Capacity building as the cornerstone of the climate change regime: evolution of the agenda through a policy-practitioner view from Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACT As developing economies walk a tightrope balancing economic development with environmental protection, capacity building becomes the most prominent instrument to ensure that the development needs of citizens are met within the realities of the climate change regime. Capacity building sits at the very foundation of the climate change regime, together with ‘finance’ and ‘technology development and transfer’ mechanisms. Recognizing that developing countries are on the receiving end of implementation projects, this review highlights historical understanding of the constituents of capacity building initiatives and how these can advance humanity towards the global good of decelerating, and even reversing, the adverse impacts of climate change. In particular, the article describes the institutionalization of capacity building since the establishment of the international climate change regime and highlights some of the stances of the Brazilian environmental diplomacy in this process. Furthermore, it emphasizes initiatives taken by developing countries to empower their citizens and to serve as a mainstay for enhancing South–South cooperation by sharing climate-friendly practices and capabilities. With the establishment of the Paris Committee on Capacity Building and Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency at COP21, it is clear that ‘clarity’ and ‘tracking of progress’ are the new objective tools needed to build on and supplement NDCs and related national efforts for tackling climate change. Key policy insights Capacity development projects should be tailored to the characteristics and needs of each recipient Non-Annex I country. Effective and lasting development of capabilities requires going beyond imparting technical know-how of environmentally-beneficial technologies and must include adopting a ‘learning by doing’ approach. National institutions of the recipient countries should be at the helm of capacity building projects to bring in necessary knowledge on national regulations, traditional skills, and resources that are vital to the success of these initiatives. Transparency in information flow and timely multistakeholder assessment of capacity building efforts are the lynchpin for enduring capacity development efforts.