Climate change adaptation in dynamic economies: the cases of Colombia and West Bengal

This policy brief explores the implications of dynamic economic development for adaptation to climate change. Policy lessons are derived from two case studies, the country of Colombia and the Indian state of West Bengal. The two economies are at different stages of development, with Colombia perhaps two decades ahead of West Bengal, but both economies experience rapid economic change and both have fairly sophisticated, if conventional approaches to climate change adaptation.

The case studies are illustrative and used to identify broader policy lessons. The purpose of the paper is not to comprehend the particular challenges of the two case study countries, but to identify general insights, which are relevant to all policy makers wishing to factor economic dynamics into their climate change adaptation plans.