Paper short abstract:

Technology development, research and transfer are listed in the COP21 Paris Agreement amongst strategies that countries should adopt to combat climate change and to embrace sustainable economic growth.

Paper long abstract:

Nationally determined contributions are made in recognition of the individual countries' capabilities defined by their economic growth as well as technologies developed through evolutionary processes in response to different climate zones of the world.

This paper will examine interconnections between individual climate zones of the world, eco-systems, the availability of local resources and existing traditional technologies that are suitable for modern adaptation when considering economies of scale, appropriate traditional knowledge systems, innovation and contemporary research & development. The criteria for technology transfer of renewable resources, aimed at building resilience, will be proposed with a specific focus on the most vulnerable climates and communities.

Technology and knowledge transfer of the existing natural capital of the planet may prove to be one of the fastest and cheapest long-term solutions for sustainable development and the eradication of poverty. The one dimensional concept of modernization as a symbol or criterion of growth needs to be challenged, but at the same time barriers against the authentic, integrated response to combat climate change must be identified in order to develop holistic and balanced solutions.

Tomorrow's 'climate knowledge' generation will have to embrace collaborative responses to local contexts by forming broader multi-disciplinary, global community teams using the specialist knowledge from indigenous peoples, applied science, civil society, local and national policy makers, governments and UN organisations.

1 UNFCCC FCCC/CP/2015/L9 12th December 2016 Article 7.2 p.24