The document discusses science and technology trends for sustainable development since the 1992 Earth Summit. It finds that:
1) While technology progress has addressed many problems, it has also created new ones. Global technology progress has been too slow to compensate for increasing consumption.
2) Large emerging economies have become leaders in clean technology production, exports, and use. South-South technology transfers have increased but barriers remain.
3) Market-based policy instruments are increasingly emphasized over technology mandates and standards. However, price incentives alone have limitations for achieving sustainability goals.
Joint Messages of Local and Sub-national Governmentsuncsd2012
The document contains 8 recommendations from local and sub-national governments for the UN Secretary General regarding sustainable development and cities. The key recommendations are: 1) A new multi-level governance architecture is needed to promote partnerships for sustainable urban development. 2) Sustainable cities should be a cross-cutting issue in the sustainable development agenda, including goals on access to basic services, social inclusion, and the environment. 3) Cohesion among territories should be fostered through consultation and integrated governance frameworks.
The document outlines key proposals for Chapter V of the zero draft on the framework for action and follow-up. It discusses priority issues such as food/nutrition, water, energy, cities, oceans/seas, and more. It also covers proposals for accelerating progress via SDGs, and means of implementation including finance, technology, capacity building, and trade.
A green urban economy realizes opportunities to enhance human well-being and local natural resources, while reducing future costs, ecological scarcities and environmental risks. Cities concentrate people, infrastructure, and economic activity, allowing them to achieve more with less through eco-efficiency. Local governments can steer investments, set policies, and provide incentives to green the local economy by supporting areas like renewable energy and clean technologies.
Croatia - Sustainability, Equity and the Green EconomyUNDP Eurasia
1. The document discusses issues of environmental sustainability, equity, and the green economy and their implications for Croatia.
2. It notes that while progress has been made in some areas, environmental sustainability and equitable development are increasingly threatened and closely linked.
3. Specific examples of UNDP programs in Croatia that have helped promote energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and create green jobs are provided.
Planet Under Pressure 2012: State of the Planet Declarationuncsd2012
Scientists issue first “State of the Planet” declaration at the world’s largest gathering of experts on global environmental and social issues in advance of the major UN Summit Rio+20 in June.
Green economy aims to increase investments and growth while substantially reducing carbon footprints. It promotes resource efficiency, clean technologies, and sustainable production and consumption patterns. A green economy is driven by investments that reduce emissions, enhance efficiency, and prevent biodiversity loss. It emphasizes the intersection between environment and economy.
The document discusses the upcoming Rio+20 conference and issues surrounding the green economy and sustainable development. It outlines the history of international environmental agreements leading up to Rio+20 and examines debates around defining a green economy, transitioning to green sectors, and policy measures. It also discusses proposals for strengthening the institutional framework for sustainable development and critiques approaches that could compromise Rio principles or promote privatization of nature. Alternative proposals are presented for building people-centered sustainable economies.
Joint Messages of Local and Sub-national Governmentsuncsd2012
The document contains 8 recommendations from local and sub-national governments for the UN Secretary General regarding sustainable development and cities. The key recommendations are: 1) A new multi-level governance architecture is needed to promote partnerships for sustainable urban development. 2) Sustainable cities should be a cross-cutting issue in the sustainable development agenda, including goals on access to basic services, social inclusion, and the environment. 3) Cohesion among territories should be fostered through consultation and integrated governance frameworks.
The document outlines key proposals for Chapter V of the zero draft on the framework for action and follow-up. It discusses priority issues such as food/nutrition, water, energy, cities, oceans/seas, and more. It also covers proposals for accelerating progress via SDGs, and means of implementation including finance, technology, capacity building, and trade.
A green urban economy realizes opportunities to enhance human well-being and local natural resources, while reducing future costs, ecological scarcities and environmental risks. Cities concentrate people, infrastructure, and economic activity, allowing them to achieve more with less through eco-efficiency. Local governments can steer investments, set policies, and provide incentives to green the local economy by supporting areas like renewable energy and clean technologies.
Croatia - Sustainability, Equity and the Green EconomyUNDP Eurasia
1. The document discusses issues of environmental sustainability, equity, and the green economy and their implications for Croatia.
2. It notes that while progress has been made in some areas, environmental sustainability and equitable development are increasingly threatened and closely linked.
3. Specific examples of UNDP programs in Croatia that have helped promote energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and create green jobs are provided.
Planet Under Pressure 2012: State of the Planet Declarationuncsd2012
Scientists issue first “State of the Planet” declaration at the world’s largest gathering of experts on global environmental and social issues in advance of the major UN Summit Rio+20 in June.
Green economy aims to increase investments and growth while substantially reducing carbon footprints. It promotes resource efficiency, clean technologies, and sustainable production and consumption patterns. A green economy is driven by investments that reduce emissions, enhance efficiency, and prevent biodiversity loss. It emphasizes the intersection between environment and economy.
The document discusses the upcoming Rio+20 conference and issues surrounding the green economy and sustainable development. It outlines the history of international environmental agreements leading up to Rio+20 and examines debates around defining a green economy, transitioning to green sectors, and policy measures. It also discusses proposals for strengthening the institutional framework for sustainable development and critiques approaches that could compromise Rio principles or promote privatization of nature. Alternative proposals are presented for building people-centered sustainable economies.
Green Economy around the World; Advancement & Challenges in BangladeshAbdullahais16
The document discusses the concept of green economy, which focuses on economic growth while reducing environmental risks. It traces the evolution of green economy from the 1992 Earth Summit to recent initiatives by the UN and some countries. Several principles, components, and the differences between traditional and green economies are also introduced.
How Social Housing relates to the new urban agenda as it is shaped via the SDGs, the COP21 and the Habitat III processes? The presentation presents an overview of these three main processes, relates them to social housing and introduces UNEP's approach to Sustainable Social Housing (SUSHI Initiative)
This document discusses green growth and its importance for developing countries. It argues that governments can achieve sustainable economic growth and social stability by making green growth a central part of development strategies. Green growth aims to ensure human well-being and continued natural resource provision for future generations. The document outlines a three-step agenda for countries to establish leadership on green growth, design policies that incentivize it, and strengthen governance to effectively implement those policies. International cooperation is also needed to promote areas like green technology and trade.
Highlights a new paper that assesses progress toward six milestones set by Mission 2020 – in energy, transport, land use, industry, infrastructure and finance – that if met would put governments and industries on the path toward achieving the 1.5º C goal.
Learn more: https://www.wri.org/events/2019/02/webinar-assessing-progress-toward-six-milestones-global-climate-action
Green growth can be seen as a way to pursue economic growth and development, while preventing environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable natural resource use.
For the short term, green growth can transform the opportunity of the crisis to ensure a more sustainable economic recovery.
For the long term, it will promote new, greener sources of growth.
The OECD is working on policy recommendations to help governments achieve greener growth. The presentation gives an overview of the findings to date and the next steps. It mentions innovation, taxes, jobs and development issues, as well as how to measure progress towards greener growth.
This document discusses strategies for transitioning to a green economy proposed by various international organizations. It provides examples of green economy initiatives in key areas like buildings, appliances, transportation, lighting, and industry implemented by G8 countries. Specific policies promoted include super insulation standards for new buildings, regulations on standby power and eco-design of appliances, fuel efficiency standards and eco-driving programs for vehicles, phasing out incandescent bulbs, and energy management programs for industry. International consensus indicates these types of coordinated policy measures can significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions over the long term.
Sustainability indicators of sustainable develpmentMatemilola Saheed
This document discusses sustainability indicators for measuring progress towards sustainable development. It begins with background on sustainable development and sustainability indicators. It then describes the core set of 50 indicators developed by the UN's Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) in 1995 and revised in 2000. These CSD indicators are categorized into themes like poverty, health, atmosphere, and consumption. The document also outlines criteria for selecting good sustainability indicators and how the CSD indicators can be adapted at the national level.
Green economics considers the economy as part of the natural world and dependent on finite natural resources. It aims to balance human needs with environmental protection now and indefinitely. Key aspects include environmental economics, resource economics, and sustainable development. Green economics is concerned with issues like global warming, pollution, and depleting resources like water and energy.
Dr. Nicola Tollin presented on the opportunities and challenges facing urban resilience in light of international agreements like the Paris Agreement, Habitat III, and SDGs. Urbanization is putting pressure on natural resources and contributing to most carbon emissions. However, international policies and knowledge sharing can help cities transition to more sustainable and resilient models. The New Urban Agenda from Habitat III and climate action plans in countries' NDCs both emphasize urban adaptation and mitigation strategies. Moving forward, more research is needed on urban planning for resilience and how to close gaps between research and practice to inform effective policymaking.
The document summarizes key points from discussions at the Global Energy Basel (GEB) conference in 2012. The conference focused on the major challenges of climate change, resource scarcity, and energy security, and how to address these through sustainable infrastructure development. Major topics included the large investments needed for energy and climate infrastructure, gaining competitive advantages from sustainable infrastructure, and utilizing a multi-stakeholder approach to infrastructure finance. The conference aimed to facilitate connections between infrastructure developers and financial institutions to support qualified sustainable infrastructure projects.
This document provides an outline and overview of a lecture on industrialization and sustainability. It discusses key topics such as the necessity of industrialization, challenges for industry, critical issues like population growth and resource constraints, the sustainable industrialization process, and balancing technical progress with environmental sustainability. Global trends in industrialization are also examined, including the transformation to more innovative and localized production models.
The document outlines proposals and discussions around the Rio+20 Agenda. Key points include establishing a green economy, strengthening governance on sustainable development, and defining sustainable development goals covering issues like consumption, settlements, biodiversity, poverty, oceans, water, food security and energy. There is discussion of "planetary boundaries" and creating new framework conventions on principles, corporate social responsibility, and emerging technologies. The document will continue to be inputted on until the Rio+20 conference in May 2012.
This document provides a summary of the Rio+20 Earth Summit that will take place in June 2012. It discusses how the summit will (1) review commitments from the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, (2) address new emerging issues like food and water security, and (3) renew political will for sustainable development. The summit will focus on promoting a green economy and institutional reforms to better support sustainable development goals. Over 120 heads of state are expected to attend along with 50,000 participants from civil society. The summit marks the beginning of further international discussions and meetings on sustainable development through 2015.
This document outlines five key policy areas that governments can implement to enable a transition to a green economy: 1) public investment and spending to leverage private investment in green sectors; 2) market-based instruments like carbon taxes to incentivize green practices; 3) reforming subsidies that deplete natural resources; 4) establishing strong regulatory frameworks; and 5) strengthening international cooperation. It concludes that supporting measures are also needed like increasing green finance, improving sustainability governance, developing green infrastructure, sharing information, and building a green workforce. The information aims to guide Kenya's own Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan.
Can carbon bring development? 'Avoided deforestation' carbon markets and impl...Euforic Services
The document discusses Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD), an international mechanism to incentivize reducing deforestation rates in developing countries. REDD has the potential to provide large financial benefits but also risks. It may reward countries with historically poor forest management. Ensuring benefits reach small producers and rural poor communities presents governance challenges. While REDD could fund shifts to more sustainable forestry and agriculture, strict rules may disadvantage small producers. Careful program design is needed to balance environmental, economic and social objectives.
The document discusses transitioning to low-emission development. It summarizes that international climate change negotiations aim to establish a new global agreement by 2015 to reduce emissions starting in 2020. Many countries have already developed low-emission development strategies and climate action plans. Transitioning to low-emission development will require significant emission reductions through policies like carbon pricing, clean technology development, reducing deforestation, and changing consumption behaviors. Governments are also promoting energy savings through initiatives like efficiency standards, consumer information programs, and incentives. Rapid urbanization presents both challenges and opportunities for reducing emissions through more sustainable city development.
The document summarizes 10 Technology Action Plans created by the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate to address over 80% of energy sector carbon dioxide emissions reduction potential. It finds that while clean energy technologies are progressing, significantly higher investment is needed to develop new innovations. The plans outline actions countries can take to support innovation through public-private research and development, facilitate deployment through long-term policies and infrastructure support, and accelerate progress through international information sharing on best practices.
International collaboration on low-carbon energy innovation can take many forms, from broad goals to specific programs and projects. While competition is important, collaboration allows countries to pool resources and avoid duplication, accelerating innovation. There are already many bilateral and multilateral agreements underway, but more is still needed to achieve climate goals. Effective collaboration requires fully aligning incentives for all participants and finding gaps where additional coordination or enabling actions can have impact.
Green Economy around the World; Advancement & Challenges in BangladeshAbdullahais16
The document discusses the concept of green economy, which focuses on economic growth while reducing environmental risks. It traces the evolution of green economy from the 1992 Earth Summit to recent initiatives by the UN and some countries. Several principles, components, and the differences between traditional and green economies are also introduced.
How Social Housing relates to the new urban agenda as it is shaped via the SDGs, the COP21 and the Habitat III processes? The presentation presents an overview of these three main processes, relates them to social housing and introduces UNEP's approach to Sustainable Social Housing (SUSHI Initiative)
This document discusses green growth and its importance for developing countries. It argues that governments can achieve sustainable economic growth and social stability by making green growth a central part of development strategies. Green growth aims to ensure human well-being and continued natural resource provision for future generations. The document outlines a three-step agenda for countries to establish leadership on green growth, design policies that incentivize it, and strengthen governance to effectively implement those policies. International cooperation is also needed to promote areas like green technology and trade.
Highlights a new paper that assesses progress toward six milestones set by Mission 2020 – in energy, transport, land use, industry, infrastructure and finance – that if met would put governments and industries on the path toward achieving the 1.5º C goal.
Learn more: https://www.wri.org/events/2019/02/webinar-assessing-progress-toward-six-milestones-global-climate-action
Green growth can be seen as a way to pursue economic growth and development, while preventing environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable natural resource use.
For the short term, green growth can transform the opportunity of the crisis to ensure a more sustainable economic recovery.
For the long term, it will promote new, greener sources of growth.
The OECD is working on policy recommendations to help governments achieve greener growth. The presentation gives an overview of the findings to date and the next steps. It mentions innovation, taxes, jobs and development issues, as well as how to measure progress towards greener growth.
This document discusses strategies for transitioning to a green economy proposed by various international organizations. It provides examples of green economy initiatives in key areas like buildings, appliances, transportation, lighting, and industry implemented by G8 countries. Specific policies promoted include super insulation standards for new buildings, regulations on standby power and eco-design of appliances, fuel efficiency standards and eco-driving programs for vehicles, phasing out incandescent bulbs, and energy management programs for industry. International consensus indicates these types of coordinated policy measures can significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions over the long term.
Sustainability indicators of sustainable develpmentMatemilola Saheed
This document discusses sustainability indicators for measuring progress towards sustainable development. It begins with background on sustainable development and sustainability indicators. It then describes the core set of 50 indicators developed by the UN's Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) in 1995 and revised in 2000. These CSD indicators are categorized into themes like poverty, health, atmosphere, and consumption. The document also outlines criteria for selecting good sustainability indicators and how the CSD indicators can be adapted at the national level.
Green economics considers the economy as part of the natural world and dependent on finite natural resources. It aims to balance human needs with environmental protection now and indefinitely. Key aspects include environmental economics, resource economics, and sustainable development. Green economics is concerned with issues like global warming, pollution, and depleting resources like water and energy.
Dr. Nicola Tollin presented on the opportunities and challenges facing urban resilience in light of international agreements like the Paris Agreement, Habitat III, and SDGs. Urbanization is putting pressure on natural resources and contributing to most carbon emissions. However, international policies and knowledge sharing can help cities transition to more sustainable and resilient models. The New Urban Agenda from Habitat III and climate action plans in countries' NDCs both emphasize urban adaptation and mitigation strategies. Moving forward, more research is needed on urban planning for resilience and how to close gaps between research and practice to inform effective policymaking.
The document summarizes key points from discussions at the Global Energy Basel (GEB) conference in 2012. The conference focused on the major challenges of climate change, resource scarcity, and energy security, and how to address these through sustainable infrastructure development. Major topics included the large investments needed for energy and climate infrastructure, gaining competitive advantages from sustainable infrastructure, and utilizing a multi-stakeholder approach to infrastructure finance. The conference aimed to facilitate connections between infrastructure developers and financial institutions to support qualified sustainable infrastructure projects.
This document provides an outline and overview of a lecture on industrialization and sustainability. It discusses key topics such as the necessity of industrialization, challenges for industry, critical issues like population growth and resource constraints, the sustainable industrialization process, and balancing technical progress with environmental sustainability. Global trends in industrialization are also examined, including the transformation to more innovative and localized production models.
The document outlines proposals and discussions around the Rio+20 Agenda. Key points include establishing a green economy, strengthening governance on sustainable development, and defining sustainable development goals covering issues like consumption, settlements, biodiversity, poverty, oceans, water, food security and energy. There is discussion of "planetary boundaries" and creating new framework conventions on principles, corporate social responsibility, and emerging technologies. The document will continue to be inputted on until the Rio+20 conference in May 2012.
This document provides a summary of the Rio+20 Earth Summit that will take place in June 2012. It discusses how the summit will (1) review commitments from the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, (2) address new emerging issues like food and water security, and (3) renew political will for sustainable development. The summit will focus on promoting a green economy and institutional reforms to better support sustainable development goals. Over 120 heads of state are expected to attend along with 50,000 participants from civil society. The summit marks the beginning of further international discussions and meetings on sustainable development through 2015.
This document outlines five key policy areas that governments can implement to enable a transition to a green economy: 1) public investment and spending to leverage private investment in green sectors; 2) market-based instruments like carbon taxes to incentivize green practices; 3) reforming subsidies that deplete natural resources; 4) establishing strong regulatory frameworks; and 5) strengthening international cooperation. It concludes that supporting measures are also needed like increasing green finance, improving sustainability governance, developing green infrastructure, sharing information, and building a green workforce. The information aims to guide Kenya's own Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan.
Can carbon bring development? 'Avoided deforestation' carbon markets and impl...Euforic Services
The document discusses Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD), an international mechanism to incentivize reducing deforestation rates in developing countries. REDD has the potential to provide large financial benefits but also risks. It may reward countries with historically poor forest management. Ensuring benefits reach small producers and rural poor communities presents governance challenges. While REDD could fund shifts to more sustainable forestry and agriculture, strict rules may disadvantage small producers. Careful program design is needed to balance environmental, economic and social objectives.
The document discusses transitioning to low-emission development. It summarizes that international climate change negotiations aim to establish a new global agreement by 2015 to reduce emissions starting in 2020. Many countries have already developed low-emission development strategies and climate action plans. Transitioning to low-emission development will require significant emission reductions through policies like carbon pricing, clean technology development, reducing deforestation, and changing consumption behaviors. Governments are also promoting energy savings through initiatives like efficiency standards, consumer information programs, and incentives. Rapid urbanization presents both challenges and opportunities for reducing emissions through more sustainable city development.
The document summarizes 10 Technology Action Plans created by the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate to address over 80% of energy sector carbon dioxide emissions reduction potential. It finds that while clean energy technologies are progressing, significantly higher investment is needed to develop new innovations. The plans outline actions countries can take to support innovation through public-private research and development, facilitate deployment through long-term policies and infrastructure support, and accelerate progress through international information sharing on best practices.
International collaboration on low-carbon energy innovation can take many forms, from broad goals to specific programs and projects. While competition is important, collaboration allows countries to pool resources and avoid duplication, accelerating innovation. There are already many bilateral and multilateral agreements underway, but more is still needed to achieve climate goals. Effective collaboration requires fully aligning incentives for all participants and finding gaps where additional coordination or enabling actions can have impact.
This document summarizes the key challenges related to climate change and energy development globally and for Denmark. The two main global concerns are energy security and climate change. Climate change is widely recognized as a major problem, and the IPCC states that limiting global warming will require significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The challenges vary significantly for different regions and countries based on their level of development. Denmark has potential for large reductions in carbon emissions through strategies targeting both energy demand and supply, including renewable energy and energy efficiency. International collaboration is needed to support low-carbon development globally.
Enabling the twin transition to a sustainable and digital economy Soren Gigler
DIGITAL for CLIMATE ACTION:
Digital innovations and disruptive technologies are key enablers for the economy’s green transition, while the greening of digital technologies is a critical success factor for digital transformation. This article lays out 7 concrete steps on how to leverage digital innovations to support the transformation towards a more sustainable economy and society and to fight climate change.
After multiple discussions around the world, this is an emerging view on the future of energy that is being shared for further comment and feedback. Events in London, Dubai, Shanghai, Delhi and New York have explored key drivers of change. Other events elsewhere have added in additional perspectives.
A five-step-plan for a low carbon urban developmentEricsson France
This document presents a five-step plan for developing low carbon cities through the use of information and communication technologies (ICT). The plan focuses on reducing direct emissions within cities, reducing embedded emissions from imported goods, and exporting low carbon solutions to help reduce global emissions. ICT solutions can deliver transformative reductions of 50% or more by replacing unsustainable practices with virtual alternatives that have 90-99% lower emissions. Studies show ICT could reduce global emissions by over 15% by 2020 and more with further innovation.
Mr Phillip Hauser, Vice President Carbon Markets, GDF Suez Latin America
Hydropower is influenced by climate change, but it can also contribute to alleviating the problem. Panellists will present and discuss four aspects of these relationships:
Science and uncertainty relating to the impact of climate change on hydrology;
Reviewing the relationship between hydropower and the natural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the river basin;
Methods and incentives to use hydropower to offset GHG emissions from more carbon-intensive sources of energy; and
assessing the role of hydropower infrastructure in the face of increasing floods and drought.
For more information about this event, visit: http://ihacongress.org
The document provides an overview of green innovation and frontier technologies. It discusses green windows of opportunity created by public institutions, markets, and R&D. It also examines catch-up trajectories in renewable energy markets and technologies. The document outlines cooperation needed for green innovation between developed and developing countries, including reforming intellectual property rules and increasing funding for technology transfer through organizations like the GEF. Key frontier technologies discussed include blockchain, robotics, drones, gene editing, and green hydrogen. Examples are given of countries leveraging industries like biomass, solar, wind, and electric vehicles.
This document summarizes Session 7 of Module 10, which focused on green growth and sustainable development. The session objectives were to present the concept of green growth and its potential to drive sustainable development, and to show how information and communication technologies (ICTs) are important enablers of green growth. Green growth is defined as economic growth that reduces carbon emissions, increases sustainability, and strengthens climate resilience. Countries are increasingly adopting green growth strategies to transition their economies to greener models that create new jobs and industries in clean technologies. The role of ICTs in promoting efficiency, green growth, and sustainable development was also discussed.
Ranking of 40 countries (incl all G20 countries) and their national strengths and weaknesses in nurturing and scaling cleantech innovation that can solve global environmental challenges.
This document contains an editorial introduction to a publication titled "A Reformed CDM - including new Mechanisms for Sustainable Development". The editorial provides an overview of the topics covered in the publication, which examines ways to reform the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under a post-2012 climate regime. The publication contains 13 papers that discuss reforming the CDM around four key issues: sustainable development and equity; institutional reform; expansion of project categories; and scaling up mitigation. The papers explore topics such as increasing the development benefits of the CDM, reforming the CDM's institutional structure, expanding the CDM to new sectors like transport, and using the CDM to scale up low-carbon investment and emission reductions
Session 1 - Presentation by Xu Zhaoyuan On behalf of Zhao Changwen OECD Environment
The document discusses China promoting innovation and green development as twin strategies under its "New Normal" phase of economic development. It sets the following goals: increasing R&D expenditure to over 2.5% of GDP and reducing dependency on foreign technologies by 2020. Key areas of focus include developing industries efficiently with low carbon emissions, exploring green and smart urbanization, and vigorously developing smart buildings. China will also build a national innovation system, promote the "Made in China 2025" strategy, and establish market trading systems and an environmental monitoring network to achieve green growth. Challenges include changing government behavior and pushing the new model during an economic downturn.
Ricardo Teamor - 10 Years Of Renewable Energy ProgressRicardo Teamor
10 years of renewable energy progress. Developments in the early 2000s showed upward trends in global
renewable energy investment, capacity, and integration across
all sectors, yet most mainstream projections did not predict the
extraordinary expansion of renewables that was to unfold over
the decade ahead.
Energy is essential for basic human needs like cooking and heating but access is limited for many. Achieving universal access to affordable and clean energy is a key UN Sustainable Development Goal. While renewable energy now provides 30% of electricity in some places, challenges remain in transitioning heating and transport to renewable sources. Over 675 million people still lack electricity access, most in Africa and developing nations. The UN coordinates global efforts and compacts to accelerate progress on clean energy goals by 2030 through initiatives like annual COP climate conferences and the Paris Agreement. Egypt has made some progress on clean energy but still relies heavily on fossil fuels, and its climate plans lack ambition and specific emission reduction targets.
UNEP Handbook: Sustainable Consumption and Production for Poverty Alleviation David Vicent
UNEP Excellent papers about how to balance production and consuption specially in Poverty areas, as a basis for sustainable development and community based tourism programmes.
This report analyzes over 1.6 million research publications from 2001-2020 related to clean energy and achieving net zero emissions (NØEnergy research). Key findings include:
- The share of publications in NØEnergy research has risen from 1% of total research output in 2001 to 5% in 2020.
- China's research output in this field has increased year-on-year since 2001 and surpassed the US in 2012, though the US remains a significant player.
- NØEnergy research requires a multidisciplinary approach as energy challenges are complex with social, economic, policy and technical dimensions.
- While indicators are positive, more urgent and coordinated global research efforts are needed
1) China is now the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases and will be greatly impacted by climate change through issues like water scarcity and coastal flooding.
2) China faces the challenge of continuing economic growth while slowing and reversing the growth of its emissions. This challenge is achievable through existing and new low-carbon technologies.
3) Chinese businesses are developing solutions like renewable energy, electric vehicles, and more efficient buildings and appliances. China has potential to become a global leader in low-carbon products and services.
The document discusses five emerging public finance models for clean energy in the US:
1) The Clean Energy Deployment Administration (Green Bank) which would leverage $10 billion in public funds into $100-200 billion in total investment through loan guarantees and credit enhancements.
2) Clean Energy Victory Bonds modeled after war bonds that would allow individuals to invest as little as $25 to support clean energy development.
3) Tax Credit Bonds that allow municipal governments to issue bonds for clean energy projects and receive federal tax credits instead of interest.
4) Federal Loan Guarantees that reduce risk for projects that cannot access commercial financing terms.
5) Clean Tech City Funds that pool public and private money
This document discusses international climate technology strategies. It notes that achieving greenhouse gas stabilization targets will require large-scale adoption of low-carbon technologies globally. Significant investment and innovation will be needed to develop and deploy these technologies given the scale of the energy system. The paper reviews patterns of global innovation and the rationale for public policies to support private research and development. It considers options for technology development, transfer, and deployment through international agreements and domestic policy.
The document discusses technology solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving climate security goals. It finds that while the technologies needed to meet emissions reduction targets by 2020 are already proven, greater investment is required to develop technologies like carbon capture and storage that will be critical for deeper long-term cuts by 2050. International cooperation via mechanisms established at Copenhagen will be important to accelerate technology deployment, drive costs down, and support developing countries in adopting low-carbon solutions. Overall, the solutions are achievable but will require concerted global effort across technology development, demonstration, and diffusion.
Similar to Issues Brief - Science and Technology (20)
Over 700 voluntary commitments were made by governments, UN organizations, businesses, and NGOs towards sustainable development, mobilizing over $500 billion. These commitments include planting trees, greening deserts, saving electricity, empowering women entrepreneurs, and establishing education programs. The UN is supporting countries' sustainable energy and development efforts. The commitments complement the official Rio+20 Conference outcomes and take the world closer to achieving sustainable development goals.
The document summarizes the programme of meetings and parallel activities taking place on Friday, 22 June 2012 at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Key events included the 5th and 6th plenary meetings focused on general debates and adoption of documents, as well as Round Table 4 on implementing expected conference outcomes. Side events and press conferences were also scheduled alongside other sessions on partnerships, sustainable development learning, and a dialogue with UN system heads.
The document is a program of meetings for June 21, 2012 at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Rio+20). It lists the scheduled plenary meetings, round table discussions, and speakers for the day, including heads of state, ministers, and representatives from UN bodies, NGOs, and other intergovernmental organizations. The topics of the meetings include the general debate and looking at ways to implement the expected outcomes of the conference. Over 100 speakers are listed between the two plenary sessions and two round tables scheduled for the day.
This document provides the schedule of meetings for June 20, 2012 at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Rio+20). The day includes two plenary meetings to discuss conference proceedings and an opening general debate with addresses from heads of state. It also lists a roundtable discussion on implementing conference outcomes and side events taking place that day.
The Future We Want Rio+20 Outcome Documentuncsd2012
1) World leaders met in Rio de Janeiro in 2012 to renew their commitment to sustainable development and ensuring an environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable future for the planet.
2) They acknowledged that eradicating poverty, promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns, and protecting natural resources are essential to achieving sustainable development.
3) The leaders committed to taking urgent action to implement agreements from previous summits and address new challenges in order to accelerate progress toward sustainable development goals.
The document summarizes the schedule and events for June 15, 2012 at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Rio+20). It outlines the agenda for meetings of the General Assembly and Preparatory Committee, including discussions on the outcome document and rules of procedure. It also lists side events on topics like green jobs, sustainable development governance, and women's resilience. Special events are noted, including a ceremony commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 1992 Earth Summit.
For full coverage of the third prepcom and Rio+20, visit the IISD website at http://www.iisd.ca/uncsd/rio20/
or
Download the IISD Rio+20 mobile app for your apple or android devices: http://www.iisd.ca/enb-mobile/
Personal security awareness is important in Rio de Janeiro, as street crime can be a problem. When visiting tourist sites, be aware of pickpocketing and purse snatching, even where police are present. Look and act cautiously to avoid unwanted attention. Use ATMs inside buildings rather than on streets, and be wary of anyone nearby. Take taxis between locations at night rather than walking or taking public transit. Carry only needed cash and cards, and don't resist criminals or try to keep possessions if confronted. Follow security tips and be vigilant to stay safe.
The document discusses economic instruments for water management in a green economy. It describes various approaches to economic instruments including taxes, charges, pricing, fees, subsidies, markets, and payments for ecosystem services. It provides lessons learned from implementing economic instruments, noting that they work best as part of good policies and regulation, and that the appropriate instrument depends on the country's development stage and institutions. Economic instruments can encourage more efficient water use and pollution reduction if properly designed and adapted to local conditions.
This document provides information and guidelines for official delegations attending the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It addresses topics such as accreditation, visas, firearms, health regulations, transportation, accommodations, and procedures for arriving in Rio via commercial or official flights. Key points include requirements for pre-accreditation, types of visas needed, restrictions on certain goods and animals, recommended immunizations, and expedited customs for pre-announced foreign officials.
This document summarizes negotiations during the third round of informal consultations on the zero draft outcome document of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD). Delegates debated and proposed amendments to text on issues including chemicals and waste, oceans, sustainable consumption and production, education, and the green economy. Discussions focused on balancing language to reflect different country positions. Negotiations continued into the evening in working groups and breakout sessions on specific topics.
ICSU-UNESCO Regional Science and Technology Workshopsuncsd2012
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1. RIO 2012 Issues Briefs
Produced by the UNCSD Secretariat, January 2012 No. 12
Science and Technology for Sustainable Development
1. Introduction Prevailing “solutions” are insufficient to achieve the technically
This note was prepared as an input to the ongoing discussion on feasible factor of 4 to 5 increase in global eco-efficiency
priority issues for Rio+20. It provides an overview of global trends It is technically feasible to increase global eco-efficiency by a
1 10,11,6
in science and technology for sustainable development since the “factor 4” or even 5 until 2050. This would allow more than
Earth Summit in 1992, and reviews the related UN debate, global doubling global wealth while halving resource and energy use. It
commitments and their achievement since. Only four time-bound could also mean providing the present level of services while
targets were identified and overall delivery on these and related reducing resource and energy consumption by 75 to 80 per
12
general technology commitments has not been encouraging. cent. Such global eco-efficiency goal is highly ambitious. It
illustrates what could be done, if all organizational, socio-
2. Recent global trends 13
economic and political limits were overcome world-wide.
The landscape of science and technology issues and institutions
has changed significantly since 1992. Emerging economies have Simplistic solutions continue to dominate present national and
become leaders not only in manufacturing and trade of global debates on how to meet the technology innovation
technologies, but also increasingly in research and innovation.
2 imperative. Technology optimists suggest “big push”-policies to
scale up available technologies. Others focus on market
Governments call for accelerating clean technology change incentives and hope that the necessary technological
Technology has greatly shaped society and the environment. transformation will come about by “getting prices right” through
While technology progress has addressed many problems, it has internalizing environmental externalities. Several Governments in
3,4
also added new problems. To varying degrees, all technologies Asia are pursuing technology-focused industrial policies, with
consume resources, use land and pollute air, water and the mostly positive developmental benefits.
atmosphere. While increasing eco-efficiency of technology use Greater role of emerging economies in technology flows and
has greatly reduced the amounts of resources consumed and transfer, but poorer and smaller economies marginalized
pollution produced per unit of output over the long run, absolute
amounts of consumption and pollution have continued to Today’s patterns of technology flows and transfer differ greatly
increase unsustainably. from those in 1992, a time when technology flows were mainly
between developed countries and the challenge was to promote
Governments have called for concerted actions to accelerate greater technology transfer to developing countries. While these
change towards cleaner technology. Many technology optimists flows are still important, clean technology flows among emerging
believe such acceleration is essential and call it the technology economies and from emerging economies to developed countries
5
innovation imperative . The World Economic and Social Survey have grown faster. Net revenue from royalty and license fees
2011 called for a “global green technological transformation, received by high-income countries was rather low until 2003 after
greater in scale and achievable within a much shorter time-frame which it increased rapidly to US$26 billion in 2007. This revenue is
than [in the past]” that “must enable today’s poor to attain de- almost entirely due to technology transfer to emerging
cent living standards, while reducing emissions and waste and en- economies, while the participation of the poorest and smaller
ding the unrestrained drawdown of the earth’s non-renewable economies was negligible.
6
resources.”
Large developing countries have emerged as world leaders in
Global technology progress is too slow to compensate for clean technology production, exports, and use
increasing consumption
Not only the overall magnitude, but also the nature of cross-
Actual progress in technology performance at the global level has border technology flows has changed. They are increasingly
6
fallen far short of such ambitions. For example, the declared goal embedded in global trade and FDI flows, thus forming an element
of establishing a renewable low-carbon energy technology system of international production systems. In terms of manufacturing
on a global scale remains elusive, with modern renewables jointly and export of clean technology, several large developing
accounting for 0.7 per cent of primary energy, compared to fossil countries have become world leaders, and some are also
7
fuels’ share of 81 per cent in 2008. Global CO2 emissions have emerging as the most important users.14
increased considerably faster in the 2000s than in previous
8
decades. Despite national and international efforts to accelerate Increasing importance of South-South clean technology transfer
and direct energy technology change, the pace of the global despite continued high barriers
9
energy/fuel transitions has slowed significantly since the 1970s. South-South clean technology transfer has become increasingly
important. Highly publicised examples include ceramic cook-
1
stoves, biogas digesters, cement board, and jatropha biofuel, and
2. a range of Chinese and Indian FDI activities in Africa. Yet, a emerging economies are rapidly emerging as leaders in clean
number of policies continue to hinder South-South technology technology patents in their own rights. India features within the
transfer. A recent survey found tariff and non-tariff (equivalent) top five countries for solar PV, while Brazil and Mexico share the
21
barriers in large developing countries for solar PV products to top two positions in hydro/marine.
14
range from 12 to 18 and 41 to 63 per cent, respectively. Rise of free and open-source collaborations and solutions
Increases in RD&D investment only in large emerging economies Web-based technologies have made new forms of science and
Mirroring the changing patterns of technology flows, RD&D technology collaboration possible. In particular, free and open-
stocks and flows have changed, illustrating a much more source collaborations and solutions have emerged as alternative
important role for large, emerging economies. Overall investment forms to the conventional IPR systems of patents and copyrights.
in R&D as a share of GDP in middle and low income countries Yet, technology policy and legislation routinely disregard or even
doubled from 0.5 to 1 per cent from 1996 to 2007, whereas in discriminate against open-source despite its public benefits.
high-income countries it remained fairly stable at 2.2 to 2.4 per Willingness for licensing of clean technology to developing
15
cent over the same period. Anecdotal evidence suggests that countries, but capacity barriers to overcome
this share has remained at much lower levels in the poorest
and/or most vulnerable countries. For example, it was about 0.1 Information on licencing of clean technology is sparse. However,
21
per cent of GDP in the Caribbean Region.
16 a recent survey found relatively low levels of out-licensing of
clean technology towards developing countries. Scientific
Today’s level of public spending for energy-related research and infrastructure, human capital, favourable market conditions, and
development in developed countries is still well below that of the investment climate were considered more important factors than
1970s and early 1980s, even though overall RD&D budgets have IPR protection in the country of the licensee. The willingness to
17
doubled since the 1980s. Public spending on RD&D of nuclear, out-license was found to be much higher than the actual level of
fusion, fossil fuels and renewable energy technologies is lower in licensing. 70 per cent of respondents said they were prepared to
each case than in 1980. Energy RD&D in Brazil, the Russian Fede- offer more flexible terms when licensing to developing countries
ration, India, Mexico, China and South Africa was about US$19 with limited financial capacity. Most respondents favoured
billion, which is more than that of all IEA countries combined collaborative R&D activities, patent out-licensing and joint
18
(US$12.7 billion). This challenges the conventional wisdom that ventures over patent pooling and cross-licensing.
most new technologies are created in developed countries and
Table 1. Importance of decision factors for licensing agreements with
transferred to developing countries. Energy RD&D investments in 21
recipients in developing countries [in % of survey respondents]
emerging economies focus on fossil fuel and nuclear energy, with
renewables and energy efficiency underrepresented.
Capabilities and
infrastructure
investment
Favourable
Favourable
Protection
conditions
Scientific
Strategic patenting and increased patent quantity over quality
climate
market
of IPRs
The rise of strategic patenting and a series of legislative changes
to expand monopoly rights has led to a very complex system of
patents which is increasingly geared to support the rights of
Not a factor 18 13 16 15
incumbent, large firms over new, smaller, innovative firms.
A basic precondition for doing business,
Strategic patenting arguably has become the single most but not a driving factor
28 37 26 27
important reason for the increased number of patents. Arguably, Significantly attractive condition, would
the system in many countries has moved from its original 29 37 44 42
encourage negotiation
objective to stimulate innovation through providing incentives to Compelling reason toward an agreement 25 13 14 16
innovators, to preventing new domestic and foreign market
entrants, an increasing number of which are from developing Increasingly open international networks of RD&D collaboration
countries. Some characterize the IPR system and its enforcement
19
in some countries as “excessive”. Against this background and The global RD&D network of clean technology cooperation has
related public criticism, some patent offices are exploring ways to become almost universal, whereas it involved essentially only
improve patent quality over quantity.
20 developed countries in 1992. Today, entities in 182 UN Member
States participate in some form of international clean technology
Patenting rates for clean technology are faster than for other cooperation, with potential knowledge flows between all of
sectors, including in large emerging economies 22
these. However, the structures of technology cooperation
In a matter of only a few years, several large emerging economies networks differ greatly between technology clusters, reflecting
have created strong patent offices. China’s patent office is national policy priorities, resource endowments, and political
expected soon to become the world’s largest. However, poorer considerations. Figure 1 shows the global technology cooperation
and smaller economies have remained at the receiving end. network on bioenergy. A number of multilateral frameworks,
Patenting rates for clean energy technologies have increased such as the EU’s framework research programmes, and bilateral
faster than for other sectors, at about 20 per cent per year since ones, such as that on biofuels between Brazil and the USA, have
the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997. The leading six been opened to external participants, including from developing
countries patenting clean technologies (Japan, USA, Germany, countries. Such trend to open collaboration provides new
Republic of Korea, UK, France) account for almost 80 per cent of opportunities to poorer countries and improves the efficiency of
global RD&D cooperation on clean technology. Making all future
2
all patent applications in clean energy technology, but large
3. technology cooperation frameworks “open” might prove the technology policy approaches based on price incentives alone.
cheapest option to improving RD&D to the benefit of all. For example, in most countries carbon tax equivalents of gasoline
Figure 1. Participation network in technology cooperation on bioenergy
22 taxes are much larger than carbon prices generally considered
necessary from a climate change perspective, but only regulatory
Haiti
Jamaica
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Guinea-Bissau
measures have significantly impacted efficiency and emissions.
Dominican Republic
Fragmented system of capacity building mechanisms
Guatemala
Honduras
El Salvador
United States of America Over the past twenty years, a system of capacity building
Lebanon
US-Brazil Republic of Korea
Australia
Japan
Turkey
New Zealand mechanisms on clean technology has emerged that is increasingly
Tanzania
Senegal EU
South Africa Canada
fragmented. In particular, the fragmented nature of UN system
Rwanda Uganda
Lao People's Democratic Republic
APP
support for technology and sustainable development is apparent
24
in a recent survey of UN system activities which illustrates the
Ethiopia IEA
Nepal
Bangladesh UNFCCC_TT
GNESD
Switzerland
Netherlands
Ireland
Croatia
wide range of capacity building activities. However, these
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
activities remain largely uncoordinated and ad hoc, in terms of
Italy France
Norway Finland
Brazil Germany Denmark
Belgium Sweden
China
Thailand
Austria
Costa Rica
both content and country coverage. In particular, activities
Kenya Viet Nam
Cambodia
Burkina Faso
India
Mexico FP7 Czech Republic
typically fall under specific issue-based programmes with
Bulgaria
Peru Portugal
Estonia
Chile relatively narrow objectives. There is no global framework,
Yemen GEF
Argentina
Russia Madagascar
Israel agreement, assessment or monitoring mechanism of progress in
Uruguay
terms of science, technology, and development.
Greece
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Slovakia Spain Kazakhstan
Nigeria Ukraine Lithuania
Tunisia Slovenia
Sri Lanka Macedonia
Poland
Georgia
Mauritius Pakistan
Luxembourg
Latvia
Romania Jordan 3. History of UN debate on technology and development
Hungary
It is useful to recall the changing role of technology in the UN
Belarus Malaysia
Moldova
Bhutan
Egypt debate on sustainable development (Table 2), in order to
Notes: Squares: cooperation frameworks; circles: participating countries; circle appreciate the contrasting paradigms on technology that are
size: number of participations. GNESD: Global Network on Energy for Sustainable prominent in the UN preparatory process for Rio+20. Each
Development; FP7: EU’s 7th Framework Programme.
decade since 1960 had a dominant paradigm with its preferred
Increased emphasis on market instruments instead of solutions which played out in major global meetings, modified
technology mandates and standards the role of the UN and triggered institutional change. Alternative
In line with a general trend, today’s technology policy in many assessments of the causes of the poverty of nations and
countries emphasizes market and price instruments as levers of associated paradigms multiplied, so that by the 2000s, reaching
choice, with much less focus on technology mandates and consensus in the UN on technology issues has become
standards than in the past. Various forms of taxation, subsidies, increasingly difficult. Government statements are typically based
feed-in tariffs, and permit trading systems have been introduced on either one of the present or past paradigms, consequently
to stimulate green technology. For example, government support offering different and even contradictory solutions. Hence, the
for renewables was US$57 billion in 2009 and is expected to broad appeal of today’s common approach that defines the
23
quadruple in the next 20 years. Oil price spikes, high gasoline overall objective but does not prescribe the means beyond
taxes, subsidies and permit trading schemes are natural references to technology, financial resources and capacity.
experiments which provide insights into the limitations of
Table 2. Stylized overview of changing dominant paradigms in the UN debates on technology since the 1960s
1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
Implementation gaps in
Lack of science and
Causes of Lack of capacity to benefit State State intervention, terms of capacity, funds,
Dominant perceived
technology to increase
poverty from technology intervention protectionism technology; low political
production
commitment
Washington consensus
Big push, technology Technology gaps, equitable Neoliberalism Global problems approach:
(globalization,
Paradigms, transfer; techno- access; indigenous capacity; and self- international cooperation to
liberalization), sustainable
solutions optimism; stages of NIEO, Neo-Keynesianism, regulating set goals and raise
development (intergov.
development. dependency theory. markets. resources
agreements, global funds)
Increased High-level political panels.
Scientific-technical Political level. Strictly Intergovernmental
involvement of Expert assessments with
level. Authoritative intergovernmental process. Summits. Global Forum of
Approach public and stakeholder participation.
content provided by UN Global and regional plans of stakeholders. High-level
private Transnational alliances,
staff and experts. action. panels.
stakeholders. public-private partnerships.
UN Conference on S&T
UN
UN Conference on S&T for UN MDG Summits (2000
Meetings for Development None Earth Summit (Rio, 1992)
Development (Vienna, 1979). and 2010), Rio+20 (2012)
(Geneva, 1963).
World Plan for Action (1971). Rio Conventions; GEF, UN Millennium Task Force,
ECOSOC established
Institutional Vienna Program of Action CSD. Donor funding IIASTD. Global funds. CDM
Advisory Committee IPCC
change (1979). GA created Inter- through UN programmes and emissions trading;
(ACAST)
3
governmental Committee and funds. “One-UN”; Global Compact.
4. 4. Existing commitments countries that are considered as developing by the UN. Rio
In view of its purpose to inform discussions on possible outcomes principle 9 more generally called on all Governments to
at Rio+20, the preferred emphasis of this note would be on goals cooperate on technology development, diffusion and transfer.
with time-bound targets. But only four time-bound targets were Table 4 summarizes global commitments on science and techno-
identified, two of which with delivery dates that have already logy for sustainable development, only 25 per cent of which
passed (table 3). Hence, we also consider qualitative specifically address “green” technology.
commitments that are not time-bound or well defined. The
following documents were consulted: Agenda 21 (1992); JPOI In Agenda 21, technology is referred to more than any other
(2002); MDGs (2000, and 2008 update); the “UN Summit on the issue. It is prominent in every single chapter. Due to space
Millennium Development Goals” (2010); the World Summit for limitations, it is impossible to list all relevant 691 references in
Social Development (WSSD, Copenhagen, 1995); WTO’s TRIPS Agenda 21 in this brief note. Four of the 40 chapter headings of
agreement; and the Copenhagen Accord (Copenhagen, 2009). Agenda 21 refer to science or technology, which is more than for
The emphasis here is on Agenda 21 and the JPOI, and technology any other issue: ch. 16 (Environmentally sound management of
commitments in the sustainable development context only. biotechnology), ch. 31 (Scientific and technological community),
ch. 34 (Transfer of environmentally sound technology,
Table 3. Time-bound commitments on science and technology. Those
cooperation and capacity-building), ch. 35 (Science for
relating directly to “green technology” are highlighted in green.
sustainable development). Technology-relevant commitments
Source Goal and Target Date contained in these chapters and others throughout the text are of
MDG 8.F “In cooperation with the private sector, 2015
a rather general nature and their scope is wide.
Goal 8 make available benefits of new technologies,
especially information and communications” Elements of Agenda 21 that are representative of its overall
Agenda 21 21.18(a) “Governments….should: (a) By the 2000 science and technology commitments include the following. Paras
ch. 21 “Environ- year 2000, promote sufficient financial and §16.1 and §35.3 outline programme areas for biotechnology and
mentally sound technological capacities at the regional,
science for sustainable development. Ch. 31 calls for building
management of national and local levels… to implement waste
solid wastes” reuse and recycling policies and actions;” technology capacity (§34.20, §34.26) and suggests the creation of
international information systems (§34.15), regional and
Agenda 21 35.21(b) “A substantial increase by the year 2000
international clearing-houses to facilitate partnerships (§34.16,
ch. 35 “Science 2000 in the number of scientists - particularly
for sustainable women scientists - in those developing 34.17), networks of green technology research centres (§34.21)
development” countries where their number is at present and technology assessment centres (§34.26). It also calls for long-
insufficient” term collaborative arrangements between enterprises of
Convention on Target 19: “By 2020, knowledge, the science 2020 developed and developing countries, multinationals (§34.27), and
Biological base and technologies relating to biodiversity, for joint ventures between suppliers and recipients of
Diversity, its values, functioning, status and trends, and technologies (§34.28). Notably, §34.18(e) calls on Governments
COP10, Decision the consequences of its loss, are improved,
and int.’l organizations to “purchase… patents and licences on
X/II widely shared and transferred, and applied.”
commercial terms for their transfer to developing countries on
Environmental impacts can conceptually be seen as the non-commercial terms as part of development cooperation”.
consequence of driving forces in the areas of population,
Ten years later, JPOI contained 140 references to science or
affluence, and technology. While the aim of affluence associated
technology on its 62 pages. The JPOI did not include any chapter
with ever higher levels of consumption has been a non-negotiable
specifically focusing on technology, but the topic was highlighted
aspect of international relations, population aspects have been
in a chapter on “means of implementation” together with
highly contentious and often linked to religious beliefs. Thus,
capacity building and finance. The JPOI does not include any time-
technology drivers have been the levers of choice, explaining the
bound, quantifiable targets. Science and technology continue to
prominence of technology in international debates.
be considered too important and contentious by Governments to
It could be argued that most UN commitments of the past twenty be captured in terms of time-bound, quantifiable commitments.
years follow the technology-centric perspective, which aims to
The JPOI (ch.X §105-113) restates many of the technology
facilitate technology transfer from developed to developing
commitments contained in Agenda 21. Its wording illustrates the
countries for which it is considered crucial to raise financial
apparent effort to bridge the divide between various paradigms
resources and build capacity. Often these three elements have
in the UN debates (table 2). For example, §105 calls for enhancing
been referred to as “means of implementation”. In this
“existing national institutional capacity in developing countries to
perspective, technology is something the developed countries
improve access to and the development, transfer and diffusion of
possess, as illustrated in the Rio principle 7: “…The developed
environmentally sound technologies”. JPOI elaborates on
countries acknowledge the responsibility that they bear in the
technology transfer (§105, §106), access to global R&D
international pursuit to sustainable development in view …. of the
programmes (§107) and publicly funded R&D (§113), networks of
technologies and financial resources they command.” It is clear
centres of excellence (§108), collaboration between scientists and
that by 2011 the simple dichotomy among developed and
policy makers (§109, §111), assessment models (§110), and ICT
developing does no longer reflect the disparities between
4
(§112).
5. Table 4. Issues, global commitments, and their delivery to date. “Green technology”-specific elements are highlighted in green.
Issue Global commitments Delivery
Build national financial, scientific and technological capacities to A21 (21.18a, 34.20, 35.4d), Rio principle Partial. Progress in middle and high-
Capacity building
develop, assess and use technology 9, JPOI (X.105, 108, 110), CA (3) income countries only.
A21 (34.26, 35.4c), JPOI (X.105, 109, Partial. Progress in high-income
Build technology assessment capacity and use it
110) countries only.
Technical assistance and scientific-technical knowledge exchange Rio principle 9, JPOI (X.106, 109, 110) Yes, but uneven benefits
Training on technology ethics A21 (31.10c) No.
Knowledge sharing
Cooperation between scientists and policy makers for science- No, only few examples of systematic
JPOI (X.109, 111)
based decision-making collaboration.
Information
Scientific-technical input to intergovernmental processes, Partial, for particular issues only (e.g.,
A21 (31.4c,d)
policies, and the UN IPCC)
Disseminating research results A21 (31.4e, 35.4b), JPOI (X.106, 109) Yes.
UN to create inventory of technology clearing-houses A21 (34.17) No.
Regional cooperative mechanisms A21 (31.4b), JPOI (X.106) Partial. EU and ASEAN only.
Networks
No, but information is available in patent
Create network of clearing-houses of technology information A21 (34.15)
registers.
International network of technology assessment centres A21 (34.26) No
Partial. Only selected clusters and
Enhance green technology development, including with publicly Rio principle 9, JPOI (X.105, 106),
countries. Decreased public R&D in
Public support
funded R&D MDG2010 (60), JPOI (X.113)
OECD countries.
Improve science and technology for SD, incl. for biodiversity and CBD COP10, A21 (16.1, 35.4a), MDG2010
Yes.
agriculture (60)
Yes. 17% more women science
Increased number of women scientists A21 (31.4g, 35.21b)
RD&D
graduates than ten years ago.
Collaborative network of research centres (and others) A21 (34.21), JPOI (X.106, 108) No. EU only.
Support developing countries to access international R&D
Partnerships
JPOI (X.107) Partial. Primarily EU and ASEAN.
programmes
Promote long-term, international partnerships between
A21 (34.27) Yes
multinational and other enterprises
Promote partnerships between public and private sectors JPOI (X.106, 109) Yes
Enhance green technology transfer (incl. on mitigation, Rio principle 9, JPOI (X.105, 106, 113), Yes, but the scale not commensurate
adaptation, early warning, biodiversity and agriculture) MDG2010 (60), CBD-COP7, CA (3) with challenge
Facilitation
Promote green technology transfer to developing countries on No, at least not systematic or at a
JPOI (X.105)
Technology transfer
concessional and preferential terms significant scale.
Promote access to green technology JPOI (X.105) Yes
Technology Mechanism to accelerate climate-relevant technology
CA (11) Yes
development and transfer
Partnerships with the private sector on ICT MDG 8.F Yes.
Partnerships
Network of clearing-houses A21 (34.16) No
Promote joint ventures and FDI in line with developing countries’ Yes, but benefits limited to a few
A21 (34.28)
priorities countries.
Partial. For selected renewable techs,
Technology mandates
Enabling environment for green technology and biotechnology A21 (16.1), JPOI (X.105)
not biotech
National
Cooperation on codes of practice and guidelines A21 (31.10a) Yes
Improve agricultural technology performance MDG2010 (60) Yes
National advisory groups on technology ethics A21 (31.10b) Partial. Mainly in Europe.
International cooperation on codes of practise and guidelines A21 (31.10a) Yes.
Int’l
Changes to international legal instruments A21 (31.10d) Yes, TRIPS, TRIMS, CDM, etc.
Rio principle 9, JPOI (X.105, 106), Partial. Example feed-in tariffs, but
nhance green technology diffusion
Diffusi
Market incentives
MDG2010 (60) limited impacts.
onE
Develop and deploy ICTs A21 (31.4h), JPOI (X.112) Yes
Governments to encourage private sector to transfer green Partial. Many initiatives, but limited
A21 (34.18)
Transfer
technology impact.
Governments to purchase patents and licenses for transfer to
A21 (34.18(e)iii) No
developing countries on non-commercial terms
Notes: A21 := Agenda 21. Paragraph numbers provided in brackets. CBD=Convention on Biological Diversity. CA= Copenhagen Accord 2009.
5
6. Table 5. Summary of proposals on science and technology, contained in official submissions of Member States, intergovernmental organizations, and
major groups for the Rio+20 preparatory process. “Green technology”-specific elements are highlighted in green.
Proposal By* Is it “new”?
Green technology transfer and diffusion
Create an enabling environment that aims to remove barriers to technology transfer and adaptation, A21 (16.1), JPOI
G77, Egypt
especially to developing countries, in accordance with international obligations. (X.105)
A21 (34.18(e)iii), JPOI
Consider green technology transfer to developing countries on concessional terms, especially in the context
G77, India, Egypt, Brazil (X.105, 106, 113),
of publicly-funded technologies, and consider expansion of the scope of technologies in the public domain.
MDG2010 (60)
Establish a global technology mechanism [or ‘technology sharing facility’ or ‘technology clearing house’ or G77, Belarus, Bolivia, Partly, A21 (34.15,
‘Global Green Innovation and Technology Partnership’] to facilitate technology transfer and sharing. UNEP, AP Youth, ICTSD 16, 26), CA (11)
Support development of public-private knowledge sharing infrastructure, voluntary patent pools and other ECE regional meeting,
New
collaborative IP mechanisms, including open-source and General Public Licenses. OECD
JPOI (X.105, 106,
Exchange renewable energy technologies between countries, regions and different sectors. IRENA
113), CA (3)
Provide universal access to broadband Internet service, and develop and diffuse social technologies. Brazil A21 31.4, JPOI X.112
Establish a global mechanism for research cooperation on sustainable development by 2013, in order to Partly, A21 (34.21),
Research, development and demonstration
provide scientific knowledge, report progress, and promote research and innovation programmes in EU JPOI (X.106, 108),
partnership with the private sector and others. JPOI (X.107), CA (11)
Create an international, regulatory body on technology development. Kazakhstan New
A21 (34.21), JPOI
Identify and support centres of excellence as nodal points for technology research and development. India Delhi meeting
(X.106, 108)
Partly, A21 (31.4e,
Build a global, cross-sectoral information/data network, based on the Global Earth Observation Network. Japan, EU, AGEDI
35.4b), JPOI (X.106)
Promote basic and applied RD&D in the areas of energy, environment, chemistry, material sciences, and OECD, Europ. Students
New
engineering Forum, ECE meeting
JPOI (X.105, 106,
Promote RD&D on technologies related to renewable energy; marine and coastal areas; drylands; forest IRENA, IOC, CGEE Brazil,
113), A21 (16.1,
resources; and green local technologies based on traditional knowledge. Brazil, Egypt
35.4a)
Indonesia, Stakeholder Partly, JPOI (X.109,
Create an “Intergovernmental Panel on Sustainable Development” to provide scientific advice.
Forum, Children/Youth 111), A21 (31.4c,d)
Provide international support to countries to further develop their scientific, technological, professional G77, Boston University, Rio principle 9, JPOI
stakeholder participation
and related capacities. Pardee Center (X.106, 109, 110)
Capacity building and
G77, India, APRN,
Implement the Bali Strategic Plan for Technology Support and Capacity Building without further delay. Bali Strategic Plan
PDMA
Establish a global capacity development mechanism to provide country-, region- and sector-specific advice EU, ECE regional Partly (regional), A21
to Governments on the transformation to a green economy, and to assist them in accessing funds. meeting (31.4b), JPOI (X.106)
Consider economic partnership agreements on capacity building for green technology transfer and
India New
deployment.
Consider a global version of the Aarhus Convention. Pardee Center New
Pursue science-based decision making and integrated policy, where science, technology, and innovation
Botswana, UNESCO JPOI (X.109, 111)
policies are aligned with sectoral policies and national sustainable development strategies
Policy environment and market
Consider an International Convention for the Evaluation of New Technologies and create an intergovern- ETC Group, DPI/NGO
New
mental mechanism to provide resources and capacity building for impact assessment of new technologies. conf., ICENT, APRN
Institute carbon and resource prices to stimulate green innovation, and financial/economic instruments for
OECD, IRENA JPOI (X.105, 106)
incentives
renewable energy technology deployment.
Consider a Sustainable Energy Trade Agreement, with a view to enable the scaling-up of innovation,
ICTSD New
diffusion, and use of goods, services, and technologies in the non-fossil fuel energy sector.
Promote international markets of hi-tech goods and services, in order to accelerate major innovations. Kazakhstan New
Promote green patents, to provide fair incentives to innovators of environmentally sound technologies. Canada, G77, Brazil New
Develop responses to the needs of developing countries in the area of patent protection and intellectual Partly, A21
G77, Brazil
property rights, and explore the concept of assured access. (34.18(e)iii)
Consider a target share of financial resources to be committed to science, technology and innovation. Brazil New
Global goals and targets
Consider green technology roadmaps. IRENA New
Consider globally coherent, national goals and targets for 2020, 2050, 2070 and 2100, to be backed up by
Kazakhstan New
the Astana “Green Bridge” Initiative and related frameworks.
Consider the global goal that, by 2020, Governments promote production processes using best technology
DPI/NGO conference New
for eco-efficiency, recycling, manufacturing, reuse of materials, product durability and longevity.
Consider the global goal that, by 2020, the majority of the world’s goods and services are procured by
DPI/NGO conference New
Governments from sources certified by objective third parties as sustainably produced.
Consider long-term, global technology performance goals for key sectors, such as energy, water and waste. Colombia, Guatemala New
Notes: *= The wording of the proposals follows the text contained in the sources mentioned first in each row.
6
A21 := Agenda 21. Paragraph numbers provided in brackets. CBD=Convention on Biological Diversity. CA= Copenhagen Accord 2009.
7. The Copenhagen Accord in 2009 called for technology, finance Rio+20 are focussing primarily on those issues and commitments
and capacity building support (§3), to be registered (§5) and where insufficient progress has been made since 1992 (table 4).
provided through a new “Technology Mechanism to accelerate In view of the strong interest by delegates in sustainable
technology development and transfer” (§11). Details of this development goals, we provide additional details on the science
mechanism are still being discussed. and technology-related goals that have been put forward to the
In 2010, the “UN Summit on the Millennium Development Goals” Rio+20 preparatory process (table 6). It should be noted,
resolved to “promote the development and dissemination of however, that numerous other proposals have been made in
26
appropriate, affordable and sustainable technology and the various fora by think tanks, NGOs, and other actors.
transfer of such technologies on mutually agreed terms” (§60). Table 6. Technology-related goals and targets proposed recently.
In contrast to certain public perceptions, WTO’s TRIPS Agreement Proposal by Colombia and Guatemala
states that “…the protection and enforcement of intellectual pro- on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)27
perty rights should contribute to… technological innovation and to The Governments of Colombia and Guatemala have put forward the
the transfer…of technology, to the mutual advantage of producers most comprehensive proposal of SDGs. This proposal includes one
and users … and in a manner conducive to social and economic general goal on financing and technology capacity and three goals
welfare, and to a balance of rights and obligations” (Art. 7). specific to the energy and water sectors (without quantifications):
Sufficient financial and technological capacities at the regional,
5. Delivery on commitments national and local levels… to implement waste reuse and recycling
Judgment is needed to assess delivery against the not-so-well policies… by 20_.
_% of national energy needs are met from renewable sources by 20_.
defined commitments listed above. Yet, evidence is strong for the
Energy efficiency standards are in place and under implementation at
following conclusions. All global time-bound commitments listed
national level.
in table 3 have been (or will most likely be) achieved. Overall
Sectoral water use efficiency plans are in place by 20_.
delivery on the commitments that were not time-bound has been
relatively good, with 16 types of commitments fully and 10 DPI/NGO conference28
partially achieved. Yet, some glaring gaps remain with no The final declaration from this conference of CSOs proposed one time-
significant progress reported for 9 types of commitments (table bound SDG on green technology:
4). Overall progress towards the agreed objectives has been By 2020, governments should promote production processes that
reflect the best available technologies for eco-efficiency, recycling,
better in the areas of technology transfer, mandates and market remanufacturing, reuse of waste materials, product durability and
incentives, than in RD&D and knowledge sharing. Technology- longevity… By 2020, the majority of the world’s goods and services are
oriented intergovernmental agreements might be considered procured by governments from sources certified by objective third
essential in a multilateral world, but they remain under- parties as sustainably produced.
developed compared to transport, trade, investment, and and suggested several general commitments to green technology:
environment agreements. It is impossible to say whether delivery Improved access to information technology, especially for young
of commitments specifically relating to “green technology” has people;
fared better or worse than those generic to technology. Governments to implement a just transition to sustainable economies
as fast as possible through an unprecedented level of cooperation and
6. Science and technology-related proposals for Rio+20 policy coherence by the sharing of green technologies and know-how.
Table 5 provides an overview of the science and technology- Adoption of an intergovernmental mechanism or instrument to assess
the environmental, health and socio-economic impacts of new and
related proposals contained in the official submissions of emerging technologies, in line with the precautionary principle. We call
Member States, intergovernmental organizations, and major for the outright ban on technologies that put the planet at grave risk.
25
groups, including NGOs and the private sector. The wording of
Millennium Consumption Goals (MCG) initiative
the proposals closely follows the text in the submissions.
This initiative is organized in the form of an open dialogue, which means
Fifteen of the 31 proposals are “new” suggestions (highlighted in the content of MCGs is not fixed but evolves as new proposals emerge. A
red in table 5), in the sense that at present there are no agreed compilation of proposed MCGs is on the initiative’s website.29 It does not
international commitments. They are primarily in the areas of contain a specific technology goal, but proposes a time-bound energy
policy environment, market incentives, global goals and targets. technology goal: Increase renewable energy share to 15% by 2025.
Six proposals are elaborations on existing commitments, primarily Proposal by the Republic of Kazakhstan
in the form of institutional suggestions (indicated as “partly new” The following phased targets were suggested:
in table 5). Examples include the creation of global mechanisms From 2020: to reserve carbon-bearing primary energy sources for
on technology, research cooperation, and capacity building, as future generations through renewable energy.
well as an Intergovernmental Panel on Sustainable Development By 2050: to halve the energy intensity of a unit of Gross World Product
and to provide conditions for maintaining this energy intensity.
and an enhanced Global Earth Observation Network.
By 2070: to build up a backlog of non-renewable energy and to achieve
The Rio+20 submissions did not cover 12 science and technology- global capacity of renewable energy at the level of global energy
related issues for which there are already existing global sufficiency for the period through to 2100.
commitments. Eight of these are deemed to be already fully By 2100: to identify technological levels of energy sufficiency for each
7
achieved and four of them at least partly. The submissions for country securing high human development index.
8. 7. Towards SDGs on science and technology (b) Universal access to sustainable technology
Need for equity
There are only two time-bound goals/targets related to science This goal might be elaborated in the form of universal access targets
and technology for sustainable development, and their delivery for modern, clean and affordable energy and transport services;
date has not yet expired: MDG 8.F and CBD Target 19. Discussions clean water, sanitation, waste water treatment, recycling, solid
waste management, and modern information and communications
might focus on accelerating progress towards these goals and on technologies, etc., by 2030.
additional time-bound, measurable goals/targets (table 7).
(c) Global green innovation system for sustainable development
Institutions need to be up to the challenge
Table 7. Potential areas to be considered for technology goals.
This goal might be elaborated in the form of institutional and inputs
(a) Global technology performance improvement by a factor 4 targets by 2030, for example:
This goal might be elaborated in the form of eco-efficiency targets Global RD&D cooperation system that is open for participation by
entities from all countries.
It needs to “add-up” globally
for 2030 and 2050, for example:
Global IPR system which promotes technology development,
Increase global resource and energy efficiency by a factor 4 by
innovation, access and transfer. It would value quality over
2050. This might mean doubling the level of energy services, while
halving primary energy and resource use and overall pollution. quantity; support new forms of licensing, voluntary patent pools,
and free and open-source collaboration.
Issue-specific technology performance targets for 2030: reduce
energy and resource/materials intensity by at least 40 per cent Combined public and private investment of at least 2 per cent of
GDP in RD&D in all countries, and at least 3 per cent in
and double the use of waste water treatment and solid waste
management. technologically advanced economies.
Issue-specific technology performance targets for 2020: increase Publicly-funded technology, scientific discoveries and creative
by 20 per cent the water efficiency in agriculture and energy, as works made freely available for sustainable development.
well as food supply-chain efficiency.
The purpose of the Rio 2012 Issues Briefs is to provide a channel for policymakers and other interested stakeholders to discuss and
review issues relevant to the objective and themes of the conference, including a green economy in the context of sustainable
development and poverty eradication, as well as the institutional framework for sustainable development.
For further information on this Brief, please contact Richard Alexander Roehrl (roehrl@un.org).
1
Following Dobrov (1979), “technology” comprises not only material inputs and equipment, but also software (i.e., explicit and tacit knowledge and human skills) and
“orgware” (institutions, regulations and cultural norms). In the long-run, there cannot be progress in technology without progress in science and vice versa.
2
In addition to the energy technology examples provided here, similar statements apply to other technologies, in particular biotechnology and nanotechnology.
3
Grübler, A., (1998). Technology and Global Change. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.
4
Diamond, J., (2005). Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed. New York: Viking Press.
5
Holdren, J.P., (2006). The energy innovation imperative: addressing oil dependence, climate change, and other 21st century energy challenges. Innovations: Technology,
Governance, Globalization, vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 3-23.
6
World Economic and Social Survey 2011, United Nations, http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/policy/wess/wess_current/2011wess.pdf
7
Key World Energy Statistics 2010. International Energy Agency, 2010.
8
van Vuuren, D. P., Riahi, K. (2008). Do recent emission trends imply higher emissions forever? Climatic Change, vol. 91, No. 3, pp. 237-248.
9
Marchetti, C., Nakicenovic, N. (1979). The dynamics of energy systems and the logistic substitution model. IIASA, RR-79-13, cesaremarchetti.org/abstract.php?id=23.
10
von Weizsäcker, E. U., Lovins, A.B., Lovins, L.H. (1998). Factor Four: Doubling Wealth-Halving Resource Use-The New Report to the Club of Rome. Earthscan.
11
von Weizsäcker, E., et al. (2009). Factor Five: Transforming the Global Economy through 80% Improvements in Resource Productivity, ISBN 9781844075911.
12
Cullen, J., Allwood, J.M. (2010). Theoretical efficiency limits for energy conversion devices. Energy, vol. 35, No. 5 (19 January), pp. 2059-2069.
13
The most ambitious global sustainable development scenarios (e.g., IPCC-B1 scenario) illustrate pathways toward a factor 3 improvement.
14
Source: Brewer, T.L, (2008). Climate change technology transfer: a new paradigm and policy agenda, Climate Policy 8 (2008) p. 516-526.
15
Data sources: World Bank, UNESCO Institute for Statistics.
16
Five-year review of the Mauritius Strategy…”, United Nations, Report of the Secretary General, 5 July 2010, A/65/115.
17
Nemet, G., Kammen, D. (2007). U.S. energy research and development: declining investment…. Energy Policy, vol. 35/1, p. 746-755.
18
in PPP terms
19
There is a large body of literature suggesting an increasingly “excessive” nature of IPR systems since the 1990s. Examples include: (a) National Research Council (1993).
Global dimensions of intellectual property rights in science and technology, National Academy Press; (b) Louwaars et al. (2005). Impacts of Strengthened Intellectual
Property Rights Regimes on the Plant Breeding Industry in Developing Countries, World Bank; (c) Kur and Levin (2011). Intellectual Property Rights in a Fair World Trade
System – Proposals for Reform of TRIPS, Edward Elgar.
20
EPO (2009). Quality over quantity: on course to raise the bar, http://www.epo.org/about-us/office/annual-report/2008/focus.html
21
Patents and clean energy: bridging the gap between evidence and policy. UNEP, EPO and ICSTD (2011), www.epo.org/clean-energy
22
Zhang, X., (2011). A Network Analysis of Clean Technology Cooperation Programmes, background research paper, United Nations DESA, 2011.
23
International Energy Agency (2010). World Energy Outlook 2010. Paris: OECD.
24
Technology development and transfer of technology for Climate Change: A Survey of Activities by UN organizations, Working Paper, UN DESA/UNIDO, 2010.
25
The full text of official submissions to the preparatory process for Rio+20 are accessible here: http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/index.php?menu=115
26
Additional proposals for goals and targets and their attainability are being reviewed by UN DESA in the context of the EU-funded project “Sustainable Development in
the 21st Century”, referred to as SD21 project, http://www.un.org/esa/dsd/dsd_sd21st/21_index.shtml.
27
Rio+20: Sustainable Development Goals – Proposal by the Governments of Colombia and Guatemala for consideration by the participating countries, September 2011;
http://www.eclac.org/rio20/noticias/paginas/9/43799/2011-613-Rio+20-Note_by_the_secretariat-Rev-1-30-08_Prop._Col_Guat.pdf
28
http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/index.php?page=view&nr=273&type=230&menu=38
8
29
http://www.mcgforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Table-MCG-Summary-v2.pdf