A recent study conducted by Forum for the Future has found that strategic action is vitally needed in impoverished countries to tackle the impact of climate change alongside efforts to boost economic development. The study, which was supported by the Department for International Development (DFID) has found that climate change will undo years of work to tackle poverty unless it is urgently addressed.
International aid not only needs to assist poorer countries in adapting to the effects of climate change, but also to grab hold of the opportunities that will arise as there is a global shift to a more low-carbon economy. One example might be how investment in renewable energy could augment energy security in impoverished areas, while developing low-carbon transport options would reduce pollution and improve health.
The study assessed four different scenarios for how climate change would affect low-income countries over the next two decades, with likely dramatic impacts on societies and economies.
Just one of these consequences could come in the form of escalating conflicts over water and scarce resources which would then dominate international relations, and even directly challenge established Western society models the report said.
Peter Madden, chief executive of Forum for the Future, said: "Climate change and development should be seen as complementary, not competing issues.
"By putting climate change at the forefront of development thinking we will not only help the world's poorest to avoid serious risks, but we can also help them seize new opportunities to create better lives for themselves.
"Development aid should be much more climate resilient."
Stephen O'Brien, International Development Minister, said: "Without urgent action, climate change threatens to undo years of work tackling poverty in the developing world.
"That is why the UK is now working across the globe to help the world's poorest people prepare for the potentially devastating effects of climate change and shift to the clean technologies that are so vital to a stable, successful world for us all.
"This report will act as an important tool to help poor countries plan for an uncertain future, and underlines our need to build climate change into everything we do."