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Until recently, development planning has not included vulnerabilities and risks posed by climate change Module
to lives and livelihoods. Few countries have made serious efforts to mainstream climate change into their
development planning, programs and budgeting; the process is at an embryonic stage, and even more
so in developing countries. Yet, there is a growing consensus about the importance of mainstreaming
adaptation to climate change and variability in the agendas of all sectors. Caribbean countries were

the pioneers of adaptation-related works, owing primarily to their vulnerability to climate change as
a result of environmental factors, including exposure to extreme weather and geo-economic realities
(IIED, 2008).

Many countries are now going through this process of integrating their development and climate Abu Dhabi, UAE

strategy (see Box 7). According to Kok, et al. (2006), such integration will include the benefits of
improved ecosystems services; reduced poverty; more employment; improvements in health, energy
and food security; infrastructure and climate benefits.

Examples of demonstrated integrated development
BOX 10
and climate strategies

Bangladesh – Agricultural policies in Bangladesh aim at food-grain self-sufficiency. In
drought-prone areas, promotion of high-yielding varieties and increasing cropping intensity
has created a more vulnerable production system. New policies currently implemented

are anticipating increased drought frequencies and move towards the diversification of
agriculture, including the promotion of horticulture, which will help alleviate poverty.

Senegal – Climate change poses an additional stress for the vulnerable forest and
agricultural system in Senegal. Adapting to short-term climate variability through early
warning systems and agricultural practices has proven to be a learning process for dealing

with long-term climate change. Restoring soil fertility is a key factor in increasing and
stabilizing agricultural production levels, and carbon sequestration offers an opportunity
to work jointly on the development and climate agenda. Currently, biomass accounts for
43 per cent of total energy consumption; in rural areas, this can be as high as 80 per cent.
Agro-forestry for the local energy supply contributes to the rehabilitation of degraded
lands and provides a reliable energy source for the rural poor.

Source: Kok, et al., 2006

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