Miguel Rescalvo & Jorge Lujan As countries continue to consider and implement explicit carbon pricing instruments (CPIs), mainly carbon taxes and Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS), and progress in the implementation of implicit carbon pricing through subsidies reforms, they must consider the effects these actions may have on their populations. Despite their positive outcomes in an […]
Women and Gender were key discussion topics at COP 26, and analysts have reflected on the bold progress of acknowledging the impacts of climate change on women and overall improvements in addressing gender equality. Industries and sectors with a large female workforce, such as agriculture, textiles, electronics, and fisheries have significant greenhouse gas footprints and […]
Countries are increasingly acknowledging the opportunities of a Just Transition, as well as the potential impacts of climate change policy. Below we recommend specific actions for countries making efforts to understand the Just Transition. Climate change will have wide-ranging consequences, but countries are now also increasingly aware of the socioeconomic impacts that policies aimed to […]
At the COP26 Climate Change conference, countries aim to accomplish the following goals: [1] Secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats Mobilize finance Work together to deliver Despite the general call for all countries to be involved, not all countries will be participating […]
Coal continues to represent a major portion of energy generation, especially in countries with vast reserves. Burning coal also accounts for a large portion of global emissions and pollution. Coal is currently subject to greater scrutiny. This is in light of global emissions commitments, public health considerations, and attempts by governments to reduce pollution. It […]
Many African countries have developmental challenges and need to raise their populations from poverty. They will also be disproportionately affected by the adverse effects of climate change so they stress adaptation actions and strengthening resilience building. In 2020, countries will revise their NDCs as part of the Paris Agreement. Circular economy methods will be integral […]
COP25, held in Madrid under the presidency of Chile, concluded this past Sunday with disappointing results. Negotiations did not live up to the expectations, finishing with a weak agreement and without the operationalization of Article 6. COP25 was an unique opportunity to align government action with what is an increasing demand by people around the […]
The Paris Agreement defines climate actions in the context of the SDGs, and climate change is seen as the single biggest threat to sustainable development. In most cases, countries have focused their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) on project level mitigation actions, following the same approach as it was done under the Kyoto Protocol. However, the […]
See post at UNDP here. Key Messages Building on circular economy approaches when designing long-term climate strategies could promote the dual objectives of sustainable economic development and climate neutrality. NDC targets and Circular Economy Strategies are complementary. Circular economy strategies can reduce the current emissions gap by half and should thus be included in the […]
What are the benefits and challenges of circular economy principles in national climate change strategies? Developing countries are working to lift their population out of poverty and to increase the access to material well-being. Increased extraction and exports of wood, fossil fuels, metal ores or refined metals and minerals are expected, and are both important […]