The consumption patterns that are emerging in this part of the global population are starting to resemble those of the middle class in industrialised countries. For many in this rising middle class, now is the time when the decision is made and the conditions are created to pursue sustainable, low-carbon lifestyles, or the high-carbon lifestyles that many developed countries are socially, behaviourally and technologically locked into. Urgent questions include what innovations – social, institutional and technological – could lead to a different, environmentally and socially more desirable outcome.

This briefing paper, Low carbon technology for the rising middle class, will discuss the role of local and international technology and innovation policies for low-carbon development of the rising middle class in developing countries. Although a large segment of the population of most developing countries remains severely deprived, most developing countries also have a significant and growing part of the population that could be a feasible target for low-carbon policies. The focus of this paper is on those currently in the process of reaching higher incomes, but the findings could also apply to those already in high-consumption and high-carbon lifestyles.

The paper is part of the CDKN-funded project, Fostering low-carbon technology innovation and transfer: an in-depth study, which aims to broaden and refocus national and international policy agendas in order to improve prospects for enhancing technology development, diffusion and transfer. It was designed to translate the latest academic insights into policy, explore national and international instruments for advancing technology (including the emerging UNFCCC Technology Mechanism and bilateral initiatives), and examine technology value chains as case studies of where action could be taken.

Further reading:

Project homepage: Fostering low-carbon technology innovation and transfer: an in-depth study
Policy brief: The Technology Mechanism under the UNFCCC: Ways Forward
Policy brief: Innovation for Climate-Compatible Development for the ‘Bottom of the Pyramid’
Policy brief: Innovation systems in developing countries

Image credit: Greenpeace