Institute of Development Studies

Climate Change

Climate change is already affecting the world's poorest and most vulnerable people, who often lack the robust systems and capacity needed to cope. While 'mitigation' through tackling greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to limiting impacts, some change is inevitable and climate change ‘adaptation' is now a central issue in development.

Efforts to integrate adaptation into the development process must ensure that the most vulnerable groups are central to the rapidly expanding climate change research and policy agenda. At the same time, future international climate change regimes must be built on principles of equity, deliver dramatic carbon reductions, establish low carbon development pathways, provide funding mechanisms that reach the most vulnerable people.

The IDS Climate Change and Development Centre (CCDC) is building global capacity to meet these challenges through pioneering research and innovative knowledge partnerships.

CCDC has three core research streams although much of the work is cross-cutting:

• Poverty and Adaptation
  Towards a pro-poor adaptation agenda that contributes to eradicating poverty
• Climate Change Policy
  Developing shared visions and global capntries can achieve sustainable economic growth
• Low Carbon Development
  Improving our understanding on how countries can achieve sustainable economic growthBuilding networks, sharing knowledge

The CCDC also offer the following support services:

Building networks, sharing knowledge

We foster networks and initiatives that build and bridge communities of practice

Teaching, training and mentoring

Preparing development professionals to address climate change challenges

News »»

Roadmap for Community Based Adaptation (CBA)

Published: 2 Mar 2010

Strategies for sharing climate change knowledge: the 4th International Community Based Adaptation Conference

Published: 22 Feb 2010

Perspectives from participants at COP15

Published: 22 Jan 2010

Events

Sussex Development Lecture - Caroline Lucas MEP

Dates: 22 Apr 2010
Time: 17.00 - 18.30

Latest Publications on Climate Change »

• Arnall, A. (2009) 'Roundtable on Climate Change and Social Protection'
• Seballos, F. and Tanner, T. (2009) 'The Importance of Participatory Child-Centred Research for Climate adaptation', IDS In Focus Policy Briefing 13.6, Brighton: IDS
• Polack, E. (2009) 'Mainstreaming Child Rights in National Climate Adaptation Policy Spaces', IDS In Focus Policy Briefing 13.5, Brighton: IDS
• Walden, D., Hall, N. and Hawrylyshyn, K. (2009) 'Participation and Protection: Children’s involvement in Climate Change Debates', IDS In Focus Policy Brieifng 13.4, Brighton: IDS
• Tanner, T. (2009) 'Children Communicating Climate and Disaster Risks', IDS In Focus Policy Briefing 13.3, Brighton: IDS

Climate Change projects at IDS »»

• Adaptation screening tools for development cooperation: Piloting ORCHID and other approaches - IDS is involved in a range initiatives to develop, test, discuss and disseminate tools for screening and assessment of climate and disaster risk. (Ongoing)
• AfricaAdapt - The Network facilitates the flow of climate change adaptation knowledge for sustainable livelihoods between researchers, policy makers, civil society organisations and communities who are vulnerable to climate variability and change across the continent. (Ongoing)
• Assessment of large and small hydropower options - Global climate change requires climate-friendly low carbon energy options. Hydropower is a low carbon energy sources which is globally abundant and has a high potential. Hydropower has been used around the world for centuries. In recent years, both small and large hydropower developments have seen increased use. (Ongoing)
• Assisting Climate Leaders in Vulnerable Developing Countries - This initiative involves four non-governmental organisations with a shared interest in supporting the efforts of vulnerable developing countries to secure a fair, ambitious and effective agreement at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen. (Ongoing)
• BASIC - The BASIC Project is an action orientated research and capacity development project focusing on supporting the institutional capacity of key developing countries to undertake analytical work to determine what kind of national and international climate change actions best fit within their circumstances and priorities. (2005 - 2007)