Climate and environment research

DFID is working to ensure that aid addresses both the causes and likely effects of climate and environmental change, as well as to enable developing countries to benefit from any opportunities arising from these changes. Climate change is already having profound implications for developing countries, and this situation is only likely to become more acute. 

Poor communities are already struggling to cope with current variability in climate - from increased frequency and severity of flooding in Bangladesh to changing rainfall patterns across Africa, bringing drought and crop failure to countries like Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. Widespread severe environmental degradation and pollution are also causing a deterioration in the health and quality of life of millions of people throughout the developing world. 

Research is vital to both fully understand how current and future climate conditions and other pressures on the environment will affect these vulnerable groups but also to help identify and capitalise on any emerging livelihood or growth opportunities triggered by environmental and climate change.

DFID has a significant and growing portfolio of research on how climate change and environmental issues are affecting poor people and what can be done about it. Our research in this area covers everything from climate science and impact modeling, to climate change adaptation and mitigation, to understanding better how to build ecosystems and the services they provide into supporting poverty reduction and inclusive growth processes.

The following examples illustrate the scope and importance of our commitment to research into climate and environmental change:

• A recent project, part of the Climate Change Adaptation in Africa programme has played a key role in Madagascar’s strategy for sustainable growth. Decision makers did not have enough precise spatial information on which people and resources were most vulnerable. This project produced a number of studies that have stemmed this trend by providing evidence-based vulnerability and adaptation options.
• DFID played a key role in the Economics of Adaptation to Climate Change project, led by the World Bank. This major study has sought to asses the future economic costs of adapting to climate change and estimate the levels of funding needed to respond to the challenge.  These predictions will play a pivotal role in developing countries, as decision makers look to understand and assess the risks posed by climate change.  The research will help governments design better adaptation strategies that keep the most vulnerable communities in focus.
• A related programme is the Climate Science Research Partnership (CSRP), which sees DFID working in partnership with the Met Office’s Hadley Centre to improve our understanding of what drives climate in Africa, and incorporate this knowledge in the latest climate models. The programme will also work to support key African institutions to undertake climate science.
• The Climate and Development Knowledge Network provides developing countries with access to the latest research and science on climate change, as well as technical assistance, knowledge sharing and partnership building in support of Climate Compatible Development. Its core objective is to help policy makers and practitioners plan and implement strategies that meet their countries’ climate challenges.
• The Ecosystem Services for Poverty Alleviation Project (ESPA) funds interdisciplinary research to deliver significant changes in how we manage ecosystem services for the benefit of poor people.