CTA Seminar 2008 on the Implications of Climate Change for Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems
CTA Seminar 2008 on the Implications of Climate Change for Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems http://brusselsbriefings.net/past-breifings/february-13-2008/
Stockholm Environment Institute has a clear site with information on climate change as it relates to sustainability and the environment. SEI’s Annual Report 2007 emphasizes the link between climate change and science and policy. Descriptions of practical local projects to mitigate climate change are available on the site. SEI’s “Climate and Energy” programme gives an insight into the rational for SEI’s approach.
Alfred-Wegener Institut (AWI) carries out research in the polar marine regions that play a key role in climatic processes.
The Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research is the British climate computing centre especially concerned with assessing trends in climate change.
The Potsdam Institut für Klimafolgenforschung (PIK) is involved in interdisciplinary research on the complex interactions between oceans, atmosphere, biosphere, geochemistry and socio-economics.
US Global Change Research Information Office (GCRIO) provides access to data and information on climate change research, adaptation and mitigation strategies and technologies as well as global change-related educational resources.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature site provides extensive and up to date information on issues such as greenhouse gas emissions. Press packs are available on different climate change issues including legal aspects and the impact of climate change on ecosystem services. The site has links to descriptions of projects that focus on adaptation. For example:
cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/indigenous_peoples_climate_change.pdfThe International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) climate change site has downloadable research and policy materials on climate change in relation to sustainable livelihoods, capacity building, carbon trading and equity. Audio and video reports are also available and IIED runs a media room where questions and information on climate change are dealt with by experts. Of interest to those concerned with the problems of low lying coastal communities, for example, is the document Rising Tide: assessing the risks of climate change to human settlement in low elevated zones
An initiative of One World UK, this interactive site provides the opportunity to post and exchange experiences of climate change as well as respond to issues raised by participants from around the world. Under the byline “There’s a chance to save the world if we act together”, it provides information on ongoing actions. Home page link to video and stories of citizens putting their views to delegates during the UN Bali Climate Summit.
This is a new site still under construction (March 2008) but it already carries materials on policy and a wide range of other issues affecting women in areas where climate change has impacted on their livelihoods.
This is an important site because of its gender focus. The site is in German but English can be selected for the home page and project descriptions.
The International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) focuses on trade and sustainable development. Its section on climate change contains recent documents including reports of key meetings and briefings on the impact of trade on climate e.g. the downloadable document Climate, Equity, and Global Trade (Dec 2007).
The World Wide Fund for Nature site deals systematically with the issues involved in climate change. The phenomenon is explained and its impacts on weather and nature described. The site also provides access to campaign information and personal documents on individual experiences of climate change in different parts of the world. A “Solutions” section carries the WWFs publication Climate change WWFs vision for 2050.
A network of 430 NGOs working to promote government and individual action to limit human induced climate change. Links to websites that explain and provide further information on what can be done to counter climate change.
The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) site has a media directory that provides access to information on climate change classified according to region and issue. Through its network and knowledge services contact can be made (via email) with experts in specific climate related fields. The IDS Climate Change and Disaster project has generated information on a variety of issues including the effect of climate change on children and the poor in disaster prone areas. There is also a discussion platform
The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Development (CTA-EU) site knowledge.cta.int/en/cta_and_s_t contains a wide variety of documents and reports on the way in which climate change affects livelihoods in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. The site contains materials published between 2004 and 2007. Type climate change into the search bar for access to these documents.
The BBC’s Science and Nature portal gives access to materials on climate change. Type climate in on the Search option and go to BBC best link Climate Change to access news, opinions, stories and pictures. An in-depth guide provides good background to issues such as carbon trading, global energy demand, climate costs and the effects of climate change on flora and fauna.
A regularly updated site covering a wide range of issues, approaches and opinions from scientists, opinion writers, activists and others involved in climate change. These are collected and catalogued by subject and source. For the press there are particularly interesting and provocative quotes and leads. The site presents itself as a new way of understanding the dispute about global warming.
The Panos site provides access to articles written by journalists on the impacts of climate change in developing countries as well as opinion pieces. Panos has produced a media pack on climate change – Fuelling controversy - can biofuels slow the speed of climate change (2006).
Funded by the EU and coordinated by the Tyndale Centre for Climate Change and Research the project supports EU climate policies by providing advice based on research into the effects of adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Official site of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Extensive background documentation on the development of climate change negotiations and the on-going work of the IPCC
Newsroom site articles relating to climate change from 2006. Research focuses on land use and the environment under conditions of climate change. CGIAR’s approach to climate change is outlined in a downloadable dossier Global climate change: can agriculture cope.
Links to CGIAR affiliated research institutions for information on specific themes (water, agroforestry, biodiversity etc). The ICRAF site carries materials relating to climate change and the centre’s agricultural research activities. The ILRI site also has materials relating to the effects of climate change on small farmer production.
World Metrological Organization site provides information on proposals and projects to improve meteorological services, information and training in less developed countries. Case studies range from experiences with providing improved severe weather forecasting services to ensuring that communities receive adequate warning about potentially heavy rainfall and disastrous storms.
Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research carries an extensive selection of scientific reports, technical briefing and other publications on the current and future implications of climate change. Research focuses on identifying and achieving sustainable solutions. Documents can be downloaded. Media site contains items of specific interest to the press and the general public.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) implements GEF funded projects. Climate change and adaptation dealt with as a major development issue. The Human Development Report 2007/2008 “Fighting Climate Change: Human Solidarity in a Divided World” can be downloaded.
Press materials on UNDP publications are also available. The site provides links to the Adaptation Learning Mechanisms site with information on projects that contribute to understanding climate change adaptation processes. The newsroom site has some stories on international and national climate change issues.
The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) LEAD site links to information on the relationship between livestock, the environment and development. Interesting information designed to help planners assess the interaction between livestock and the environmental effects of climate change. Useful digital library with materials that include “Livestock’s long shadow”(2006). The site has a photo gallery and a list of contacts who can provide further information on livestock issues. www.fao.org provides more general background information, news stories and media contacts on climate change issues.
Earth Wire is an environmental news portal updated daily and managed by UNEP and GRID/Arendal. It carries stories by journalists on the impact of climate change in their region. It is an informative site with a subject archive and press releases from NGOs and the private sector. www.grida.no is a related site with a special section on climate change that targets decision makers, media and the public. The site provides high quality information.
European Commission website provides basic information on EU climate change policy and an overview of provisions for dealing with the impacts of changing climatic regimes. Articles available on-line include research reports and summaries of negotiations and policy developments. News updates are added daily. Videos can be downloaded on topics ranging from polar research to the latest developments within the IPCC. Publications on how individuals can save energy and tools for calculating carbon footprints etc target the European consumer.
SIDA focuses particularly on the way climate change affects the poor and how climatic natural disasters are creating a new poverty. The site provides links to information on the impact of climate change on food, water and health. A new report and other documents based on discussions held a recent SIDA Development Area Forum Conflict risks, human security and climate change (Feb 2008) can also be downloaded.
UK Department of International Development carries a selection of materials on research into climate change funded by the UK government. Type in climate change on the research bar to access, for example, the downloadable document Mapping climate vulnerability and poverty in Africa.
German Technical Assistance (GTZ) site. Typing in climate change on the search bar for further information on GTZ projects relating to the environmental and socio-economic impact of climate change. These projects are integrated within its Climate Protection Programme (CaPP) which aims to assist developing countries meet their commitments under the Framework Convention on Climate Change and support them in implementing the Kyoto Protocol. Pamphlets reporting the results of GTZ projects such as Adaptation to climate change can be located at en-climate-results-adaptation.pdf.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) funds environmental programmes. Its website provides an overview of projects and programmes to mitigate the effects of climate change. Information is also provided about projects to reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable transport. The emphasis is on adaptation and capacity building in vulnerable countries, sectors, and communities. A “Project List” link can be used to search by issue and country. A “Newsroom” on the Home Page provides a link to the video “Fragile Planet” that deals with the problem of carbon emissions as well as other environmental and climate change stories.
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Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP-EU (CTA)