Climate change and the environment

ODI's research on climate change focuses on two main areas.

The first is trying to identify how increasing knowledge of the science of climate change impacts can be used to understand potential implications for developing countries, particularly in social, economic and political terms. This builds on our existing research to develop an understanding of the consequences of short-term shocks, such as natural disasters and long-term stresses, including reduced crop yields that could increase the vulnerability of the poor in the context of a changing climate.

The second looks at how to ensure that emerging climate change mitigation and adaptation policies work for the poor. Current areas of interest include understanding the implications of emerging markets, such as carbon trading and biofuels, for developing countries.

The research in these areas aims to help in the design of more effective long-term policy responses that respond both to the threat of potential negative climate change impacts and the needs of the poor.