Key Messages
- Despite having amongst the lowest greenhouse gas emissions globally ¨C at only 0.05% of global emissions ¨C Benin is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. Under a 2.7¡ãC global warming scenario, by 2070 98% of Benin¡¯s territory is expected to be exposed to extreme temperatures.
- The dependence of Benin¡¯s economic structure on agriculture and informal employment makes its development path even more vulnerable to climate change in the absence of proper adaptation.
- Adapting to climate change requires a resilient growth model both on labor demand and supply. While all sectors will have to become more resilient, this is especially urgent for agriculture and land use, urban and network infrastructure, and human development (education, health). Making sure women participate in decision-making processes will be crucial.
- Mitigation efforts should focus on avoiding carbon lock-ins and reducing deforestation. Expanding the population¡¯s access to electricity remains a priority for Benin and investing in renewable energy can help.
- To reduce carbon emissions from land use, deforestation rates will need to slow in the short term and stop altogether in the long term, with continued investment in sustainable forest management.
- Climate interventions involve significant investments, but the benefits outweigh the costs. They will require significant scale up of private investments, greater concessional resources and innovate blended finance mechanisms, where Benin has already led the way with the first African SDG Bond.