The role of large developing countries in combating climate change will become increasingly important as the world negotiates a post-2012 agreement on climate change. This report summarises the activities undertaken by the BASIC Project (Building and Strengthening Institutional Capacities on Climate Change in Brazil, India, China and South Africa).

Because the 15th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Copenhagen, Denmark, 2009, failed to reach an agreement on emissions commitments beyond 2012, studying negotiation strategies of country delegations remains relevant. This editorial to the special issue of Climate Policy notes that particularly interesting countries to examine are the emerging economies of Brazil, China, India and South Africa.

This document is a review of the low carbon growth studies conducted in six emerging economies: Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico and South Africa. These countries, with the help of the Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme (ESMAP), have initiated country specific studies to assess development goals in conjunction with greenhouse gas mitigation opportunities. The aim is to present a framework for other countries who wish to implement studies of their own. The paper is structured to mirror the seven step process of establishing a low carbon growth country study.

This report, produced by Adapting to Climate Change in China amongst others, identifies key opportunities and avenues for South-South learning and cooperation to address climate change, is a critical tool for international development organisations, national governments and policy-makers.