| Overview: | Climate change in Afghanistan is expected to have a significant impact on economic growth. The capacity of Afghanistan to manage climate variability is weak - not helped by poor climate observation which makes it difficult to model or even predict extreme weather events. Even current levels of relatively predictable weather shocks keep many poor people in a cycle of poverty. This assignment will:
1. Contribute to national/regional debate on economic and social costs/benefits of actions on mitigation and adaptation.
2. Raise awareness and to the urgency of the climate change challenges and its potential socio-economic impact.
3. Support government, donors, the private sector and NGO actions to implement policies to mitigate and adapt to climate change
There will be two components to the assignment:
i) scoping – this will involve mapping the existing or expected country-level analysis of climate change in terms of local impacts, and existing or planned mitigation and adaptation strategies. This will include work carried out by the GoA, international organisations (including UNEP), academics, and NGOs. The scoping will help identify existing research, research gaps, and needs for further research.
ii) country assessment - this will involve an assessment of the local impacts of climate change – including an analysis of the range of potential futures, costs and options for adaptation and for reducing GHG emissions, and identification of policy options.
The study should usefully draw from and feed into the National Adaptation Programme of Action NAPA process as a pilot for UNEP.
The team produced a final report comprising:
• An economic and social assessment of the impacts of climate change for Afghanistan.
• An analysis of the costs and benefits of adaptation and mitigation to climate change.
• Non-binding policy recommendations (including timescales).
The report will be disseminated at a workshop in December 2008.
The LRC will also organise HET training for experts, make logistical arrangements and provide quality assurance for the work commissioned. |
