Examining the arguments that countries can have either economic growth or environmental sustainability, but not both, this Opinion argues that developing countries need to find climate resilient growth strategies (i.e. growth strategies that are achievable despite the impact of climate change). They will also need to identify and manage opportunities (such as new markets or sources of finance) and risks (such as trade barriers or changing patterns of demand) that arise from international mitigation efforts, if they are to maximise their future growth prospects.