Today the UK Department for International Development (DFID) launched the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN).

The £50 million CDKN, funded over five years by DFID, will link 60 developing countries with leading climate and development experts, allowing them to commission and share knowledge on how best to tackle the effects of climate change.

The PricewaterhouseCoopers-led alliance managing the network includes the Overseas Development Institute, Fundacíon Futuro Latinoamericano, LEAD International, South South North and Intrac.

The CDKN provides developing country policymakers in government and civil society with information and advice to help them make long term policy and investment decisions, that are resilient to climate change, and consistent with low carbon development. It will support decision-makers in developing countries in three main ways:

• Generating and providing access to the latest research related to climate change impacts and mitigation strategies across the network, providing applicable evidence for their policy development

• Providing direct support and building capacity in developing countries to develop plans to meet climate change adaptation or mitigation needs

• Helping to develop a global community of practice working on Climate Change and Development

The funding of the Network is part of the UK’s commitment to climate finance for developing countries. Focusing on bridging the knowledge gap, it will be one piece of the jigsaw to enable low carbon and climate resilient policy decisions and investment in these countries.

Gareth Thomas, International Development Minister, said:

“The UK is committed to providing support to help developing countries prepare for the potentially devastating impacts of climate change and build low carbon economies fit for the future.

“Yet, for this support to make the biggest difference, recipient governments need the detailed research and policy work which rich nations take for granted when they make decisions. That’s why the UK is establishing this ground breaking network, helping rich and poor countries across the globe to work together in the fight against climate change.”

Simon Maxwell, Chair of the CDKNetwork said:

“There are three key features of work we will carry out through the Climate Change and Development Knowledge Network. First, we will be passionate about tackling climate change, but also about tackling poverty and achieving human development. Second, we will support research, but in a way which provides the information that decision-makers need for evidence-based policy making. Third, we will work in response to the needs of developing countries, but also focus our resources to make maximum impact.”

Dr Celine Herweijer, director, sustainability and climate change, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP commented:

“The Climate Network is supporting countries to better understand how climate change impacts their development planning, post Copenhagen. Climate finance commitments in the Copenhagen Accord are a first step to addressing the financing gap, but to effectively leverage these funds and future increases, the knowledge gap also needs to be bridged.  This Network focuses on bridging the knowledge gap.”