Accelerating Climate Adaptation and Mitigation in Low- and Middle-income Countries: A Political Economy Guidance Note

Overview & Synopsis

Accelerating climate change action in low- and middle-income countries (LICs and MICs) is urgently needed across a wide range of sectors and policy areas. LICs and MICs have set targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (mitigation) and to strengthen resilience (adaptation). Yet despite the well-evidenced cost of inaction, policy implementation has not met what is needed to protect lives and livelihoods. To facilitate progress, practitioners must become more adept at diagnosing and addressing the political economy challenges that impede faster action. To address these challenges, a World Bank team has prepared a guidance note to provide practical, operationally relevant insights into the political economy of climate mitigation and adaptation in LICs and MICs. By offering concrete examples and identifying patterns observed across countries, sectors, and policy arenas, the note will enable practitioners to anticipate constraints and develop strategies for effective policy action.