For many years, scientists have been predicting the impact of climate change. In Latin America and the Caribbean, predictions range from water shortages to an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events. The effects of climate change could significantly reduce the ability of ecosystems to operate properly, threatening development projects throughout the region.A report from
the Working Group on Climate Change and Development in the UK describes the
effects of climate change and environmental degradation in Latin
America and the Caribbean.

Since the Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997, several ‘carbon markets’ have emerged. These enable governments to trade carbon credits and meet Kyoto targets. A voluntary market has also appeared, in which organisations and individuals can offset their greenhouse gas emissions by preventing a similar amount of gases being released elsewhere.Research from the
International Institute for Environment and Development, UK, examines whether
voluntary carbon markets can provide a new source of funding for sustainable
development.
Through the Kyoto Protocol’s

Over 345 million hectares of land globally could be forested or re-forested to help combat global warming. The Kyoto Protocol, which sets targets for industrialised countries to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, has established the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to support such initiatives. But do these programmes tackle the real causes of climate change?The CDM allows industrialised countries and organisations
to fund projects in developing countries aiming to contribute to reducing GHG
emissions. These projects are attractive to developing country governments because

Smaller energy projects are often well suited to developing countries but find it difficult to attract funding. The Kyoto Protocol, which sets targets for industrialised countries to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, has established the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to help fund such projects.CDM initiatives allow developed
countries to fund projects that reduce GHG emissions in developing countries.
These projects produce a reduction in GHG emissions that gain a certified
value, which are sold in ‘carbon markets’. Larger GHG emitters can buy ‘carbon

Enhancing water productivity is often recommended as a "soft option" in addressing the problem of increasing water scarcity. In this study, authors analysed the water productivity and GHG implications of water reuse through pumping groundwater and creek water, and compare this with gravity-fed canal irrigation in the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System (UPRIIS) in the Philippines. Water productivity indicators show that water reuse contributes significantly to water productivity.

Small islands are responsible for few greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but they will experience the worst effects through sea level rise and water shortages. Small islands must act now to be ready for these changes.Adaptation is the process by which communities prepare
for and cope with changes in the climate. Many small islands, represented
through the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), are demanding assistance
from industrialised nations for this process. Research from the University of
East Anglia, UK in collaboration with the Caribbean Community Climate Change

There is a growing realisation that developing countries will be most severely affected by climate change through flooding, drought, and impacts on key sectors such as agriculture and water resource management. The response to climate change must therefore be ‘mainstreamed’, by incorporating adaptation strategies into development action and policy at local, national and global levels.Historically, the focus of international policy on climate
change has been on mitigation, or efforts to minimise climate change caused by

Climate change is a human tragedy which threatens to completely overload the humanitarian system. The potential human costs are unimaginable, and will be borne overwhelmingly by those least responsible for causing the problem: the world’s poor.

This paper discusses the potential contribution of industrial energy-efficiency technologies and policies to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The article provides a review of the trends, opportunities, and policy options to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the industrial sector. It focuses on the key energy intensive industries: iron and steel, chemicals, petroleum refining, minerals and pulp and paper.

This report investigates the role of agriculture in addressing global challenges related to climate, water and food. Based on three international events over 2009: the World Water Forum, the UN Commission on Sustainable Development and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the report identifies the interconnections between the three and the need to develop complementary policy options and action steps. The key findings of the report are: