COP26 Event Series: Sustainable poverty reduction and climate change in vulnerable regions

We start on the 5th of May with the very longest term outlook and a critique of economic modelling of climate impacts and pathways to better outcomes over the intermediate and long term. This session will look at the changing landscape of public investment, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. On the 12th of May we will then look at the private sector and how changing attitudes of investors is starting to effect changes in financial markets and their attitudes to financing projects. On the 19th of May we switch track to directly address the issues of climate finance in low- and middle-income countries and focus on investment and development of poverty reduction and sustainability for climate vulnerable populations. Finally, on the 26th of May we will look directly at the regulatory side, how externalities are priced into regulations, infrastructure provision and the move to a carbon neutral economy.

Andy Large and Julian Williams UKRI Living Deltas Hub and Newcastle University – Sustainable poverty reduction and climate change in vulnerable regions

Register via Zoom.

Deltas in South and Southeast Asia are prone to some of the greatest existential threats on the planet.  The transboundary river basins in which these mega-deltas are sited are currently undergoing common trajectories of rapid economic and social transformation, driven by national policies, regional co-operation, resource mobilisation and investment in infrastructure. Thus, each delta faces common challenges. Damming, groundwater depletion, agricultural and food system change, over-population and migration and rapid urbanisation all impact these vital-yet-fragile systems. Difference in governance between delta nations exacerbate the difficulties of managing anthropogenic impacts. Coastal ecosystems in delta regions also face degradation, including mangrove loss, biodiversity loss, agricultural pollution, land subsidence, and saline intrusion.  They suffer repeat impacts by damaging cyclones, placing extra burdens on already poor and marginalised rural communities.  The Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically and negatively affected delta communities in the region.

The combined and often synergistic pressures on delta resource bases and food systems have in turn accelerated the loss of delta natural-cultural heritage.  Yet many of the adaptive capacities and coping strategies displayed by delta populations are built on this cultural heritage base.  So, as wide-ranging trans-national societal impacts on deltas increase, the need for sustainable development strategies, underpinned by traditional knowledge bases and protected heritage becomes ever greater. Better delta-oriented policy is essential if the traditional advantages of deltas as highly productive landscapes are not to become a 21^st century disadvantage through hugely increased vulnerability to climate change and other threats. This interactive session will examine how enhanced climate change and environmental resilience and reducing the ‘wicked problem’ of poverty need to emphasise locally led adaptation, and youth, gender, and ageing-oriented approaches.