STAP releases assessment of climate mitigation science – calling on the GEF to make a transformational contribution towards a global low-carbon economy During this time of significant change in climate politics and global financial architecture for climate action, the GEF faces new challenges and opportunities. The newest STAP report, prepared by leading experts in the field, under the leadership of STAP Panel Member, Prof. N.H. Ravindranath, reviews recently published climate science literature and provides a set of important considerations for the GEF’s role in this context. The report provides rich scientific and policy information about current mitigation and adaptation science. However, the single most important conclusion coming from this work could be summarized as the following:
To stabilize GHG concentrations in the atmosphere at a level preventing dangerous interference with the climate system, incremental reductions in GHG emissions are inadequate and a transformation shift leading to significant “decarbonization” of energy supply and economic systems is required. While the existing GEF approach to climate mitigation through market transformation and investment is environmentally sound, and climate friendly technologies remain relevant, the Facility should strive to shift away from promoting single technology and/or single sector approaches towards increased focus on systemic approaches – encompassing a combination of energy demand reduction measures, low-carbon option deployment, innovative IT systems, energy security, and policy and capacity development.
In this context the GEF should play a leading global role in assisting developing countries and economies in transition to produce short- and long-term low-carbon development strategies, consistent with their national sustainable development goals.
The report highlights recent climate change projections, including expected impacts, and reviews key mitigation sectors and technologies. It focuses on “traditional” GEF support policies and mitigation opportunities in energy efficiency, renewable energy, REDD+, and a number of other key strategies and sectors. The report argues for a strong GEF role in such emerging sectors with high mitigation potential as urban systems combining transport, buildings, water supply, waste treatment, food supply and land use zoning; AFOLU (Agriculture, Forest and Other Land Use); agri-food supply systems – including emerging and often controversial mitigation opportunities such as short-lived climate forcers and carbon capture and storage.
