This publication is part of a series of sectoral briefing notes on Trade and climate scenarios on the road to 2050: Implications for developing countries and climate-resilient development. The series aims to provide an overview of current and anticipated transformations in trade on the road to 2050 in the context of the unfolding climate crisis and the international community’s climate action agenda and to discuss potential scenarios and implications for developing countries and sustainable development.
The briefing notes in the series—covering sectors ranging from agriculture to carbon markets, critical minerals, digital trade, fisheries, fossil fuels, heavy industries, renewable energy, textiles, tourism, and transport—will inform a final report to be released in the coming months.
This sectoral briefing note focuses on heavy industries, outlining climate action and impact scenarios within these sectors while examining trade-related trends and dynamics. The paper identifies the key opportunities and challenges for developing countries, with an emphasis on the importance of inclusive policy dialogues. It highlights the need for addressing regulatory changes, reducing trade barriers, harmonising low-carbon standards, and improving data to better understand the implications of industrial decarbonisation. These efforts aim to support developing countries in aligning with the global transition while advancing their own sustainable development goals.
This briefing note and the series will help contribute to a better understanding of emerging trade and trade policy trends and dynamics and their implications within the various sectors, thereby supporting developing countries in identifying and advancing their climate and trade-related interests and priorities in international discussions.
This briefing note was produced in collaboration with TESS, recognising the value of joint efforts in addressing the complex challenges and opportunities that climate and trade policies present for developing countries. Together, we aim to strengthen the global response to climate change by ensuring that developing countries can successfully navigate the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.
