This publication presents an overview of the status of tourism in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), while providing evidence of the key importance it has for the sustainable development of many islands and for the achievement of the MDGs. It draws together and updates a wide range of evidence on tourism performance and impacts and on the factors affecting the future development of the sector in SIDS, and provides policy orientations, guidelines and other tools to the various tourism stakeholders in SIDS on how to address these challenges and develop and manage tourism in a sustainable manner for the benefit of their population.
China and India are heavily dependent on high-carbon fossil fuels. This article elaborates the implications of low-carbon energy transitions in the two countries, which can mitigate their serious contribution to climate change while allowing economic growth. Three modelling case studies are presented: for the Chinese power sector, the economy of Beijing and rural Indian households without access to electricity. They demonstrate a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, while costs are likely to increase. Financial assistance and technology transfer will be needed to support their efforts towards a climate-friendly lowcarbon economy.
This summary was prepared by Eldis.
By analysing both the risks and potential benefits of China’s shift to a low carbon economy and society, this Human Development Report hopes to contribute to China’s rapidly evolving policies in this area. It highlights that, if China can fully grasp the opportunities at hand, it could move to a society which is not only environmentally sustainable, but which also creates the conditions for greater job creation, enhanced resource efficiency and energy security, better food security and health outcomes for the people. The report points out that the benefits of China’s rapid growth have not come without some serious costs, including damages to the country’s environment and natural resources. Climate change adds new complexities to China’s quest for sustainable and equitable development. The report urges China to work on two fronts: it must deal with the existing and inevitable effects of climate change, and lower the growth of greenhouse gas emissions to prevent even greater threats.
This summary was prepared by Eldis.
This booklet summarizes the green investment opportunities within Sierra Leone’s recently launched 2013-2018 Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, known as the Agenda for Prosperity. A number of the Agenda’s planned green interventions are currently unfunded: the overall cost of implementing the plan is an estimated US $5.75 billion with a funding gap of US $2.1 billion. In light of this, the AfDB has created this booklet to help the government attract investment for its green growth activities.
Released to mark the African launch of the 2012 UN International Year of Sustainable Energy for All, this report is based on a survey of 38 mostly private sector institutions involved in energy infrastructure finance in developing countries. It outlines the current obstacles to sustainable energy solutions in Africa, including the cost of electricity and difficult grid access. It highlights the need for an estimated 7,000 megawatts (MW) of new generation capacity annually to meet the continent’s growing energy demands, and argues that Africa has a wealth of untapped domestic resources. The report underscores the opportunities to improve energy security and to establish regional energy markets.
This summary was prepared by Eldis.