tacc training module 1 introduction to a territorial approach to climate change 1

TACC Training Module 1

Introduction to a Territorial Approach to Climate Change

1

Objectives of the Module

Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1

Raise the importance of addressing climate change at the sub-national level

Summarize objectives, programme areas and activities of the global TACC initiative

Introduce expected workshop outcomes, structure and methodology

Overview


Section 1: Introduction to the Climate Change Challenge and Green Economy from a Sub-national Perspective

Section 2: Role of Sub-national authorities in promoting a Green Economy and addressing Climate Change

Section 3: Introduction to the Territorial Approach to Climate Change (TACC) Initiative

The Growing Importance of Climate Change


“Climate change, and how we address this issue,

is a defining issue of our era.”

Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations, 2007

“Local governments have a critical role to play in the fight against climate change – National and local governments must work more closely together in tackling climate change if the world is going to mount an effective response to the problem.”

Ban Ki-moon, 2009

The Climate Change Challenge in a Nutshell Average surface temperature rose by

0.89°C from 1901 to 2012. Expected rise in global temperature of 3°C

or more by the end of the century Temperature rise results in extreme

weather events and impacts (e.g. flooding, droughts, sea level rise, etc.)

Human action mainly responsible for observed and projected climate change

Risk of major economic and social disturbances particularly in developing countries

Swift action required to: Reduce the causes of climate changes

(mitigation) Prepare for the impacts of climate change

(adaptation)Territorial Approach to Climate Change - Phase 1

A Green Economy

Improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities low carbon resource efficient socially inclusive

Driven by socially inclusive investments that reduce carbon emissions and pollution, enhance energy and resource efficiency, and prevent the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services


Key Findings Green Economy Report (2011)A Green Economy:Recognizes the value of, and invests in, natural capitalIs central to poverty alleviationCreates jobs and enhances social equitySubstitutes renewable energy and low-carbon technologies for fossil fuelsPromotes enhanced resource and energy efficiencyDelivers more sustainable urban living and low-carbon mobilityGrows faster than a brown economy over time, while maintaining and restoring natural capital


The Need to Take Concerted Action

The transition to a Green Economy and response to climate change require concerted action at multiple levels and by different actors… International, national, sub-national

and local level of governance Different sectors (e.g. agriculture,

energy, transport, etc.) Government, private sector and

civil society Developed and developing country

(based on common but differentiated responsibilities)


Why is Climate Change Important from a Sub-national Perspective?


Climate related challenges are directly experienced at the sub-national level

Many planning and investment decisions are taken at the sub-national rather than national level

Global climate change action creates opportunities for moving towards a green economy

Investment opportunities to support climate resilient and low carbon development

Defining the Sub-national Level of Governance


Many countries have multiple levels of governance, ranging from national to local

Sub-national governance level refers to governance units below the national level

Depending on the country, sub-national governments may include two levels: Regions, states, provinces, prefectures,

territories, etc. Municipal and local governments

In federal system at least two levels of governance exist below the national level

In some countries, municipal governments are directly below national governments

Overview





What can Sub-national Authorities do to transition towards a Green Economy? Apply the “polluters pays” principle and get

cost recovery for water/waste management services

Mobilize large scale financial resources by catalyzing and leveraging private investment (through green incentives, brown taxes)

Stimulate eco-innovation, environmental technologies and green businesses

Sustainable public procurement – leading to long-term demand and incentive to invest


What is the Role of Sub-national Authorities in the UNFCCC Process?


The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an international agreement with autonomous states being members/parties

Sub-national authorities do not participate directly in the negotiations, but opportunities for indirect participation include: Participation as members of national

delegations Participation through an observer association Participation in side events Informal discussions/lobbying

Why is Adaptation Relevant at the Sub-national Level? Impacts of climate change are directly felt

at the sub-national/local level Local authorities are the first to receive the

complaints/requests from the affected population

Most adaptation actions will be deployed at the local level

Adaptation measures have direct benefits for local population and ecosystems

Sub-national/local development planning well suited to integrate adaptation


Why is Mitigation Relevant for Sub-national Authorities?

Planning decisions with mitigation potential often taken at the sub-national level, for example Public transport Local energy supply Energy efficient buildings and construction Waste disposal sites

Sub-national level can become front-runners in promoting a green economy

Significant potential to reap co-benefits (e.g. health benefits of reduced air pollution)


Setting the Framework for Local Climate Change Plans


Engaging stakeholders Ensuring that all relevant parties are aware of the challenge

of climate change and committed to addressing it Understanding local climate change contribution

and impacts Identifying climate threats and measuring the contribution

of the city to climate change Assessing vulnerable places, people and sectors

Analyze patterns of vulnerability to identify key locations and groups for building resilience

Participatory strategic planning for climate change Mobilizing stakeholders to create an overall vision for

responding to climate change Monitoring and evaluation

Ensure the desired outcomes are achieved

Planning and Implementing Climate Change Activities at Sub-National Level

In what ways can sub-national authorities incorporate climate change planning at the territorial level?

Examples: Integrate climate change priorities into

existing development policies and plans Design integrated climate change plans Be consistent with the national

development priorities and needs


Overview





TACC: A Global Partnership to Support Sub-national Climate Change Action


Partnership of UN organizations, sub-national authorities and associations of regions

Recognition that climate change requires enhanced action at the sub-national level

Focus on integrating climate change into sub-national planning and investment decision-making

Launched at the 2008 World Summit of Regional Governments on Climate Change in Saint-Malo (France)

Spearheaded by UNDP and UNEP within the UN System and expanded in 2009 to include UN HABITAT and UNITAR

What Does the Workshop Try to Achieve?


That participants will have enhanced knowledge and understanding concerning… International climate change policy and its

implications for national and sub-national action Causes and effects of climate change and how to

access sources of credible scientific information Objectives, benefits and methods of developing

sub-national climate change policies and plans within a multilevel governance framework

Fostering sustained capacity development, including human resource and skills development

Sources and mechanisms of financing available to support sub-national action

Regional Associations and Other TACC Partners


Global Forum for Associations of Regions (FOGAR) Assembly of European Regions (ARE) International Association of Francophone Regions

(AIRF) Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) Network of Regional Governments for Sustainable

Development (NRG4SD) The Northern Forum The Climate Group Organization of Latin American Intermediary

Governments (OLAGI) Individual sub-national authorities worldwide

Global TACC Objective


Increase resilience to climate change impacts and reduce carbon footprint in sub-national territories…

...by empowering sub-national governments in developing countries and countries with economies in transition to take action on climate change mitigation and adaptation

...within a sustainable development and poverty reduction context.

TACC Programme Areas

Needs Assessment Survey (2010) among more than 100 sub-national authorities: low to medium levels of awareness (UNEP)

Awareness raising workshops for groupings of sub-national authorities (UNEP)

Projects at the sub-national level to develop low emission and climate resilient development plans (UNDP)


Workshops for Groupings of Sub-national Authorities


Series of awareness-raising workshops in 2010-2012 and beyond

Objectives: Review international climate change policy

developments from a sub-national perspective Raise awareness and facilitate knowledge sharing

concerning climate change action Share knowledge and tools relevant for

strengthening climate change science, adaptation, mitigation, and financing at the sub-national level

Explore fostering of a green economy at the sub-national level

Catalyze interest in developing low emission and climate resilient development plans

Regional Workshops in 2010-2012

Belarus, June 2013 Azerbaijan, November 2012 Ukraine, May 2012 South Africa, March 2012 Philippines, February 2012 South Korea, November 2011 Egypt, January 2011 Uruguay, November 2010 Mexico, August 2010 Thailand, August 2010 Uganda, June 2010 Albania, June 2010


TACC Workshop Modules


http://www.uncclearn.org/tacc

1: Introduction to the Territorial Dimension of Climate Change

2: Climate Change Science, Causes and Impacts

3: International Climate Change Policy Framework

4: Climate Change Adaptation

5: Mitigating Climate Change

6: Integrated Planning and Governance to Address Climate Change

7: Financial Sources to Support Climate Change Action

8: Strengthening Information Exchange and Taking Action

Questions for the Workshop…

Do sub-national authorities have sufficient information about international and national climate change processes and initiatives?

Are climate data and models available to assess vulnerability at the sub-national level?

Are capacities sufficient for sound adaptation and mitigation planning?

Which actions need coordination with the national level?


Questions for the Workshop…


When is a proactive stance possible? Which financial sources and tools are

available to support sub-national climate change action?

How can sub-national authorities effectively contribute to international climate change processes?

Any other important questions?

Further resources


http://www.uncclearn.org/tacc

http://www.unep.org/greeneconomy

tacc training module 1 introduction to a territorial approach to climate change 1

Documents

climate change phase

climate change national

climate change challenge

tackling climate change

climate changesection

overviewterritorial

moduleterritorial approach

brown economy