Factores Impulsores y Desafíos para el Desarrollo Compatible con el Clima
Summary
This research paper by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) examines the drivers and challenges associated with Climate-Compatible Development (CCD). It defines CCD as a "development first" approach aimed at minimizing climate damage while maximizing human development opportunities in a low-carbon, resilient future. The document identifies five primary socio-political drivers—national awareness of adaptation, energy security, economic opportunities, access to climate finance, and government leadership—and seven key implementation challenges, including high costs, political opposition, and institutional limitations.
Key insights
- National awareness of the need for climate adaptation is a primary driver for CCD, particularly in developing nations where economic costs are high. For example, a severe drought in Kenya from 1998 to 2000 reduced GDP by 16% annually, and in Ethiopia, the lack of climate resilience could halve economic growth potential by 2025.
- Energy security and resource efficiency drive CCD strategies, especially for net oil importers facing rising prices. In the Caribbean, some countries spend 30-40% of their foreign exchange earnings on fossil fuels, making the reduction of energy costs a key motivator for CCD.
- The desire to capitalize on new economic opportunities, such as green industries and increased efficiency, motivates CCD. China's leadership in solar photovoltaic technology is cited as an example, and studies suggest China could create 30 million new green jobs by 2020.
- Access to international climate finance and development aid acts as a significant incentive for countries to adopt CCD strategies. This includes funds like the Green Climate Fund and mechanisms such as REDD+, which Guyana uses to preserve forests and diversify its economy.
- Strong government leadership is critical for CCD commitment, whether it originates from a head of state, a specific ministry, or sub-national leaders. In Rwanda, the president's vision for a developed, low-carbon economy by 2050 created a clear mandate for all ministries.
- High implementation and opportunity costs are major barriers to CCD. For Least Developed Countries, adaptation costs could average nearly 13% of GDP by 2030. Opportunity costs are also high, such as Ecuador's decision to leave oil in the Yasuni-ITT field.
- Political opposition from interest groups, particularly regarding fossil fuel subsidies, hinders CCD. Global spending on fossil fuel subsidies was approximately US$ 409 billion in 2010, with 80% of this benefiting only the 20% poorest of the world's population, yet these subsidies remain politically difficult to remove.
- Short-termism in government, driven by electoral pressures, often leads to the prioritization of immediate growth over long-term CCD goals. The document suggests incorporating CCD into legal processes to reduce vulnerability to electoral cycles.
- Institutional restrictions, such as unclear responsibilities between ministries and a lack of high-level mandates for coordination teams, impede CCD execution. A study of ten Latin American countries found that while many climate policies exist, execution levels are worryingly low.
- Technological limitations and price uncertainties for fossil fuels discourage green investment. India's National Solar Mission (2009) addressed this by creating a secure investment framework, including a 25-year power purchase agreement and a guarantee fund.
Cite the original document
- APA
- Ellis, K., Cambray, A., & Lemma, A. (2013). Factores Impulsores y Desafíos para el Desarrollo Compatible con el Clima. Climate and Development Knowledge Network. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/CDKN_Documento-de-trabajo-desarrollo-compatible-con-el-clima.pdf
- Chicago
- Ellis, Karen, Ali Cambray, and Alberto Lemma. Factores Impulsores y Desafíos para el Desarrollo Compatible con el Clima. Climate and Development Knowledge Network, 2013. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/CDKN_Documento-de-trabajo-desarrollo-compatible-con-el-clima.pdf.
- Wikipedia
- {{cite report |last1=Ellis |first1=Karen |last2=Cambray |first2=Ali |last3=Lemma |first3=Alberto |title=Factores Impulsores y Desafíos para el Desarrollo Compatible con el Clima |publisher=Climate and Development Knowledge Network |date=February 2013 |url=https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/CDKN_Documento-de-trabajo-desarrollo-compatible-con-el-clima.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}
- BibTeX
- @techreport{ellis2013factores, author = {Ellis, Karen and Cambray, Ali and Lemma, Alberto}, title = {{Factores Impulsores y Desafíos para el Desarrollo Compatible con el Clima}}, institution = {Climate and Development Knowledge Network}, year = {2013}, month = feb, url = {https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/CDKN_Documento-de-trabajo-desarrollo-compatible-con-el-clima.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }
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