Lo w- an d Mi d dle -In com e C o untr ies , C a rbon Em issi ons, and T ra de
implementation methodologies if the potential benefits from land management are to be realized. Countries also need to deepen the implementation of sustainable land management practices embodied in several international conventions, as these provisions can help to attenuate the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of agricultural trade liberalization.
Conclusions Emerging emitters collectively have contributed extremely little to the overall stock of CO2 in the atmosphere, but they have moved to the forefront of the growth of CO2 emissions over the past decade and will likely increasingly do so. These countries are confronting the massive challenges of achieving inclusive economic development, contributing to climate change mitigation, and adapting to rising global temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and more extreme weather events. To limit global warming to 2°C above preindustrial levels, the world needs to reduce emissions by 25 percent with respect to 2018 levels; emerging emitters have a significant role to play in achieving this level. Although more land is being allocated to agriculture, yields are still very low, signaling that current output may have been achievable with less land-use change. The following are some important considerations: • Trade-induced land-use displacement can have positive effects—with global environmental benefits. • Trade policy options are available to influence patterns of consumption and demand—“climate change consciousness.” • Trade measures can promote sustainable agricultural management by facilitating – Access to digital technologies from advanced economies and improved seed varieties – Transfer of knowledge and expertise on improving yields – Access to quality fertilizers that can boost farmer uptake—better regulation, not trade restrictions. • To minimize the adverse impacts of trade liberalization and maximize its positive impacts for sustainable land management, two land degradation issues need to be addressed: expansion of agriculture for export and marginalization of smaller farmers. • The impacts of land-use change are not constrained by borders and thus require regional solutions. • Trade agreements need to use specific, legally binding language in all climaterelated provisions for any change to occur. Removing barriers to trade in the products that can support the move to a lowcarbon future and facilitating knowledge sharing on how to implement the low-carbon transition can significantly support low- and middle-income countries’ efforts to reduce emissions. A global move toward a “low-carbon lifestyle” would entail significant changes in the overall consumption mix and in how products are made. More generally, simultaneously addressing the challenges of ending extreme poverty, achieving
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