The Role of Technology Transfer from Developed to Developing Countries in Addressing Climate Change

The resolution of the global climate change problem requires the distribution and application of GHG-reducing technology worldwide, especially in the emerging economies with the highest amount of emissions. In this regard, it is important to identify the actual role of technology transfer from the North to the South in the reduction of global GHG-emissions, as well as determine why it is difficult to reinforce this role under the current international climate framework. To identify the role, the author will assess the robustness of the positive effects of TT predicted by the simulations of modified versions of the RICE model and analyzing the case studies of the international TT. To determine the barriers to the role’s reinforcing, the most recently written inputs of the Parties to the Convention on technology transfer submitted within the period 2008-2011 under the UNFCCC will be analyzed. The study showed that the role of TT in the reduction of global GHG-emissions is not significant today due to such factors as inefficiency of technology transfer mechanisms under the UNFCCC, transfer paradox, carbon leakage and rebound effect, as well as the inability of international community to negotiate a treaty regulating TT under the current international climate framework. The main barriers to negotiating such treaty are diverging interests of the Parties that cannot be satisfied simultaneously: developing countries seek to build foremost their capacities, while developed countries want to curb climate change and retain their competitive advantage on the international market at a time. However, TT potentially can play a substantial role in the formation and development of low-carbon industries in developing countries, which adds to the reduction of global GHG emissions.