Institutional Barriers to Low-Carbon Development in Developing Countries

Abstract

Climate change is a relatively novel challenge for developing countries. In solving climate-associated problems, well-investigated, indigenous, and sustainable solutions must evolve. These solutions emerge from the government, academia, citizenry, international influences, and other entrenched institutions. Institutions play a vital role in providing a framework for the alignment of national development objectives and national climate policies to achieve low-carbon, sustainable development.

The chapter examines the Nigerian case study and finds that a weak and fragmented institutional framework and poor climate governance structure are major barriers to achieving the transition to low-carbon development. Cross-sectoral policies exist to guide the transition to low-carbon development models; however, in practice, the transition process is quite slow and challenging.

The chapter finds that the existing institutional and governance structure is ill-equipped to manage the challenges of climate change and development. Mitigation capacity is still quite low, especially at the state and local government levels. Low high-level government buy-in and absence of cross-sectoral integration characterize the experience in Nigeria and, similarly, in developing countries including China, India, Mexico, and South Africa. If the national GHG emission reduction target will be achieved in record time, there is a need to pay more attention to mainstreaming low-carbon and climate action objectives into economic development plans at national, state, and local government levels.

Furthermore, indigenous institutional capacity building, as well as decentralization of climate regulation, is crucial in establishing a clear link between climate action and development which is paramount in achieving the right level of policy focus to bring about effective climate change mitigation.