DFID: New climate network to link developing countries and drive adaptation

A climate and development initiative linking over 60 of the world’s poorest countries will be managed by an alliance led by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, it was announced at the Agenda 2010 (DFID) annual conference today.

The £50 million Climate and Development Knowledge Network, funded over five years by DFID, will link 60 developing countries with leading climate and development experts, allowing them to commission and share knowledge on how best to tackle the effects of climate change.

The PwC-led alliance managing the network includes the Overseas Development Institute, Fundacion Futuro Latinoamericano, LEAD International, South South North, Intrac and Infosys.

The Climate and Development Knowledge Network provides developing country policymakers in government and civil society with information and advice to help them make long term policy and investment decisions, that are resilient to climate change, and consistent with low carbon development. It will support decision-makers in developing countries in three main ways:

* Generating and providing access to the latest research related to climate change impacts and mitigation strategies across the network, providing applicable evidence for their policy development
* Providing direct support and building capacity in developing countries to develop plans to meet climate change adaptation or mitigation needs
* Helping to develop a global community of practice working on this topic

The funding of the Network is part of the UK’s commitment to climate finance for developing countries. Focusing on bridging the knowledge gap, it will be one piece of the jigsaw to enable low carbon and climate resilient policy decisions and investment in these countries.

Gareth Thomas, International Development Minister, said:

“The UK is committed to providing support to help developing countries prepare for the potentially devastating impacts of climate change and build low carbon economies fit for the future.

“Yet, for this support to make the biggest difference, recipient governments need the detailed research and policy work which rich nations take for granted when they make decisions. That’s why the UK is establishing this ground breaking network, helping rich and poor countries across the globe to work together in the fight against climate change.”

Simon Maxwell, Chair of the Climate Network said:

“There are three key features of work we will carry out through the Climate Change and Development Knowledge Network. First, we will be passionate about tackling climate change, but also about tackling poverty and achieving human development. Second, we will support research, but in a way which provides the information that decision-makers need for evidence-based policy making. Third, we will work in response to the needs of developing countries, but also focus our resources to make maximum impact.”

Dr Celine Herweijer, director, sustainability and climate change, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP commented:

“The Climate Network is supporting countries to better understand how climate change implements their development planning, post Copenhagen. Climate finance commitments in the Copenhagen Accord are a first step to addressing the financing gap, but to effectively leverage these funds and future increases, the knowledge gap also needs to be bridged. This Network focuses on bridging the knowledge gap.”


Notes to Editor:

1. The Climate and Development Knowledge Network will be built around a hub of globally well-respected organisations in the climate field from the North and South who will provide essential management and technical expertise.
2. Most of the services themselves will be provided through a network of collaborating partners from across the globe, sourcing the best expertise from wherever it is in the world.
3. The Climate and Development Knowledge Network will be launched in March 2010.
4. Comment from Yolanda Kakabadse, President of WWF International and Latin America Director for the Network: “When it comes to climate and human development, we need to integrate the visions and goals of the government, private sector, civil society, indigenous peoples and other communities in Latin America to ensure a better quality of life for the poor.”
5. Comment from Ali Taqueer Sheikh, Pakistan’s Director for LEAD International and Asia Director for the Network said: “There’s a broken triangle in Asia, consisting of the scientific, policy making and local communities. We are aspiring to fix this broken triangle, to make policy making an easier process based on the best evidence, and improve the dialogue between local communities and government.”
6. Comment from Stefan Raubenheimer, Director of South South North and Africa Director for the Network said: “What we need to do is look at shaping new paths of development for Africa, that will solve the poverty problem, but at the same time, create a climate resilient economy in all African countries.”
7. The PWC Sustainability & Climate Change practice is a network of 800 dedicated specialists globally, 100 in the UK. Specialisms include adaptation and mitigation, policy, financing, carbon trading and financing, reporting and assurance, renewables and climate change economics.