As the UN’s global development network UNDP recognizes that climate change calls for a new development paradigm, one that mainstreams climate change into development planning at all levels, links development policies with the financing of solutions and helps countries move towards less carbon intensive, yet sustainable economies. In 2008, UNDP endorsed a new climate change strategy, which supports the capacity of developing countries to make informed policy and investment decisions to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce poverty and accelerate the achievement of the MDGs. The strategy also sets out how UNDP works with UN agencies, the Global Environment Facility (GEF)—consisting of UNDP, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Bank. 

UNDP promotes both climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts since both are essential to meet the climate change challenge. On mitigation, UNDP’s efforts include promoting greater energy efficiency in all sectors and uses, increased utilization of a wide range of renewable energies, increased energy access for the poor, policy reform and capacity development. On the adaptation side, UNDP supports countries as they work to integrate climate risks into national development policy and plans, develop financing options to meet national adaptation costs and share adaptation knowledge and experiences. UNDP’s value-added in preventing and mitigating the effects of climate change lies in its strong presence on the ground in 166 countries in terms of both operational capacity and expertise, including both experts on climate change policy and professionals in project development, a combination that allows UNDP to effectively implement projects at the country level. For example, once the final agreement on the new Kyoto Protocol is made, UNDP will help member countries to apply for and manage funds and technology as they work to fulfill their part in a new global deal on carbon emissions. In fact, UNDP has launched a groundbreaking capacity development initiative that is working with 13 African, Asian and Latin American and Caribbean developing countries to choose three key sectors—for example, energy, agriculture and tourism—in preparation for a national inter-ministerial workshop on national climate actions and the Bali Action Plan. Once these sectors are identified, UNDP will support countries in assessing the magnitude and intensity of national efforts needed to tackle climate change, as well as provide more accurate estimates for the funds needed to implement mitigation and adaptation actions. 

As the effects of climate change are increasingly felt in tandem with the effects of the economic crisis, opportunities are arising for real development change. UNDP is developing new partnerships, planning tools, public policies and financial instruments that help transform and create markets that work for people and the environment. By helping to protect forests around the world, UNDP both protects community livelihoods and helps to drive down carbon emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates that the cutting down of forests is now contributing close to 20 percent of the overall greenhouse gases that are entering the atmosphere, making the goal of reducing deforestation an urgent and immediate one.