Section outline

  • Carbon-intensive development is increasing complexities and can have a disempowering effect on people. LCD strategies need to take social and gender issues fully into consideration from the very start. Sometimes, a distinction is made between a traditional "climate-first" approach and a "development-first" approach, and it is claimed that the concept of LCD takes a "development-first" approach. But is development a purpose in itself or rather a means to achieve welfare for all, or maybe “buen vivir”?

    Development should not only take the material standard of living into account, but also empower people to make informed decisions about their lives. Given the various notions of development, the question is if what we need is a “liveability-first” approach, taking a social and gender perspective. 


    alternate textKiribati, Pacific, picture taken by SPC