This paper discusses methodological lessons and empirical results of c
limate change mitigation assessment for developing countries with a sp
ecial emphasis on economic studies, National study results are discuss
ed in relation to expected general international development trends in
greenhouse gas emissions. It is concluded that greenhouse gas emissio
ns from developing countries certainly will increase in the future due
to economic development needs. There is however a large and relativel
y cheap potential for emission reductions connected to efficiency impr
ovements in industrial production and general energy efficiency improv
ements in the countries. The implementation of greenhouse gas mitigati
on strategies is interrelated with general national economic developme
nt policies. The macroeconomic impact of implementing climate change m
ititgation strategies is assessed on the basis of two case studies for
Zimbabwe and Venezuela and it is concluded that project implementatio
n and economic welfare improvement in some cases can be achieved simul
taneously. The methodological basis for macroeconomic assessment and f
or the establishment of baseline scenarios are critically discussed in
relation to the specific planning context of developing countries and
recommendations are given on research requirements. Copyright (C) 199
6 Elsevier Science Ltd.