Next week, thousands will travel to Doha, Qatar, for the next round of climate change talks at COP (Conference of the Parties) 18. It's a crucial time for climate change and development, coming only six months after the Rio+20 conference on sustainable development, and as discussions intensify around the post-2015 development agenda. The Kyoto protocol – the only global agreement on cutting greenhouse emissions – is set to expire at the end of this year.
A recent report (pdf) commissioned by the World Bank examines the potential impact a 4C increase in global temperature could have on economic development. It outlines stark scenarios for developing countries: the inundation of coastal cities, risks for food production, which could potentially increase malnutrition, heatwaves, water scarcity and the loss of biodiversity.
The responsibility for global climate change remains contentious. Brazil, South Africa, India and China, known as the "Basic bloc", this week released a joint ministerial statement putting responsibility for success in "the hands of rich nations", calling on them to commit to more ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Helen Clark, head of the UN development programme, argues that "climate change undermines gains in the developing world, threatening their lives, their livelihoods, and their countries' prospects". She adds that the "international community needs to make the transition to green and inclusive economies that tackle inequality, advance development and stop the ongoing assault on our ecosystem".
What's at stake for developing countries at Doha? How should sustainable development be included in the post-2015 framework? What progress has been made to help countries adapt to climate change?
On Tuesday 27 November The Guardian will host a live chat to debate these questions and more. Join their panel in the comment thread at 4pm GMT/11am EST/7pm Doha.