1 impact of climate change on socioeconomic systems: implications for developing countries and...

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Impact of Climate Change on Socioeconomic Systems: Implications for Developing Countries and Development Co-operation

Shardul Agrawala OECD Environment Directorate

shardul.agrawala@oecd.org

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Some Key Points

The impacts of climate change on socio-economic systems need to be viewed within the context of baseline demographic and social stresses, as well as vulnerability to current weather and climate

Poor countries and poor people are particularly vulnerable, because of their higher dependence on climate sensitive natural resources and their low coping capacities

Adaptation can help alleviate some of these impacts, but there are limits; To be more effective adaptation needs to be mainstreamed within core national development, and donor plans and projects.

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1. The Big Picture

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2. Regional Vulnerability

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3. Coastal Systems

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4. Agriculture

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5. Health

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6. Water

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Expansion of Glacial Lakes in Nepal

Source: DHM Nepal

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Tam Pokhari Glacial Lake Outburst Flood, September 1998

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Nature, Nov. 17, 2005

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7. Why Climate Risks Matter for OECD Donors

van Aalst & Agrawala / OECD 2005

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8. How OECD donors are addressing climate risks

“Climate screening" of bilateral and multilateral aid activities: country assistance strategies; Poverty Reduction Strategies; infrastructure projects ….

Through the OECD:

-Analytical work on mainstreaming adaptation in development; and economics of adaptation;

- Co-ordination and sharing of good practices: Ministerial Declaration on Integrating Climate Change Adaptation in Development Co-operation; Methods and tools for screening for climate risks

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E-mailshardul.agrawala@oecd.org