ABSTRACT
Global actions and commitments are needed to respond effectively to climate change. Early reductions in greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions from emerging economies, particularly China, India, Brazil and South Africa, are essential to an effective response. Yet most emerging economies are not eager to place mitigating GHGs before other development priorities. A co-benefit approach can help address these constraints. A co-benefit approach involves designing projects and policies that mitigate GHGs while improving urban air quality, water quality, and waste management practices at the same time (see Figure 11.1) (MoEJ and OECC 2007a). The savings from reductions in environmental pollution such as air, water, and waste can offset GHG mitigation costs, allaying concerns that climate actions will come at the expense of other development needs.
