Library

This issue of the International Journal of Labour Research aims to analyse the “social dimension” of sustainable development. In particular, it features a series of articles that discuss: the impact of climate change and mitigation policies on employment, identify policies likely to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy and examine how trade unions organize around the issue of climate change and contribute therefore to the creation of a green economy.

This brochure provides an overview of the activities of the SIDS Platform, UNESCO’s house-wide contribution to implementation of the Mauritius Strategy for the further implementation (MSI) of the Barbados Programme of Action (BPoA) for the Sustainable Development of small island developing States (SIDS). Recognizing that climate change may be the most pressing challenge facing SIDS, the document outlines UNESCO’s work on climate change in the following areas: climate science and knowledge; education; diversity and cultural heritage; and the social, human ethical and gender dimensions.

This policy document includes IFAD’s fourth Strategic Framework, covering the period 2011-2015. It presents IFAD’s overarching goal, objectives and areas of thematic focus. It also articulates the principles of engagement that are going to guide operations and how IFAD is going to deliver against the framework. The document highlights climate change as one of a number of new elements in the global environment that must be considered for rural poverty reduction.

This technical document shows that a menu of options is available for scaling up action on the part of national governments and designing a climate regime capable of delivering adequate mitigation action. The paper underlines the central role of the UNFCCC and points to a constellation of actors – multilateral institutions, governments, businesses, states, cities and citizens – whose capacities and specialized focus can contribute to climate governance, emission reductions and adaptation investment.

This technical document examines the influence of the forest products (roundwood, processed wood products and pulp and paper) value chain on atmospheric greenhouse gases. Total greenhouse gas emissions from the forest products value chain are estimated to be 890 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent per year, not counting the sequestration accomplished in the value chain. However, the forest products value chain also accomplishes large net removals of CO2 from the atmosphere, because a portion of the CO2 it removes from the atmosphere is stored as carbon for long periods in forests, products in use and products in landfills.

This technical document covers the 27 members of the EU, as well as Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, illustrating the consequences of today’s policy choices for the future of forests. It notes that in the long term the sequestration capacity limit of the forest will be reached, and the only potential for mitigation will be regular harvesting, to store the carbon in harvested wood products and to avoid emissions by substituting wood for non-renewable materials and energy sources. It also predicts the consequences of a more innovative approach to wood product design, supply and marketing, as well as to forest management; and outlines win-win opportunities in developing the use of harvest residues, recovered wood and landscape care wood from urban and highway trees.

This technical document presents a sustainable grassland management methodology that provides an affordable way to estimate the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions removed from the atmosphere through improved management of grasslands. The methodology, which is based on soil sampling and computer modelling, aims to support the participation of small-scale herders and livestock raisers in carbon markets.

This analytical report explores opportunities for a more sustainable pathway to development and looks for reconciliation between forest and biodiversity conservation and economic progress. It focuses on two pilot sites on the island of Sumatra, namely Tripa swamp and the mountain forests of Batang Toru, both hosting significant orangutan populations. The assessment quantifies the economic trade-offs between unsustainable and sustainable forms of land use, and considers the role of  Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) and broader Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes in achieving balanced conservation and development objectives. Also available in Bahasa.

This analytical report discusses how national governments, particularly those of developing countries, can make effective decisions in a changing climate. According to the report, to build climate resilience, developing country national decision makers are required to integrate climate change risks into planning and policies in various sectors, including agriculture, electricity production, forestry and water management. Based on research and analysis, it focuses on climate change adaptation and decisions by national leaders with a focus on developing countries. It includes case studies from Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Indonesia, Mali, Mongolia, Namibia, Nepal, Rwanda, South Africa and Viet Nam.

This analytical report examines the experiences of 21 developed and developing countries in adjusting their training provision to meet the new demands of a greener economy. It shows that skills development is critical to unlocking the employment potential of green growth, yet skills shortages are becoming an obstacle in realizing this potential. The report recommends that countries devise strategies based on well-informed policy decisions, social dialogue, and coordination among ministries and between employers and training providers.

This analytical report aims to help developing country national-level officials make decisions that support communities and economic sectors to become more climate resilient. Based on input from more than 100 experts in 36 countries, the report offers specific, practical strategies and innovative case studies to inform how to integrate climate change risks into national policies and planning. It also provides recommendations in five key public policy areas for developing country government officials and donor agencies: public engagement, decision-relevant information, institutional design, tools for planning and policymaking, and resources.

This manual aims to help young people consider the actions they might take towards more sustainable lifestyles, drawing links with climate change. The guidebook features sections on: learning as change; climate change and its impacts; living the good life; food and drink; energy control; travel and transport; leisure and entertainment; shopping for stuff; money and jobs; connecting with others; and taking action. It is aimed at young people (15-24 year olds) and people working with young people such as educators, teachers, trainers and youth leaders in both developed and developing countries.

This activity report summarizes the proceedings of the El Salvador conference (June 2010) “Strategies for Adapting Public and Private Infrastructure to Climate Change”. It outlines the multiple development benefits of climate-proofing infrastructure. While these proceedings address the specific context of El Salvador, the methodologies outlined can be applied to a wide range of situations.

This analytical report on sustainable land management (SLM) projects highlights the impact of many of these projects in achieving SLM, as well as experiences and lessons learned. The publication delves into various land sustainability programs in various countries around the world, exploring topics such as food security, livelihood assets, safeguarding water resources, climate change mitigation and adaptation, conserving biodiversity, and avoiding deforestation. On climate change, the book looks at programs to secure investment and income opportunities that arise from carbon sequestration and enhancing carbon stocks, as well as at climate change adaptation through SLM in the Pacific Islands.

This technical document provides an analysis of climate-related disaster risk reduction governance in the European context. The study focuses on the way in which decision making in climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction (DRR)  is managed, and assesses practical cases of regional and national adaptation strategies. The paper has three sections including: an overview of the climate-risks and DRR; an analysis of the current governance structure; and recommendations for the enhancement of these practices in regional and international organizations.

This technical document stresses that price volatility is likely to continue due to climate change and weather shocks, growing demand for biofuel, and the “financialization” of food and agricultural commodities. The report highlights that natural resource constraints, especially climate change and the limited availability of productive land and water in some regions, pose substantial challenges to producing food at affordable prices. It further notes that in the future, climate change will likely increase the risks of adverse weather and pests and diseases that reduce farm income and result in more variable production.

This analytical report is concerned with strategies for the sustainable development of tourism in the face of the challenges of climate change. It looks both at mitigation strategies, to limit tourism’s impact on climate change, and at adaptation strategies, to cope with the likely consequences. Tourism currently accounts for an estimated 5 % of anthropogenic CO2 emissions, however, on a business as usual projection these emissions would more than double over the next 25 years.

This analytical report analyzes legal and regulatory frameworks that could be applicable to potential Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) deployment in the Balkan and Southern African regions; assesses the role of climate finance to support prospective investment needs for CCS projects in developing countries; and examines potential structures for financing power plants equipped with CCS and the impacts of CCS on the electricity rates through a leveled cost of electricity model.

This manual provides practical tools for city planners and decision makers to reform urban planning and infrastructure design according to the principles of eco-efficiency and social inclusiveness. The guidelines build on knowledge accrued and lessons learned though case studies and pilot projects conducted in cities across Asia and Latin America. It is based on the recognized need for an urgent shift in the way urban infrastructure is planned, designed and managed in order to respond to the challenges posed by rapid urbanization, globalization and climate change.

A background report was developed to identify existing initiatives working towards capacity development and to make sure that the strategy complements and reinforces ongoing work. The report also outlines actions to strengthen climate change education and identifies key organizations working in this field.