CLIMATE AND CLEAN AIR COALITION TO REDUCE SHORT-LIVED CLIMATE POLLUTANTS

THE PROBLEM

Short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) are agents that have relatively short lifetime in the atmosphere – a few days to a few decades – and a warming influence on climate. These short-lived climate pollutants are also dangerous air pollutants, responsible for various detrimental impacts on human health, agriculture and ecosystems. Key SLCPs, including methane, black carbon, tropospheric ozone, and many hydrofluorocarbons, are responsible for a substantial fraction of near term climate change, with a particularly large impact in sensitive regions of the world. Science has built a powerful case for action to reduce SLCPs. A UNEP 2011 report shows that fast action to reduce these pollutants could slow down the warming expected by 2050 by as much as 0.5°C. It is estimated this would prevent over two million premature deaths annually and avoid annual crop losses of over 30 million tons. While fast action to mitigate SLCPs could help slow the rate of global warming and avoid exceeding the 2°C target in the near-term, long-term climate protection will only be possible if deep and sustained cuts in carbon dioxide emissions are made quickly.

THE SOLUTION

In February 2012, UNEP together with the governments of Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Sweden and the United States, launched the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (CCAC): the first global effort to treat SLCPs as an urgent and collective challenge.
Through this voluntary effort, governments, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs and civil society are working together to accelerate and scale-up action, catalyze new actions as well as highlight and bolster existing efforts to address SLCPs. All CCAC Partners, which now number over thirty,recognize that the work of the Coalition is complementary to global action to reduce carbon dioxide, in particular efforts under the UNFCCC.

THE IMPACTS

The CCAC Partners have identified seven initiatives for rapid implementation by the Coalition that will ensure fast delivery of scaled-up climate and clean air benefits, including: Reducing Black Carbon Emissions from Heavy Duty Diesel Vehicles and Engines; Mitigating Black Carbon and Other Pollutants from Brick Production; Mitigating SLCPs from the Municipal Solid Waste Sector; Promoting HFC Alternative Technology and Standards; Accelerating Methane and Black Carbon Reductions from Oil and Natural Gas Production; Promoting SLCP National Action Planning (NAPs); and Financing Mitigation of SLCPs. First actions under these initiatives are underway, with the first results expected in March 2013.

SUPPORT

The Coalition is growing rapidly. As of November 2012, it had 36 Partners. Financial support for the Coalition comes from Canada, Germany, the European Commission, Norway, Sweden and the United States of America.

WEBSITE

• www.unep.org/ccac

SUCCESS STORY

Mitigating black carbon from brick production
The CCAC identified traditional brick production as an area where substantial emissions reductions can be achieved for black carbon, toxics and other pollutants. Recent studies show that implementing more efficient technologies can result in reductions in pollutant emissions of 10 – 50 per cent, depending on the process, scale and fuel used. In a pilot phase to be completed by March 2013, the Coalition is focusing on raising the profile of emissions of SLCPs from inefficient brick production on national governments’ agendas to catalyze political engagement and action. Public policies to reduce the environmental impacts of artisanal brick production will be examined, and the characteristics of current brick production will be determined for Africa, Asia, and Latin America, covering the technology, fuels, practices and socio-economic conditions.

Source : Re-blogged from http://www.unep.org

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Cleaner cars with the Global Fuel Economy Initiative

THE PROBLEM

The global vehicle fleet is set to grow from less than one billion to 2.5 billion or more by 2050. Ninety per cent of this growth is taking place in non-OECD countries. At the same time the average vehicle efficiency of non-OECD countries is getting worse and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per vehicle are increasing. Even though vehicles in OECD countries are, in contrast getting more efficient, CO2 emissions of the global fleet are increasing and are set to increase even more sharply in the years to come.

Cleaner cars with the Global Fuel Economy Initiative

Improving fuel economy has many co-benefits for human health, the natural environment and the economy. These include the reduction of black carbon emissions and the subsequent improvement of urban air quality, a reduction in a country’s dependence on oil and cheaper transport for consumers.
Many countries have put policies in place that promote cleaner and more efficient vehicles and have adopted ambitious long-term targets. Cost effective cleaner technologies such as smaller engines (with more power), lighter cars and low resistance tyres have improved vehicle efficiency. Hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles are now entering many markets.
The policies that have been successful are a mix of fiscal measures (taxes for polluting cars and tax breaks for cleaner cars), communication (such as labeling showing the efficiency of the car) and standards (for example restricting the importation of used vehicles). Regrettably very few developing countries and economies in transition have put in place these policies and thus there is an urgent need to transfer knowledge and technologies in this area.

THE SOLUTION

UNEP, the FIA Foundation, the International Transport Forum, the International Energy Agency and the International Council for Clean Transportation launched the Global Fuel Economy Initiative (GFEI) in 2008. The GFEI promotes and supports automotive fuel economy aiming at a doubling of automotive fuel economy by 2050 (roughly going from 8l/100 km to 4l/100 km). The GFEI has started promoting the issue of fuel efficiency globally and is supporting more than 20 countries around the world in establishing policies.

THE IMPACTS

Over the coming decades over US$400 trillion is expected to be invested in fuels and vehicles. By putting in place fuel economy policies in all countries, more than a gigatonne of CO2 emissions per year can be avoided by 2030 and over two gigatonnes by 2050. By saving six billion barrels of oil per year in 2050, with an oil price of US$125/ barrel this would come close to US$800 billion.
Over the past years the GFEI has started 13 country projects. For example in Kenya UNEP has established the fuel efficiency baseline of the existing fleet, allowing the government to develop fuel economy strategies. In Ethiopia UNEP is working with the Government to develop fuel economy policies. In Chile, the Congress just adopted new labeling requirements showing the fuel efficiency of vehicles. The GFEI is in talks with another 18 countries that are keen to also develop national automotive fuel economy policies.

SUPPORT

Five GFEI partners; EU and Global Environment Facility Trust Funds; Experts and representatives from oil and vehicles industry; NGOs.

WEBSITE

• www.globalfueleconomy.org

SUCCESS STORY

In Chile, transport is one of the most rapidly growing end-use energy sectors, and emits about one-third of Chile’s energy related GHG emissions. In the context of the GFEI initiative, the Congress just adopted new labeling requirements showing the fuel efficiency of vehicles. With UNEP’s support, Chile is also preparing a system of incentives for low emission and fuel efficient vehicles, and disincentives for inefficient vehicles to promote a vehicle fleet transformation towards more efficient vehicles that present less local and global pollutant emissions. It is estimated that the incentive and disincentive system will imply a 5 per cent reduction of CO2 emissions from the total national vehicle fleet in 2014, obtaining a total CO2 reduction of 2.15 million tons in 5 years.

Source : Re-blogged from http://www.unep.org

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PHASE-OUT OF OZONE-DEPLETING GAS IN DEVELOPING NATIONS

THE PROBLEM

Many ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and the fluorocarbon gases used to replace them (such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are potent greenhouse gases and are between 90 to 12,200 times more powerful than C02 in causing climate change.
In 2007, the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer decided to accelerate the phaseout of hyrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which are mainly used in the air-conditioning and refrigeration sectors and in the manufacture of foam. Because of their lower ozone depletion potential, HCFCs were promoted as transitional replacements for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to enable the latter gases to be quickly phased-out.
This accelerated phase-out of HCFCs presents developing countries with an unprecedented opportunity to adopt ozone and climate-friendly technologies and policies. However, achieving these potential climate benefits depends on the replacement technologies adopted and can only be attained if low – or zero – energy efficient alternatives are selected. Together with improved servicing practices, these actions will reduce direct and indirect emissions through increased energy efficiency.

THE SOLUTION

UNEP, through its OzonAction Programme, is assisting key stakeholders in developing countries make informed decisions about technologies and policies to replace HCFCs, with a particular emphasis on achieving additional environmental and climate benefits. Around 100 countries are being helped by OzonAction to prepare and implement HCFC phaseout management plans with a focus on: establishing accurate and comprehensive baseline data; creating awareness about technology options and co-benefits with climate; developing and implementing legislation and standards; and enforcing trade controls. These plans encourage the adoption of low to zero GWP energy efficient alternatives.
OzonAction is also working with governments and the private sector to address rapidly growing HFC emissions through the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).

THE IMPACTS

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Montreal Protocol’s Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) estimated in a joint study that the climate benefits of phasing-out HCFCs would be equivalent to about 18 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide over the 2015-2050 period. If we consider further possible benefits due to improved energy efficiency of equipment using HCFC alternatives and recovery and destruction of old equipment, the emission reductions could be equivalent to about 38 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide over the same period.
Overall the actions under the Montreal Protocol in phasing-out ozone depleting substances have had significant impact. Since 1990 these have had the additional benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about the equivalent of 11 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide per year – five to six times the reduction target of the Kyoto Protocol between 2008 and 2012.

SUPPORT

The OzonAction Programme is funded by the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol.

WEBSITE

• www.unep.org/ozonaction/

SUCCESS STORY

UNEP, as the lead implementing agency for the HCFCs phase-out in the Maldives, is supporting the country to achieve a complete phase-out of HCFCs by 2020, ten years ahead of schedule. The country is determined to lead the race in carbon neutrality and HCFC phase-out is a part of this goal.

Source : Re-blogged from http://www.unep.org

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Planning and scaling-up technologies

THE PROBLEM

Climate technologies have significant adaptation and mitigation potential. Developing countries need access to advanced climate technologies in order to adapt to the impacts of climate change and to move onto low emission development pathways. There is a need to identify which technology can best be adapted to their local circumstances, as well as to remove barriers preventing the widespread diffusion of climate technologies in national markets. These barriers include high cost, import and export restrictions, inadequate government policies and regulations, and lack of experience and knowledge to operate and maintain these technologies. Hence developing country parties are encouraged to undertake assessments of country specific technology needs and to identify capacity gaps and barriers.
Technology transfer is a complex process involving a broad range of interests. It requires mechanisms that actively engage the multitude of stakeholders involved such as government agencies, businesses, donors, technology institutions, research organizations, and NGOs. Collaborative networks for technology transfer bring together these different actors and contribute to finding solutions to specific technology problems.

THE SOLUTION

UNEP is helping countries in undertaking assessments of country-specific development needs that involve analysis and prioritization of technologies, analysis of potential barriers hindering the uptake of prioritized technologies, and identification of market opportunities at the national level. This work is carried out in collaboration with international and regional organizations and centers of excellence.
UNEP is currently assisting 36 developing countries in performing country-led Technology Needs Assessments (TNAs) to identify technologies and options that are likely to have the highest impact on climate change mitigation and adaptation, given national circumstances. Furthermore, building on the TNAs, UNEP and its partners support the TNA countries in formulating national Technology Action Plans (TAPs) that help remove the barriers to technology transfer by prioritizing technology needs. TAPs enable countries to mainstream technology needs into broader development strategies (such as national and sectoral strategies and related investment plans) and to implement identified technologies.
Also, UNEP technology initiatives include knowledge management components supported by centers of excellence and networks that complement national capacity-building activities. UNEP has developed, in collaboration with national governments and internationally recognized organizations, numerous knowledge platforms and networking initiatives aimed at engaging various stakeholders in sharing knowledge and best practices, disseminating the wide range of available tools, methodologies and approaches to effectively and efficiently foster technology transfer, and encouraging peer-learning activities, synergies and collaboration for technical innovation, technology adaptation, diffusion and deployment.

THE IMPACTS

With UNEP’s assistance, 20 countries have completed TNA reports whose results are expected to inform highlevel policy decision and governmental implementation, as well as to establish baselines for specifying national mitigation and adaptation targets. Another eight countries have completed TAPs. UNEP is to date managing 5 regional climate networks in the frame of initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean (REGATTA project) Southeast Asia (Southeast Asia Network of Climate Change Offices project), Central Asia (Central Asia Climate Change Network project), and the wider Asia Pacific region (Asia Pacific Adaptation Network project, and pilot Climate Technology Network and Finance Center project). The networking of key actors, among them the national Climate Change coordination structures or offices contribute decisively to Climate Technology innovation, adaptation, diffusion and deployment in those countries.

SUPPORT

Global Environment Facility Trust Funds, national governments of Denmark, Finland, Japan, Norway, Spain and Sweden;

WEBSITE

TNA website:

• www.tech-action.org

SEAN-CC website:

• www.sean-cc.org

REGATTA website:

• www.cambioclimatico-regatta.org
• www.climatechange-regatta.org

SUCCESS STORY

In Costa Rica, the TAP will be used to design and structure sectoral Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA) in transport and energy, and to support the country’s National Climate Change Strategy. In Indonesia emission reduction measures and technologies identified in the TAP will help define an enabling framework for the development of a domestic solar PV (photovoltaic) panel manufacturing sector.

Source : Re-blogged from http://www.unep.org

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MAKING THE SWITCH TO EFFICIENT LIGHTING

THE PROBLEM

Lighting from electricity accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global energy consumption and six per cent of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Unless policies are implemented immediately to address this issue, overall energy consumption for lighting will have grown by 60 per cent by 2030 with dramatic consequences for climate change. The phase-out of inefficient incandescent lamps provides one of the most cost-effective way to reduce carbon emissions.

THE SOLUTION

The UNEP “en.lighten” initiative supports countries in implementing policies and concrete measures that will accelerate market transformation to efficient lighting technologies. A target date for the global phase-out of all inefficient lighting has been set for the end of 2016.
In order to mobilize efforts to make the global transition to efficient lighting a reality, UNEP has convened government representatives and international lighting experts from over 40 organizations representing 30 countries, to provide guidance on the development and implementation of successful national efficient lighting strategies.

THE IMPACTS

The replacement of all inefficient lighting in the world would cut global electricity consumption by five per cent, as much electricity as that consumed by India and Mexico combined. This global effort would yield annual initial cost savings of US$110 billion and would also achieve annual carbon dioxide reductions of 490 metric tons, equivalent to the combined annual carbon dioxide emissions of Italy and Denmark or to the emissions produced by more than 122 million cars.
As part of the en.lighten initiative, UNEP has published the findings of 150 country lighting assessments and a new global policy map on efficient lighting. The Country Lighting Assessments highlight the energy, financial and CO2 savings potential of efficient lighting. It also published the global policy map for efficient lighting that provides an overview of efficient lighting policies and successes, specifically in the residential sector.

SUPPORT

en.lighten initiative is a proven example of a successful public private partnership. It was created between UNEP and OSRAM AG, Philips Lighting and the National Lighting Test Centre of China, with the support of the Global Environment Facility.

WEBSITE

• www.enlighten-initiative.org

SUCCESS STORY

Lighting in Chile accounts for 12 per cent of total electricity consumption. The en.lighten initiative is working with Chile to develop a National Efficient Lighting Strategy that will save US$485 million annually in reduced electricity bills; electricity savings equivalent to the output of four mid-sized power plants; and reduced carbon emissions equivalent to taking 300,000 cars off the road. As a result of this partnership, Chile will also establish appropriate legislation and a collection and recycling system for spent lamps that may contain mercury.

Source : Re-blogged from http://www.unep.org

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GREENING THE TEA INDUSTRY IN EAST AFRICA

THE PROBLEM

Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, after water, with an estimated 18 to 20 billion cups of tea consumed every day. Tea production in the East African Region, which contributes 28 per cent of the world market supply, is carried out in highland areas characterized by high annual rainfalls and all-season river flows. Despite these favorable conditions, optimal tea production in the industry has been hampered by unreliable, insufficient and expensive energy from the national grid system as well as by a lack of supply in remote areas. The processing of tea, which requires both electrical and thermal energy, has made it necessary for all tea factories to install backup diesel generators that are highly polluting and greenhouse gas emitting.

THE SOLUTION

UNEP launched the “Greening The Tea Industry in East Africa” (GTIE) project in 2007 to address the energy challenges facing the tea companies by transferring renewable energy technologies and knowledge to the players in the sector. The overall project aims at installing six small hydro-power plants (SHP) with a cumulative capacity of 10 MW that will generate 105,000 MWh by project end. 84,000 tons of CO2 equivalent are expected to be mitigated over the project duration and to increase to an estimated 765,000 tons over a 20 year period. UNEP established the suitability of SHP within tea estates in the countries covered by the East African Tea Trade Association and embarked on installing electricity-generating stations.
The increase in the supply and reliability of electricity to tea factories reduces the industry’s energy and production costs and ultimately increase their competitiveness in the world market. Greenhouse gases from tea factories are also reduced through green power generation. Moreover, rural electrification is enhanced through power wheeling technologies – thereby improving the livelihoods of surrounding communities.

THE IMPACTS

The GTIE project has made commendable progress on the implementation of SHP in selected countries. Kenya’s successful implementation of a 0.85 megawatt SHP is now fully operational while construction of two additional hydro power plants capable of generating 10 megawatts will commence following the completion of technical design plans. Rwanda’s construction of a 4 megawatt station is ongoing; Tanzania will embark on constructing 1.5 megawatt SHP in Suma once sufficient funds have been mobilized. Similarly, Uganda’s construction of a 1.97 megawatt SHP will begin upon identification of a suitable developer.
The project is also working with various regulatory authorities to improve the policy and operating environment, which in turn has fostered public/private partnerships in the hydro power implementation process. Progressive implementation of electricity generating stations has not only spurred interest amongst in other tea companies in investing in small hydro power but has also resulted in financial institutions developing financial products to facilitate loans to the renewable energy sector.

SUPPORT

Global Environmental Facility trust funds; African Development Bank; East African Tea Trade Association; Tea Development Agencies in Kenya Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.

WEBSITES

• greeningtea.unep.org
• www.eatta.com

SUCCESS STORY

One of the success stories of the GTIE project was the commissioning of the 0.85 megawatt Tagabi small hydropower station in May 2011. The fully operational plant in Kericho, Kenya has to date saved the tea company an estimated US$613,833 and generated 6,445,277 kilowatt-hours. Further energy savings and earnings through feed-in tariffs will continue to be recorded at the station and subsequent SHP’s once operational.

Source : Re-blogged from http://www.unep.org

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MAKING THE BUILDING SECTOR CLIMATE FRIENDLY

THE PROBLEM

The building sector accounts for up to 30 per cent of global annual greenhouse gas emissions and consumes up to 40 per cent of all energy. It also provides the greatest potential for significantly cutting emissions, at low cost, in both developed and developing countries.
Collectively the building sector is responsible for about 40 per cent of global resource consumption, including 12 per cent of all fresh-water use, and produces up to 40 per cent of our solid waste. The sector is estimated to be worth 10 per cent of global GDP (USD7.5 trillion) and employs 111 million people. With urbanization increasing in the world’s most populous countries, building sustainably is essential to achieving climate mitigation and sustainable development.

THE SOLUTION

UNEP launched the Sustainable Buildings and Climate Initiative (SBCI) in 2006 to promote sustainable building and construction practices. The initiative has nearly 50 partners and collaborators representing all segments of the building sector, including contractors and developers, designers and engineers, local and national authorities, real estate companies, Green Building councils, professional associations and other non-governmental organizations. UNEP-SBCI draws on UNEP’s capacity to provide a global platform for collective action, utilizing its network and partnerships to develop reports, tools, and methodologies to promote sustainable building policies and practices.
Tools developed by UNEP-SBCI include:

• the Common Carbon Metric (CCM), a protocol for measuring energy consumption and calculating greenhouse gas emissions from building operations that is intended to meet international Measurable, Reportable, and Verifiable (MRV) standards
• the Quick Scan Policy Tool, developed in conjunction with the Central European University as an online platform for policymakers to assess their policy environment and develop policy packages to strengthen sustainable building practices in their jurisdictions.
• “State of Play” reports on sustainable buildings in India, France, several countries in Southeast Asia and more data-intensive “Baseline Emission and Reduction Potential” reports for South Africa and Mexico, with more reports in progress for the United States and Colombia.

THE IMPACTS

The work of UNEP-SBCI, including the initiative’s tools and strategies is informing policy-making worldwide. The Common Carbon Metric (CCM) has become the basis for a new international standard to measure the climate impact of building operations currently being developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). This effort will result in a better understanding of energy consumption and GHG emissions from buildings, and provide a globally applicable methodology for measurement and reporting. UNEP has incorporated the CCM in a project proposal to assist governments in Asia to develop Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMA) for the building sector.

SUPPORT

Private sector companies, government and local authorities, non-governmental organizations and research institutions organizations, including the Central European University, the Gulf Organization for Research and Development in Qatar, the Institute for Industrial Sciences at the University of Tokyo, the T.C. Chan Center for Building Simulation and Energy Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, and the Center for a Sustainable Built Environment at New York University; Governments of Norway and Finland.

WEBSITE

• www.unep.org/sbci

SUCCESS STORY

In Malaysia, the Ministry of Energy Green Technology and Water has adopted the CCM tool for the building component of its Low Carbon Cities Framework and Assessment System (LCCF), applying it to buildings in Cyberjaya and with future plans to apply it in four other townships in Malaysia. The CCM assists in establishing a baseline so that the effectiveness of retrofits and policy interventions can be effectively measured.

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