Technology transfer is an important part of ongoing efforts at climate change mitigation and adaptation, and a central issue in negotiations between developed and developing countries. In a German publication for the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Christiane Gerstetter summarises the state of the debate prior to the Durban climate summit.

In her contribution, Christiane Gerstetter discusses technology transfer in the international climate change regime, factors favoring and inhibiting technology transfer and different existing mechanisms to support technology transfer. She concludes that technology transfer will continue to play an important role in international climate politics and negotiations, but should not be used to avoid taking significant steps towards emission reductions in developed countries. Technology is only one – albeit important – element of a more socially and environmentally sustainable world economy.

The publication is part of a brochure published in German by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, entitled "Klimaschutz und nachhaltiges Wirtschaften - Für ein neues entwicklungspolitisches Leitbild." The brochure [pdf, 5.6 MB, German] is available for download.