This technical paper provides an update to the paper on investment and financial flows to address climate change which was published by the secretariat in 2007. This update was requested by the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention (AWG-LCA), at its second session, taking into account paragraph 1 of decision 1/CP.13 (the Bali Action Plan). The technical paper presents different options, tools and mechanisms to enhance financing for mitigation, adaptation and technology cooperation for an effective response to climate change. Further, the assessment of options, tools and mechanisms is enriched by information submitted by Parties and other observer organizations as part of the work of the AWG-LCA. It also presents relevant new information available on the investment and financial flows needed.

This paper provides an overview of mitigation practices for the agricultural sector, and identifies relevant policies and measures (PAMs). It addresses the relative mitigation potential of each mitigation practice presented, as well as methodological and technical challenges, and possible barriers for their implementation. The paper also identifies win-win options, best practices and co-benefits and synergies for each practice. Knowledge gaps and research and development needs on mitigation practices are identified as the basis of recommendations for future work.

Physical and socio-economic trends in climate-related risks and extreme events, and their implications for sustainable development. The Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concludes that warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as evidenced by increases in global average temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising sea levels as a consequence of climate change. These physical trends in the climate are projected to intensify into the future. This paper, prepared in the context of the Nairobi work programme on impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change, draws on the information provided by the IPCC in outlining the physical and socio-economic trends in climate-related risks and extreme events for developing countries, particularly for the least developed countries and small island developing States, and the implications for sustainable development. Physical and socio-economic trends are compounding each other to undermine sustainable development and the ability to achieve the Millennium Development Goals in the poorest regions of the world through increased poverty, loss of livelihoods, and compromised health and education.