2.8. Conclusion

Climate change is the defining development challenge of the 21st century: it magnifies and amplifies current poverty alleviation efforts. Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies are increasingly becoming areas of priority on the radar of development practitioners. Timely access to and sharing of critical information will become even more important as the intensity, unpredictability and frequency of disasters is likely to increase due to climate change. Existing vulnerability patterns will be heightened and the need for respective coping strategies to reduce the risk for poor and marginalised populations who are at the forefront of the effects will increase.

The strategic use of ICTs can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of climate change adaptation programmes and this effect has already been proven in other areas where ICTs are integrated into development programmes, such as education, health, governance and rural development. Access to information about climate change, and connecting people and communities so that they share knowledge and practical coping strategies, can reduce the risk of the inevitable effects on livelihoods of the most marginalised populations. ICTs can also empower the poor and marginalised to raise their voice for political accountability, advocacy and meaningful action.

The aim of this overview was to make the case to integrate ICTs as a strategic tool in climate change programmes. To include those most affected by upcoming changes in solutions and policy processes would merit the term “participatory” development.

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