This report asks whether and how this transformation could become an economic opportunity rather than a costly burden. Could a transformation to a low-carbon energy system induce net economic growth that can ease the transition to a low carbon economy? Or must it only be a pricey impediment whose costs offer support to those who would resist change? We address three aspects of this problem:
1. What are the proper roles for markets, prices, and governments in the move to a new energy system?
2. Which policy interventions can become investments in a productive future, and which are just costs that we must bear to achieve our other policy objectives?
3. Can the shift to low-carbon, high-efficiency energy drive “green growth” and business opportunity?
This report contains 7 case studies from various countries and regions, and their strategies to shape green growth, as well as the obstacles encountered. These green growth cases cover Brazil, California, China, Colorado, Denmark, the EU, and Korea.
This document shows that increased industrial energy efficiency is one of the most promising routes to sustainable industrial development worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Industry remains among the most energy-intensive sectors: its contribution to global GDP is lower than its global share of energy consumption. Industrial processes have an estimated technical efficiency potential of 25–30 per cent. That means that adopting best available technologies and related business and engineering practices could eventually enable industry to lower emissions of greenhouse gases and combat climate change and also reduce other pollutants. The energy savings could be redirected to meeting social needs for access to energy, particularly acute in developing countries, and could help companies everywhere to improve their bottom line.
This book outlines the Republic of Korea’s goals for green growth, including its green growth strategy, legislation and plans. Commercialization of green technologies is highlighted as a key platform for economic growth and job creation. The book was initially published in January 2011 in Korean under the title, “The Right Way to Know about Green Growth” with the support of the Republic of Korea Presidential Committee on Green Growth.
This Baseline Report is the first step in the process of developing a National Strategy on Climate Change and Low Carbon Development for Rwanda. It provides a snapshot of the country today and the planned initiatives that will take it forward, placing it within the context of climate change. Though many opportunities are highlighted, the aim of the report is to provide the foundation for the next step where detailed analysis will take place and recommendations will be made. It includes an analysis of the following sectors: climate policy; economy, trade and industry; energy; mining; transport; cities and the built environment; agriculture; land; water and forestry.
This summary was prepared by Eldis.
In order to achieve a 50 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050, total financing to 2050 of around EUR 30 trillion will be required. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has concluded that a significant majority of this investment will need to come from the private sector. Public Finance Instruments for low-carbon development are publicly backed interventions that help to close financing gaps, overcome market barriers, and accelerate market uptake of low-carbon measures. This report has been prepared by Frankfurt School of Finance and Management in partnership with the Basel Agency for Sustainable Energy, drawing on the best up-to-date research and experience in the field.
Developing countries around the world are projected to account for around 87 per cent of the world’s primary energy demand growth by 2030. Much of this growth in energy demand will occur in Asia which is witnessing rising population, high economic growth and rapid urbanization. Many countries are averse to the notion of energy conservation and efficiency and consider it their priority to first ensure economic growth and deal with energy saving later. A well-conceived energy efficiency strategy will not only allow them to achieve their goal with much lower energy consumption but also enable them to improve the living standard and quality of life, while making human and financial resources available for other aspects of societal development such as education and healthcare.