What does the global dialogue on climate change mean for individual countries? Can countries “climate-proof” their socio-economic development strategies? Eco Ltd is working with the country office of an international development organization on a pilot report to address these questions in Croatia, structuring a project design workshop and supporting the development of a pilot Human Development Report focusing on climate change.

During the project development workshop, more than 30 stakeholders identified key “missing pieces” in the current state of knowledge about climate change issues: 1) vulnerability and adaptation, particularly in key sectors such as agriculture, water, and tourism; 2) public opinion and receptivity to climate-related policies; and 3) institutional capacity and coordination on climate and economic development issues.

Croatia currently finds itself at a crossroads, as its greenhouse gas emissions approach 1990 levels, shifting it from a potential seller to a potential buyer of emissions. Three messages are emerging from the research in the report. First, climate change represents a serious threat to human development in Croatia. In addition, there are ways to address climate change in Croatia that cost little or nothing. Finally, climate protection measures can also promote other policy goals, such as energy security and EU accession.

Building on their knowledge of best practice in climate change policies and programmes, Eco’s experts are supporting the reporting with an emphasis on how to best address these issues both in Croatia and in other countries that may face more capacity constraints. More information on the ongoing process is available here and here.

Contact Us

If you are a development organization interested in mainstreaming climate change issues into your work, contact Susan Legro using our online form.