Paris
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Q&A: We must ensure Paris delivers on finance
Rosebell Kagumire, a Ugandan-based journalist and a member of IIED's Independent Expert Group spoke to Malawian negotiator Evans Njewa ahead of the Paris climate talks
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Interview avec Benjamin Toirambe
In the ninth of our interviews with representatives from the Least Developed Country Group ahead of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) talks in Paris (COP21), Benjamin Toirambe Bamoninga, director of sustainable development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's environment ministry, talks about the realities of climate change in DRC
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Q&A: Legalise Paris agreement
In the eighth of our interviews with representatives from the Least Developed Country Group ahead of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change talks in Paris (COP21), Thato Konstabole from the Lesotho environment and natural resource commission talks about the challenges created by climate change in Lesotho
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Q&A: Building zero carbon emission economy in a decade
In the seventh of our interviews with representatives from the Least Developed Country Group, Negash Teklu from Population, Health, Environment Ethiopia talks about Ethiopia's ambitions for a zero carbon economy by 2025
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Haïti vise 31% de réduction des émissions de CO2 d'ici 2030
In the sixth of our interviews with representatives from the Least Developed Country Group ahead of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) talks in Paris (COP21), Fanfan Jordan, director of the Ministry of Environment's climate change programme talks about Haiti's climate plan and loss and damage
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Q&A: Mali is extremely vulnerable and unable to combat climate change impacts
In the fifth of our interviews with representatives from the Least Developed Country Group, Malian forest and water engineer Bayo Mounkoro talks about the climate change challenges faced by Mali
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Q&A: World leaders must abandon their narrow political interests to deliver the best deal at COP21
In the fourth of our interviews with representatives from the Least Developed Country Group ahead of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) talks in Paris (COP21), Bangladeshi climate negotiator Qazi K Ahmad shares Bangladesh's plans and expectations from the summit
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Q&A: A crucial year for our planet, says Prime Minister of Bhutan
In the third of our interviews with representatives from the Least Developed Country Group, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, shares his hopes and priorities for COP21 in Paris
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Q&A: The Gambia expects solid financial commitment at Paris climate talks
In the second of our interviews with representatives from the Least Developed Country Group ahead of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) talks in Paris (COP21), Pa Ousman Jarju, Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Water, Parks and Wildlife in The Gambia, shares his perspective
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Q&A: We need long term actions on climate change
In the first of our interviews with representatives from the Least Developed Country Group ahead of the UN climate talks in Paris (COP21), Tracy Kajumba shares some of the challenges created by climate change in Uganda
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A champion for the most vulnerable
Ahead of next week's UN climate talks in Paris (COP21), IIED principal researcher Dr Achala Abeysinghe has been named as one of the top 15 female climate champions in the world
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Unheard voices: what do the Least Developed Countries want from COP21?
Ahead of COP21, IIED's Independent Expert Group has commissioned a series of interviews with leaders, experts, and civil society representatives from nine of the LDCs. We wanted to hear about the reality that they face, the actions being taken, the role for climate finance – and their hopes for a Paris deal
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French lead drive for global climate agreement
There is much debate as to whether the Paris climate summit can deliver an adequate response to the challenge of climate change. In the wake of the tragedy of last Friday's attacks in the French capital, Andrew Norton pays tribute to France's efforts to secure an ambitious agreement and hopes for success
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IIED at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21)
IIED attended the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris from November 30 to 11 December, 2015.
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The road through Paris: key messages for ministers
As ministers from 80 countries gather in Paris for pre-meetings ahead of COP21, Achala Abeysinghe sets out a clear direction of travel for them to follow
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The Road to Paris: how can the world's most vulnerable countries be heard?
With a month to go until the start of COP21, Saleemul Huq provides an insight into the perspectives of the Least Developed Countries ahead of the Paris climate talks, as part of a new series of video interviews for IIED
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Climate negotiations: the last stop before Paris
As climate talks ahead of COP21 start in Bonn, Achala Abeysinghe says the draft on the table is not strong enough to address climate change, and identifies 11 ways in which it can be strengthened
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The SDGs must carry us beyond Paris to 2030
The Sustainable Development Goals, to be agreed in New York later this month, are a key step on the road to a climate agreement in Paris in December, but must set the agenda for resilient low carbon development beyond Paris to 2030
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Supporting the LDCs on climate change adaptation
As climate negotiators meet in Bonn, Batu Uprety says the mandate of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group must be renewed at COP21 to continue to support the LDCs on climate change adaptation
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Making the climate fund fit for purpose
With the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) running on empty, and as the final stages of the negotiations leading up to the Paris climate conference (COP21) approach, climate negotiator Giza Gaspar Martins argues that the fund's future must be secured to support the world's 48 poorest countries
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The work of the Least Developed Countries Independent Expert Group
Since its creation in 2013, the Least Developed Countries Independent Expert Group (IEG) has provided an independent voice for sustainable development of LDCs, contributing ideas, expertise and challenges to international debates
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Least Developed Countries Independent Expert Group
The Least Developed Countries Independent Expert Group is an informal group of individuals with a deep commitment to sustainable development and an understanding of the challenges to achieving it in the world's poorest countries
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The political economy of financing climate resilient development
IIED is undertaking a three-year research programme to understand the policy linkages between the two themes of climate change adaptation and mitigation in developing countries. This research focuses on countries that are investing in what has been termed 'low-carbon climate resilient development' (LCRD) – policies and strategies that address the challenges posed by climate change in an integrated response.
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Finance, Addis and the Sustainable Development Goals
Ahead of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa, some of the world's Least Developed Countries have been sharing their priorities
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Sharing knowledge to climb the adaptation ladder
When it comes to climate adaptation, the Least Developed Countries have the greatest expertise and other countries may benefit from learning from what they have done
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Development finance and climate finance: achieving zero poverty and zero emissions
Ahead of the Financing for Development conference in Addis, Paul Steele asks whether changes are needed to the way we address climate and development finance
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Financing climate change adaptation in LDCs
Adaptation to climate change is a priority in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), but while funds have been set up to provide finance for adaptation, accessing them is time-consuming and complicated
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On the road to Paris: departing Geneva with expectations high
Progress in Geneva has meant a good start to the climate negotiations on the road to Paris, with elements in the text offering the possibility of a fair deal for developing countries
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Climate negotiations on the road to Paris: the Geneva stop
Climate negotiators meeting in Geneva this week (8-13 February) have crucial work to do if governments are to reach a global agreement in Paris in December. Achala Abeysinghe looks at the road ahead
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The long and winding road to Paris
As the dust settles after the 20th Conference of the Parties (COP20), IIED sifts through the events in Lima
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Zero-zero, dolphins and conversations for change
IIED director Camilla Toulmin reflects on her trip to Lima for the COP20 Development and Climate Days
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Philippines to lead global forum of vulnerable countries
As people start to return to their homes in the wake of Typhoon Hagupit, the Philippines is to assume the next presidency of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF)
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Helping poorest nations engage in climate diplomacy
Reaching equitable outcomes for the poorest countries through international decision making processes involves more than attending formal negotiations. IIED works to support Least Developed Countries (LDCs) increase the influence of their climate diplomacy
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IIED at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP20)
The full programme of IIED activity at COP20 in December 2014, including video blog updates and round ups of the coverage from each day
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How are Rwanda, Ethiopia and Bangladesh preparing for climate change?
Ethiopia, Rwanda and Bangladesh are developing their national low carbon climate resilient strategies. The public policy team within the Climate Change Group at IIED have just finished 18 months of research into these planning processes. The research helped clarify what is motivating countries to become more climate resilient. It also highlighted some ways these processes could be better supported and brought together.
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Q&A: Why is the Green Climate Fund's pledging meeting important?
This week sees the international Green Climate Fund (GCF) hold a high-level pledging summit in Berlin (19-20 November). The Fund hopes to securing its minimum target of $10 billion by the end of 2014; a hope that seems more likely to be realised following recent events.
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Toulmin lecture: How can the Least Developed Countries be heard?
IIED director Camilla Toulmin will discuss how the Least Developed Countries get their voices heard in international negotiations when she delivers a lecture on 23 October
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Hama Arba Diallo: the universal man
Youba Sokona pays tribute to his fellow Least Developed Countries Independent Expert Group member Hama Arba Diallo, who passed away in late September
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Least developed country leaders say "follow us" to tackle climate change
The unsung heroes of the UN climate summit were the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), says Achala Abeysinghe
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Bold climate pledges from the Least Developed Countries
The Gambia's Special Climate Envoy, Pa Osman Jarju, reflects on the Least Developed Countries (LDC) leadership at the UN Climate Summit
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A week that may change the world
It's been a busy week for IIED senior fellow Saleemul Huq, with plenty of action unfolding on the climate change front in New York. Here he provides an inside look into what transpired, and some reflections on how the recent events may impact upcoming climate negotiations
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Q&A: Helping the poorest nations with development goals
The Least Developed Countries (LDCs) want their voices heard at climate and development talks. They will need a range of support to build their capacity to meet their development goals
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Saleem selected for UN climate summit
IIED senior fellow Saleemul Huq has been chosen as one of 38 civil society representatives to attend the UN Secretary General's climate summit
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Engaging in climate diplomacy – policy pointers from an LDC
Effective climate diplomacy can help Least Developed Countries make sure their interests are reflected in international negotiation outcomes
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LDC experts to share ideas on building productive capacity
How can Least Developed Countries (LDCs) progress so they are no longer held back by extreme poverty? A conference next week in Cotonou, Benin, will address this issue, bringing together ministers and experts from LDCs, along with UN representatives and development experts.
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OWG 'zero draft' is a huge step forward: now let's get practical
The OWG's 'zero draft' on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a marked improvement on previous versions, but we still have a long journey ahead
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Letter to America: Gambia envoy asks Obama directly for US climate leadership
Pa Ousman Jarju, Minister of Environment of Gambia and former chair and special envoy on climate change for the 48 Least Developed Countries, has written an open letter to US President Barack Obama
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Climate action: Diplomats' discussions yield four themes for 2014
The Gambia's Special Climate Envoy identifies four themes for action on climate change in the UN negotiations and beyond
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Urgent action needed says leader of the Least Developed Countries Group
Ahead of the latest UN climate negotiations in Bonn, the Least Developed Countries Group Chair points out that while science tells us that we can limit global temperatures to save the world's poorest countries, we need the will to do it
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Ensuring an Energy Sustainable Development Goal delivers for poor people and the planet
In late February, discussions over the post-2015 development agenda reached a milestone. The co-Chairs of the Open Working Group (OWG), the body tasked with preparing a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposal for consideration by the UN General Assembly in September 2014, issued a "Focus Areas Document".
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Least developed countries take climate adaptation to next level
While many policymakers in the world's richest nations continue to deny the urgency of action on climate change, governments in the 48 least developed countries are pushing ahead with plans to adapt – or at least trying to
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Transforming growth for least developed countries
A focus on four key priorities could help Least Developed Country governments lift their citizens out of poverty by generating inclusive growth
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Green Climate Fund: a big step forward, but many decisions pending
The UN climate change convention's Green Climate Fund (GCF), aims to help countries adopt "transformational" pathways to low carbon, climate resilient development. Its 6th board meeting last week in Bali yielded mixed results for the world's most poor and climate vulnerable countries.
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Media missing from UN drive to engage millions on post-2015 development agenda
Rosebell Kagumire says consultations on the future of global development framework should involve journalists or they will fail to reach the masses.
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Post-2015 development framework: priorities for LDCs – coverage from Wilton Park
From January 29-31, Wilton Park hosted a conference enabling frank and open dialogue between those in the political process of setting 'sustainable development goals' and those in least developed countries (LDCs) who will need to implement the goals.
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Conference to refocus post-2015 development agenda on poorest nations' priorities
New 'sustainable development goals' for all nations to adopt in 2015 could deepen problems in the least developed countries (LDCs) if they fail to take account of these nations' priorities and the international nature of challenges they face.
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Climate diplomacy can build the trust needed to secure our common future
Pa Ousman Jarju explains how diplomacy can overcome the distrust between rich and poor countries at the UN climate change negotiations.
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IIED at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP19)
The full programme of IIED activity at COP19 this November, including video blog updates.
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Time to hear LDC voices on Post-2015 development goals
The post-2015 development agenda will most profoundly affect the least developed countries (LDCs), so it's essential that people in these countries have a greater say in what the goals look like.
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COP19: What the Least Developed Countries expect from the climate talks
Gaps between the expectations of developing countries and the low emissions targets and climate finance promised by developed countries must be bridged at the Warsaw climate talks.
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COP19 in Warsaw – a private finance climate conference?
At the UN climate conference in Copenhagen 2009, developed countries committed to provide funds rising to US$100 billion per year by 2020 to support developing countries in their efforts to address
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Least developed countries lead on low-carbon resilience
Some of the least developed countries are at the forefront of an approach that combines efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change and achieve economic and social development.
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The least developed countries, equity, and a brave new world
For the first time, all of the world’s major carbon emitters – including China, the US and India – will be legally bound to a new global climate agreement that reduces emissions. But, HOW?
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World’s poorest nations can set international agenda for sustainable development
The least developed countries (LDCs) can play a critical role in ensuring that the new global sustainability goals – which the international community aims to have in place by 2015 — are both fair and effective.
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Low carbon resilience in the least developed countries: a panacea to address climate change?
Instead of talking about climate change mitigation or adaptation, low carbon resilience has become the new buzzword in climate policy.
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Theories of change for low carbon resilient development
Policies for low carbon resilient development aim to support climate resilient development in the poorest countries while also addressing climate change through reducing carbon emissions. This research programme seeks to bring together the two aspects of the climate change debate: mitigation and adaptation.
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Providing on-demand legal, technical and strategic advice to the Least Developed Countries Group
IIED works to strengthen the position of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in international climate negotiations and related global forums. We do this by providing real-time legal, technical and strategic advice and research support to the LDC Group in the UNFCCC process. We collaborate directly with the LDC chair and members of the LDC Group's core team of negotiators in delivering our work
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Workshops that build climate negotiators' capacity: European Capacity Building Initiative (ecbi) training and support programme
As part of efforts to create a more level playing field for government delegations taking part in global climate negotiations, IIED led a training and support programme that focused on building the capacity of UNFCCC negotiators from vulnerable developing countries, including the LDCs
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Q&A with Sumaya Zakieldeen
Sumaya Zakieldeen, the Least Developed Countries representative to the Adaptation Committee under the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Framework, on how she sees her role going forward.
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India at the UN Climate negotiations: back to the wall
Of all the baffling going-ons at the recent climate change conference in Durban, what bewildered me most was the position of India.
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Consensus grows behind the scenes at the UN climate negotiations
It’s too early to talk about the end-game in the 17th conference of parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) talks that are underway in Durban. But amid the shifting diplomatic sands of talks and texts, there are signs that some of the ground is starting to solidify.
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The International Institute for Environment and Development’s role at the UN climate negotiations
The UN climate conference has officially opened and the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) is here in Durban, out in force. We’re not in prominent negotiating positions, but we play an important role behind the scenes helping support least developed country negotiators and southern partners engage with the process.
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Poor and vulnerable countries are defying climate inaction
Slow progress at global climate talks is belied by the plethora of actions in many smaller and more at-risk developing nations.
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An American predicament that threatens the Green Climate Fund
In the context of the multilateral climate change negotiations, this global realization has slowly, but inexorably led to the conclusion that for the foreseeable future, it would be vain to expect
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Climate change advocacy fund good news for poor countries
“For developing countries in general and least developed countries in particular, we can't afford to support big delegations”, said Sumaya Zakieldeen from Sudan’s national climate change negotiation team. “The coming period of negotiation under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is going to be extremely ...important as it is going to shape the fate of climate change and accordingly the fate of the most vulnerable to adverse impacts... It will be exceptionally important to be there to play our assigned roles on behalf of our people and finish what we started.”
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Renewables, why bother?
For much of the developing world producing clean energy that also mitigates carbon emissions is a very low priority. After all, why should countries that haven't significantly contributed to climate change worry about reducing their relatively tiny carbon emissions? In any case who would pay for it all?
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COP 15 - Review and analysis
Review and analysis of the aspirations and outcomes of the conference - What were the results? What comes next?
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Least Developed Countries
Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are the poorest countries in the world. A number of criteria determine this status. As of May 2009, LDCs number 50. Roughly 65 per cent are in Africa; a number of others are known as Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Many SIDS are low-lying and located in parts of the world already prone to extreme weather events, factors that make them highly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as sea level rise and fiercer and more frequent tropical storms.
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Q&A: climate negotiations
Interview with IIED's Dr Saleemul Huq on what the upcoming negotiations mean for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), what funding options for adaptation will look like with the advent of the global economic recession, why media coverage from a LDC perspective is so crucial and what we can expect to see from the big hitters at the climate conference in Copenhagen.
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Just the beginning
Yvo de Boer, who runs the UNFCCC secretariat, laid out clearly where we are with agreement on the text in his inimitable laconic style: ‘We are near to the end of putting things in and near to the beginning of taking things out.’
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Knowing your team mates
You wouldn’t expect a football team that had never practiced together to play particularly well, would you?
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Moveable feast: the floating gardens of Bangladesh
The farmers of southern Bangladesh have seen it all: cyclones, catastrophic flooding, silted-up rivers and creeping salination. Their South Asian homeland — a wedge of the tropics regularly exposed to searing heat and heavy monsoons — is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries on Earth.
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Capacity Strengthening in Least Developed Countries for Adaptation to Climate Change (CLACC)
Through CLACC, IIED works with researchers in 15 Least Developed Countries to generate knowledge, strengthen capacity and encourage action on climate adaptation.
