Global Climate Policy Must Take Local Politics Into Account – World Politics Review

Climate Change Impact on Low-Income Countries and the Role of Sustainable Development Goals

Vulnerability of Low-Income Countries to Climate Change

Low-income countries are disproportionately affected by the consequences of climate change. A significant portion of their populations depends on rain-fed agriculture, with 95 percent of such agriculture occurring in Africa. Erratic weather patterns increase food insecurity in these regions, highlighting challenges related to SDG 2: Zero Hunger.

Additionally, many low-income countries lack resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and adequate disaster response capabilities. This results in higher mortality rates and extensive property damage during natural disasters, as exemplified by the recent floods in northern Nigeria that caused over 700 deaths. These issues emphasize the critical need to advance SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Global Climate Policies and Low-Income Countries

Due to their vulnerability, low-income countries are often targeted as primary beneficiaries of global climate mitigation policies. These include international agreements such as the Paris Agreement and regional initiatives like the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The expectation is that these countries will align with such policies to address climate change impacts, supporting SDG 13: Climate Action.

Challenges in Policy Implementation and Agency

High-income countries frequently utilize global institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and the United Nations to extend their domestic climate policies internationally. These institutions often require low-income countries to adopt climate programs as conditions for receiving funding. However, the autonomy of these countries in agreeing to such policies is limited due to their reliance on donor funding, raising concerns about equitable participation and ownership in climate action.

Key Points on Climate Change and Sustainable Development Goals

1. Exposure and Vulnerability: Low-income countries face heightened risks from climate change due to dependence on rain-fed agriculture and inadequate infrastructure.
2. Food Security: Erratic weather patterns threaten food production, directly impacting SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
3. Disaster Preparedness: Lack of early warning systems and resilient infrastructure exacerbates disaster impacts, underscoring the need for SDG 9 and SDG 11.
4. Global Policy Influence: International climate policies aim to mitigate impacts but may limit the agency of low-income countries.
5. Financial Dependence: Reliance on donor funding affects the ability of low-income countries to independently negotiate climate-related programs.

Recommendations for Advancing Sustainable Development Goals through Climate Action

• Enhance investment in resilient infrastructure and early warning systems to reduce disaster vulnerability.
• Support sustainable agricultural practices to improve food security and adapt to changing climate conditions.
• Promote equitable participation of low-income countries in global climate policy formulation and implementation.
• Increase financial support mechanisms that empower low-income countries to pursue autonomous climate strategies.
• Strengthen international cooperation aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13: Climate Action.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses the vulnerability of low-income countries to climate change impacts, which exacerbate poverty through food insecurity and disaster damage.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The reliance on rain-fed agriculture and erratic weather patterns leading to food insecurity directly relate to this goal.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – The lack of resilient infrastructure and early warning systems in low-income countries is highlighted.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action – The article focuses on climate change impacts, mitigation policies like the Paris Agreement, and international climate finance mechanisms.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The role of global institutions such as the World Bank, IMF, and United Nations in climate policy and funding is emphasized.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 1
   • Target 1.5: Build resilience and reduce exposure to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters.
2. SDG 2
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.
3. SDG 9
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being.
4. SDG 13
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
5. SDG 17
   • Target 17.3: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources.
   • Target 17.9: Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 1.5 Indicator
   • Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
2. SDG 2.4 Indicator
   • Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.
3. SDG 9.1 Indicator
   • Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road (implied by infrastructure resilience).
4. SDG 13.1 Indicator
   • Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies.
5. SDG 17.3 Indicator
   • Amount of financial resources mobilized for developing countries in relation to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: worldpoliticsreview.com