The Climate Group

Presidents Obama, Hu underscore importance of an ambitious global deal in Copenhagen

2009-11-17T20:49:04Z

Presidents Obama and Hu, leaders of the world’s two biggest carbon-emitting countries, met in Beijing today to discuss cooperation on climate change and energy issues.

Just days after President Obama had cast doubt on the likelihood of a legally-binding agreement in Copenhagen, he and President Jintao jointly committed to press for a comprehensive accord in Copenhagen, one that would cover key issues in the negotiations and have immediate operational effect.

In a joint communiqué the two leaders said that the December deal should include clearly defined emission targets for developed countries and nationally appropriate mitigation actions of developing countries.

“The outcome should also substantially scale up financial assistance to developing countries, promote technology development, dissemination and transfer, pay particular attention to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable to adapt to climate change, promote steps to preserve and enhance forests, and provide for full transparency with respect to the implementation of mitigation measures and provision of financial, technology and capacity building support,” the communiqué says.

The two countries also signed various agreements on bilateral cooperation focusing on low-carbon technology research and development, green buildings and electric vehicles.

Changhua Wu, The Climate Group’s Greater China Director, said: “The outcomes of the summit are encouraging in that they show a clear political will from both sides to make the Copenhagen climate negotiations a success, and to scale up bilateral cooperation on the key issues. The two sides seem to understand that they have to work together to make climate change an opportunity and not a threat to their economies. The bilateral commitments will now have to be backed by sufficient resources to enable implementation.”

Michael Allegretti, The Climate Group’s Senior Advisor on US Policy, said: “The commitments made by the American and Chinese governments show a willingness to progress the debate from deliberation towards action. Only by acting together can meaningful action on climate be achieved and mutual economic benefits flow to each country. If both sides do not view taking action as a real win, there will be no real action. While significant work remains to be done, it is encouraging to see cooperation on some of these most critical issues.”

With the short time remaining until world leaders gather in Copenhagen, it is now up to the US and China to translate these promises into clear commitments for the negotiations. For the US, this means committing to meaningful absolute emission reduction targets. For China, it means presenting a low-carbon growth plan with mitigation efforts that are supported by both financial commitments from China and a clear idea of the international finance needed.

Danish PM, APEC leaders look for “political agreement” from COP15

2009-11-16T09:37:15Z

by Mark Kenber, Policy Director, The Climate Group

Yesterday in Singapore, Danish PM Lars Rasmussen joined President Obama and APEC heads of states for a quickly-arranged breakfast focused on climate change.

At the meeting PM Rasmussen told assembled leaders that Copenhagen should be viewed as the first step toward the international binding climate agreement that many had hoped would be achieved at COP15. The PM said that he would seek at Copenhagen a political agreement covering all major elements of negotiations. President Obama is said to have voiced support for this approach.

The press is now portraying this as a “major blow” that puts a global deal on climate change in jeopardy.

But all hope is not lost.

What was discussed in Singapore was not necessarily a race to the bottom, but a realistic assessment of why we won’t see a legal agreement finalized in Copenhagen.

Focusing on the core elements of a global, countries are already closing in on agreement on key issue, such as targets, financing and technology.

We remain positive and optimistic that constructive discussion in Copenhagen will, because it must, lead to a strong global deal on climate change.

The Climate Group convenes first meeting of all Australian premiers, business leaders on climate

2009-11-09T09:07:17Z

ADELAIDE: In an Australian first, State Premiers joined with business leaders on Thursday 5 November to explore accelerating the development of low carbon, energy efficient smart cities across Australia.

Convened by The Climate Group and chaired by its CEO Steve Howard, the meeting focused on what the building blocks of new smarter, low carbon communities will be. Attendees discussed the ways in which governments and business might work together to achieve this vision sooner and more effectively.

Among the specific topics discussed were electric vehicles deployment and the benefits this provides to power supply and renewable energy generation; the power of the internet and IT to drive energy efficiency; and proposals for lowering barriers to wide-scale retrofit of the existing building stock. Attendees also underlined the importance of developing replicable and scalable pilot projects that could be taken up by all states, rather than adopting an experimental, state by state approach to smart city development.

A key outcome of the meeting was agreement for a further workshop to define how state governments can move ahead on low-carbon cities with the support of business. The workshop will aim to provide specific recommendations to government, based on a clear and shared vision that, among other aims will avoid duplication of effort and provide the right level of standardisation to encourage innovation.

Speaking after the meeting, Steve Howard said, “This meeting is a useful step on the road towards building communities that are more efficient in their use of resources, smarter in their use of technology and resilient in their response to the impacts of climate change.”

The meeting immediately preceded the first Council of The Australian Federation (CAF) meeting to focus climate change. It was chaired by New South Wales Premier Nathan Rees, hosted by South Australian Premier Mike Rann and attended by the First Minister from each state government in Australia. First Ministers emphasised the continued importance of working with, and learning from, sub-national governments around the world on climate change policy.

To that end Premier Rann will table a joint Statement of Commitment on behalf of all Australian States at The Climate Group’s Climate Leaders Summit at COP15 in December. Queensland’s Minster for Climate Change, Kate Jones, said she will also attend the meeting in Copenhagen. Read the CAF communique

Businesses that attended the Roundtable were: Alstom, ARUP, Better Place, BP, Bunnings, CISCO Systems, GE, IBM, Lend Lease, Macquarie Bank, Origin Energy, Swiss Reinsurance and Santos.

Implementing Copenhagen: Business, government leaders convene for our Barcelona event

2009-11-05T17:50:37Z

The Catalan Government and The Climate Group convened businesses, subnational and national governments at a high-level conference in Barcelona to discuss the implementation of a Copenhagen deal.

With keynote speeches by UNFCCC Secretary-General Yvo de Boer, President of Catalonia Jose Montilla and Spanish Climate Change State Secretary Teresa Rivera, the event focussed on the key elements of a global deal in Copenhagen and its implementation.

Across the board, speakers and panelists emphasized the need for an agreement in Copenhagen; for scaling up existing solutions, especially energy efficiency and renewables; and importantly, of multi-level government and business co-operation to reduce emissions and drive the development and deployment of low carbon technologies.

Yvo De Boer stressed that, “We only have a small window of opportunity now and when opportunity knocks, one still has to open the door. Both government and business need to scale up the level of ambition”. Read his full address on the UNFCCC website.

This was echoed by Teresa Rivera who reaffirmed that the Spanish presidency of the EU in the first half of 2010 will ensure that Europe continues to show leadership and look to engage with all sectors in the implementation of the new international agreement.

The theme of opportunity was also taken up by many of the participants, who converged around the need for a stable policy regime with clear targets and incentives to provide consistent signals to business and investors. For example, President Montilla said, “In a context of global economic crisis, all governments need to draw up economic recovery plans that include the fight against climate change. Our companies should also take the climate issue into account, as there are great opportunities to be seized if the targets are clear and shared.”

Panels included ministers from the regional governments of Scotland, Ile-de-France, Brittany, Aragon; officials from Quebec, North-Rhine-Westphalia and Basque Country; and representatives of the International Chamber of Commerce, Endesa, Iberdrola, Eurelectric, Foment del Treball (Catalan Business Association) and several others. Speakers from the UNDP and the European Commission also contributed actively to the discussions.

One highlight of the event was the announcement by Minister Stevenson of Scotland’s membership of the Climate Group, joining other state and regional governments in the forefront of action to combat climate change both at home and by supporting their partners in developing countries to build capacity on mitigation and adaptation.

The Climate Group looks forward to intensifying its co-operation with business and governments in Spain over the coming months.

Australia: Queensland Climate Summit focuses on speeding up low carbon economy

2009-11-05T13:03:53Z

BRISBANE - More than 100 business leaders, scientists and thought leaders joined the Queensland Government and The Climate Group (TCG) on Wednesday 4 November to discuss the best strategies to progress Queensland’s low-carbon economy.

Hosted by Premier Anna Bligh and TCG’s CEO Steve Howard, The Queensland Climate Summit focused on the key policy issues that will underpin the state’s continued economic competitiveness and prosperity as it strives to make long term cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.

The summit was opened by a video message video message from former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who urged attendees to look at the opportunities that action on climate change would present:

“I believe we can ensure that progress towards a low carbon future means economic growth and prosperity as well as a safer climate.”

“By focusing on practical solutions, Queensland can be at the forefront of the green economic revolution,” Mr Blair said.

Topics covered throughout the day included how the state can make investment in the low carbon economy more attractive; planning for new low carbon cities and infrastructure; maximising green jobs growth; and, exploring the opportunities for mitigation and adaption in rural Queensland.

In opening the Summit, Premier Anna Bligh said that Queensland would continue to take a leadership role on climate change and emphasised the importance of a solid working partnership between business and government: “If we are to get the best result for this state, government cannot just act on its own. We need the help and support of businesses.”

Steve Howard said that in working to reduce emissions, Queensland had a number of natural advantages that would benefit its economy in the future: “Queensland has huge potential in areas such as renewable and solar energy. As these sectors develop, they will stimulate the creation of new jobs and economic growth.”

Former Australian of the Year and Australian Deputy Chair of TCG, Tim Flannery underlined the event’s value: “The dialogue and understanding that events like this build are absolute gold dust in ensuring that we make this journey together. It is critically important that businesses of all sizes continue to engage with government on this issue if we are to succeed.”

Australian Director of The Climate Group, Rupert Posner, said the Summit had provided the foundation for closer work between business and government in Queensland that would make a real difference: “The enthusiasm and support from so many Government Ministers and business leaders means there are some exciting opportunities ahead for Queensland. We look forward to helping make them a reality.”

The Business Guide to the Low Carbon Economy: Queensland

The summit was proceeded by the launch of the Business Guide to the low carbon economy: Queensland. . Commissioned by the Queensland Government and prepared by The Climate Group in partnership with Arup, the new guide provides practical steps for businesses to get on top of measuring and curbing greenhouse gas emissions from their operations. It also provides an overview of climate change policies and programs in Queensland with a view to helping companies develop a strategy to suit their individual situation. In doing so, it will help businesses reduce costs and unlock new opportunities for growth.

HSBC Climate Confidence Monitor: 65% of global population demand governments commit to global deal

2009-11-02T10:14:57Z

Nearly two thirds (65 per cent) of people across the globe believe a new international deal to cut emissions is ‘very important’, according to the 2009 annual Climate Confidence Monitor research released today. The 12 country study, commissioned by the HSBC Climate Partnership, sends a clear message to governments preparing to attend the UN climate change summit in December to agree a policy framework to tackle climate change.

The third Climate Confidence Monitor (view interactive results or read the full report) also reveals that 79 per cent want to see a commitment from their governments to ‘meet or significantly exceed’ a 50-80 per cent cut in emissions by 2050 – the global reduction recommended in the IPCC’s 2007 report to avoid dangerous climate change.

Despite the deepening of the global recession since last year’s survey was conducted, seven in 10 people (69 per cent) agreed that prioritizing public spending to address climate change is at least as important, if not more important than supporting their national economy during the downturn.

Steve Howard, CEO of The Climate Group, said: “World leaders must agree a deal in Copenhagen that unlocks low carbon jobs and growth, and enables the rest of us to make smarter, greener choices about the ways we heat our homes, fuel our cars and power our businesses.”

Other trends revealed by the Climate Confidence Monitor 2009

• Stronger desire for action in emerging economies

For the third year running, the Climate Confidence Monitor shows that there is a stronger desire for action in emerging economies than in the developed world. In Brazil, 86 per cent and in Mexico, 83 per cent believe it is very important that a deal in Copenhagen is reached. Globally, only two per cent of people feel a new climate deal isn’t important at all.

• Climate Change ranks alongside other issues of global concern

Despite media headlines around pandemic flu and economic meltdown, a third of all respondents (34 per cent) say climate change is one of the biggest issues they worry about today. In Mexico, 22 per cent of respondents ranked climate change as the number one issue.

• Personal commitment to low carbon choices remains high

Commitment to reduce personal impact on climate change by adapting lifestyle choices rose four percentage points from 2008 to 36 per cent this year. The most popular steps people are taking to reduce their carbon footprint are recycling, turning off electronic equipment and using energy-saving light bulbs.

New South Wales: New guide to help businesses on path to the low carbon economy

2009-11-01T15:13:01Z

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: The Climate Group CEO Steve Howard met with New South Wales Minster for Climate Change and The Environment John Robertson today to launch a new guide that will help businesses in New South Wales (NSW) adapt to the emerging low-carbon economy.

Commissioned by the NSW Government, The Business Guide to the Low Carbon Economy: New South Wales was prepared by The Climate Group and Climate Group member ARUP. It provides practical steps for businesses to get on top of measuring and curbing greenhouse gas emissions from their operations.

The Guide offers useful case studies and information specific to NSW so that business can evaluate their situation and develop appropriate measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while saving money at the same time. The advice and tools offered in the guide will help businesses prioritise different measures and develop the most cost-effective strategy.

Minster Robertson said the guide would be a valuable resource to assist businesses reduce their energy use and costs, improving their efficiency.

“This guide is a practical, user-friendly tool for all NSW businesses. It provides an overview of climate change policies and programs at the NSW and Commonwealth levels and explains how these policies may affect NSW businesses.”

Rupert Posner, Australia Director of The Climate Group, said the guide would help businesses unlock the huge opportunities that exist in transitioning to a low carbon economy.

“Those businesses that are leading the way have shown that managing and reducing emissions creates significant other benefits for their operations and consumer appeal,” Mr Posner said.

“By moving early, businesses will ensure that they are well placed to compete in the new low-carbon era.”

Europe’s leading energy region, North Rhine-Westphalia, joins The Climate Group

2009-10-29T17:59:20Z

The German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is the latest European member to join The Climate Group. NRW’s Minister Christa Thoben and Environment Minister Eckhard Uhlenbergn joined Climate Group COO Jim Walker to sign The Climate Group’s Member Principles in Duesseldorf on Tuesday.

North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is a leading industrial center of Germany and ranks among Europe’s largest energy producers; as such, the region’s emissions exceed those of many countries. But the government of NRW has shown that it is committed to lead in the new low carbon economy.

Since early 2007, NRW has played a key role in The Climate Group’s international network of state and regional climate leaders.

Leading by example, the region’s climate commitments include ambitious increases in energy efficiencies and renewable across its economy. The government has also pledged to support and foster the development and international transfer of new clean technologies, such as electric vehicles. The government recently announced its aim to be a model region for “electromobility”, by putting over 250,000 electric vehicles in use by 2020.

As a member of The Climate Group, North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) will work with The Climate Group’s network of world-leading business and governments to continue progressing and scaling up EVs and other low carbon technologies.

“The world’s regional governments play a crucial role in the implementation of ambitious climate protection targets. We therefore look forward to work with The Climate Group and its partner regions that are actively involved in climate change solutions and with whom we can engage in a constructive dialogue,” said Minister Thoben.

“We are pleased to cooperate closely with North Rhine-Westphalia, a very important economy and region, particularly in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy and low carbon technologies” said Jim Walker, COO of The Climate Group.

Queensland Climate Summit

2009-10-21T17:46:49Z

THE QUEENSLAND CLIMATE SUMMIT
4 November 2009
Parliament House, Brisbane

The Queensland Climate Summit, co-organised by The Climate Group and the Queensland Government, will be a leadership platform for senior business executives, policy leaders and stakeholders to discuss the emerging low carbon economy. Business leaders and experts will present their insights on a range of relevant themes through a series of moderated panel discussions with the Queensland Premier and key Ministers.

With the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen only a month away, the Summit will provide a timely focus on the imminent changes that may arise from a new Global Deal on greenhouse emissions reductions, what it will mean for Queensland and how the State can take advantage of business opportunities and continue to play a leadership role.

The event will be preceded by a reception on the 3rd of November to launch The Business Guide to the Low Carbon Economy: Queensland, a joint publication of ARUP and The Climate Group. Results of Carbon Outlook, a study into the preparedness of Queensland businesses to climate change, by KPMG, will also be launched.

Attendance at the Summit is by invitation only.
Speakers to date include:

Hon Anna Bligh MP, Premier of Queensland
Hon Kate Jones MP, Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability
Hon Andrew Fraser MP, Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development
Hon Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
Hon Tim Mulherin MP, Treasurer and Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland
Prof Tim Flannery, Macquarie University
Steve Howard, CEO, The Climate Group
David Beards, Company Secretary, Bunnings
Robert Hill, Chair, Carbon Trust
Susan Johnston, Special Advisor on Climate Change, Anglo Coal Australia
Peter Hanley, Division Director, Utilities & Climate Change, Macquarie Capital Advisers
Nathan Fabian, CEO, Investor Group on Climate Change
Doug McTaggart, CEO, Queensland Investment Corp
Michael Gill, Director of Internet Services Group, CISCO
Ben Keneally, Head of External Affairs, Better Place Australia
Rick Humphries, Director, Carbon Greening Australia

Wrap-up: Aragon Low Carbon Regional Development meeting

2009-10-21T17:08:42Z

ZARAGOSA - High-level stakeholders met with the Government of Aragon and The Climate Group this week to discuss opportunities for regional low carbon development in Spain and Europe.

Government representatives from North-Rhein-Westfalia Scotland, Jamtland (Sweden),and the Spanish National Ministry of Science and Technology, among others, met with representatives of businesses including Iberdrola, Endesa, TAIM Weser, and Bosch/Siemens.

The meeting was convened as part of the on-going preparations of regional governments and businesses on supporting and implementing a global deal on climate change. Discussion covered energy efficiency, green buildings, lighting and electric vehicles, and carbon capture and storage in the region and across Spain. Renewable energy - both photovoltaic and concentrated solar energy, as well as wind energy – was also on the agenda.

Aragon’s Minister for the Environment, Alfredo Boné, opened the event. Aragon is already a leader in renewable energy in Spain and now plans to step forward as a global leader, he said. The region, which aims to generate 40% of its electricity from renewables by 2012, is looking to tap deeper into its opportunities in wind and solar power.

Investment in renewable and energy efficiency is essential to economic recovery and job creation, he emphasized.

Professor Anil Markandya of the IPCC and Director of the Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3) in Bilbao; Alicia Montalvo, Director of the Spanish Office for Climate Change in the National Ministry of Environment; and Jim Walker, Co-founder and COO of The Climate Group also spoke at the event.

In December, The Climate Group will convene government and business leaders for a climate leaders summit in Copenhagen. Confirmed attendees from the EU region will include ministers and presidents of Scotland, Ile de France, Catalonia, Brittany, Aragon, Bavaria, North-Rhein-Westfalia and Wales.

MEF sends mixed signals, but still hope for Copenhagen

2009-10-20T07:52:46Z

by Mark Kenber, Policy Director, The Climate Group
The latest round of talks between representatives of the heads of government of the world’s seventeen largest economies ended in London yesterday with an upbeat communiqué but recognition from several participants that there are still major obstacles to agreement on a new climate deal in Copenhagen later this year.

With less than two months and only five formal negotiating days to go until the close of December’s climate summit, despite the “narrowing of differences” that took place over the two days of MEF discussions, differences remain on some of the core issues, not least countries’ commitments to cut their emissions.

On another crucial issue, however - how the deal will be financed and, in particular, the funding that will be made available to developing countries for both mitigation and adaptation - it seems that progress was made.

Echoing recent calls by investors [see, for example, the iigcc investor statement, wef task force report] and papers by Lord Stern and others, MEF officials recognized that funding needed to be scaled up rapidly and that both public and private financing – with the former acting to leverage the latter - would be necessary.

There were also important steps forward on technology, how commitments would be listed, transparency and accountability.

It is nevertheless clear that significant political capital will need to be invested over the coming weeks if a deal is to be struck, with failure to reach agreement having repercussions beyond the well-documented impacts on international security, the environment and people’s livelihoods.

On the back of research showing that concerted action to cut emissions can boost growth and jobs, the private sector has shown increasing appetite to cut emissions and invest in clean technologies, with many already putting money into new low carbon ventures. However, without an agreement in Copenhagen that at least sets a clear direction for policy and pathway for emissions, the resulting uncertainty makes it likely that many will pull back.

Ile-de-France, including Paris metropolitan region, joins The Climate Group

2009-10-16T09:19:49Z

The region of Ile-de-France, which contains the Paris metropolitan area, has signed on to the The Climate Group as its first full French-European member.

Jean Paul Huchon, President of Ile-de-France, officially signed The Climate Group’s principles earlier this week.

The regional council aims to turn Ile-de-France into Europe’s leading “eco-region”. The region is joining the likes of California, Quebec, and Catalonia, whose economies are globally significant in their own right and who are leading on climate change.

States and regions are already advancing practical policy development on climate change through the exchange of knowledge and technology - and serving as a compelling model for their national counterparts.

Climate-friendly transport policies are just one area where the Paris region is taking a lead. Plans include the deployment a fleet of 2,000 electric cars that customers can pick up and drop off throughout the city of Paris. Another 2,000 vehicles will be offered in two dozen surrounding cities. The green scheme, dubbed Autolib (short for “automobile” and “liberté"), will be launched as early as the end of 2010, aims to cut {Co2} emissions by 22,000 tons a year while improving traffic congestion.

Ile-de-France began working with The Climate Group earlier this year, when it signed up to the Montreal Declaration - the basis for ou international alliance of States and Regions. The region has been actively supporting efforts to recognize the important role of regions in the global fight against climate change, participating in Climate Week NY°C and at events across Europe in the last months.

Ile-de-France has also signed on to the UNDP’s program on direct region-to- region North-South collaboration on climate change. President Huchon has also confirmed that he will attend the Climate Leader’s Summit in Copenhagen this December.

Jean Paul Huchon, President of Ile-de-France, says: “Thanks to these agreements signed today with UNDP and The Climate Group, the Ile-de-France region asserts itself as one of the major regions which work in favour of a green economy at European and global levels.

“I hope that cooperation with these networks and intergovernmental agencies engaged in the fight against climate change will continue in the following months.”

Luc Bas, Head of Government Relations Europe, The Climate Group says: “We are delighted to welcome Ile-de-France as our first French regional member and look forward to a close collaboration on low carbon development for which the ‘Greater Paris region’ is already showing a clear lead on climate change solutions.”

Event Wrap-Up: ICCC2009

2009-10-13T17:03:29Z

OCT 7-9, HONG KONG - The Second International Conference on Climate Change (ICCC2009), organized by The Climate Group and Hong Kong Climate Change Forum, saw top government officials, business and community leaders, scientists and academics assemble for three days of intensive discussions on the challenges and opportunities of climate change.

Topics covered included: policy-related issues, business risks and realities, strategies for pursuing low carbon opportunities, and regional implications of mitigating and adapting to the climate challenge.

“ICCC2009 united leaders from business, government and civil society in Hong Kong and the region to focus on the urgent need for action on climate change,” said Steve Howard, The Climate Group’s CEO.

“At this critical moment in time, we must summon the collective will and urge our community leaders to continue building momentum towards a fair, ambitious and binding global climate deal. People are expecting to see their leaders move from talk into action.”

Strategies for confronting climate risks and opportunities

The first two days of the conference saw active panels on the topics of financing, clean technologies, business best practice, green supply chains and business risks.

The opening keynote speakers focused on the challenges and opportunities that climate change poses to regulators, businesses and other stakeholders in the region.

Professor Yanhua Liu, Vice Minister of Science and Technology of China, reiterated China’s position that its future growth lay within the low-carbon development model.

Edward Yau, Secretary for the Environment of HKSAR, emphasized Hong Kong’s commitment to reducing emissions, calling it “an obligation and a must.”

Business leaders shared how they too are rising to the challenges of climate change.

Yue Zhang, Chairman and CEO of Broad Air Conditioning China, and Sandy Flockhart, CEO of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, both spoke of their commitments. Mr. Zhang pointed out that Hong Kong could improve its performance with better technology and the right approach. Mr. Flockhart said that while corporations could do their part in going carbon neutral, which HSBC has achieved since 2005, society needs to do its part to incentivise low carbon investments. He said, “Consumers have to accept higher costs and consumer habits have to change.”

Looking toward a global deal on climate change

On the final day, the focus turned to the Pearl River Delta (PRD) Region, the realities of a low carbon economy, and the expectations for Copenhagen.

The PRD Region is playing a leading role in China’s development of the low carbon economy in manufacturing, financing, R&D and business innovation. It is creating new business opportunities and growing low carbon sectors, and also increasing the pressure for inefficient or carbon intensive businesses to reform.

Business leaders from HSBC, CLP and Cathay Pacific Airways shared views on implications of the COP-15 for Hong Kong and the region.

HSBC’s Teresa Au expected that a global deal would provide guidelines for the territory and send signals to business that will facilitate the financing and development of low carbon solutions. Cathay Pacific Airways’ Tony Tyler and Hong Kong Shipowners Association’s Arthur Bowring called for a single, global standard to monitor them.

From the host country of COP-15, Dr. Ole Odgaard of Denmark’s Ministry of Climate and Energy emphasized the opportunities of a low-carbon economy, explaining how Denmark’s transition from fossil fuel to renewable energies had strengthened economic growth.

There was common consensus throughout the meeting that climate change must be addressed – and that it requires a combined efforts from political and business leaders. Likewise, participants throughout the sessions agreed that clear policy framework and action plans are crucial for businesses and for investors to assess opportunities and risks.

There was hope across the board that COP15 would yield results, though many felt they would fall short of being substantial.

The Guardian UK CleanTech Summit 2009

2009-10-12T17:03:36Z

Seizing the moment for cleantech in the UK

Monday 23 November 2009

At a time when the UK is at risk of being left behind in a market that could be worth $2 trillion by 2030, the Guardian brings the brightest, most innovative entrepreneurs, corporate, policy makers and investors together in a forum to explore the broader contexts that impact on cleantech in the UK.

What to expect:

• Keynote addresses delivered by the community’s brightest minds, complimented by in-depth panel discussions exploring how sectors can work together to develop a thriving clean technology sector in the UK

• Leading politicians interviewed on their plans to foster cleantech innovation

• Sector-specific breakout sessions that ask a panel of experts to discuss the future opportunities, risks and regulatory forces needed to drive cleantech in transport, energy transmission, energy generation and energy efficiency forward

• Leading UK cleantech companies, profiled in the Guardian Global Cleantech 100, discussing their successes, the challenges they face and ideas for fostering the further fostering of cleantech innovation and deployment

• Networking with leading investors, entrepreneurs, corporates and policy makers

This one day conference will include contributions from the investment communities’ leading minds, key voices from the corporate world, insights from policy makers ad sessions that showcase the very best business leaders from the Global Cleantech 100.

Confirmed speakers include:

Greg Barker, Shadow Minister for the Environment
Louise Bell, Head of Environment and Energy, Eurostar
David Blood, Senior partner, Generation Asset Management
Michael Liebreich, Chairman & CEO, New Energy Finance

For more information and to book your delegate place, visit http://www.guardian.co.uk/cleantechsummit

ICAO agrees declaration on aviation and climate change

2009-10-12T11:12:52Z

MONTREAL - Ministers attending a meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in Montreal have agreed a declaration on aviation and climate change, that could represent an important first step towards addressing emissions from international aviation.

The declaration, together with a set of supporting recommendations, will form the basis of input from ICAO to the upcoming climate change summit in Copenhagen. There is widespread recognition that international aviation, which the Kyoto Protocol failed to effectively incorporate and address, must be an integral part of a new global climate deal.

The declaration from ICAO builds on a program of action developed over the last two years. While it falls short of what many environmental observers may have hoped for, it is arguably a step in the right direction.

Damian Ryan, Senior Policy Analyst of The Climate Group, says: “Although not perfect, the declaration does appear to strengthen earlier ICAO texts.

“While many may have hoped for more ambition, such an outcome was always unlikely at this point in time. The climate negotiations in ICAO are tied directly to the broader UNFCCC talks and until these are resolved in Copenhagen real movement in aviation is unlikely. If Copenhagen can deliver an ambitious deal, however, then with the right leadership and commitment, the ICAO declaration could form the basis of a more ambitious agreement for aviation as well.”

Key points of the declaration

While the declaration does not include emission reduction targets, it does acknowledge that fuel-efficiency improvements will be insufficient to reduce emissions and that more ambitious measures will be necessary. Agreement to establish and “expeditiously conclude” a process to develop a framework for market-based measures (e.g. emissions trading) is therefore encouraging, and leaves the way open for setting both mid- and long-term absolute reduction targets. Such targets need to be agreed as soon as possible.

The declaration also includes important language about working with industry to solve the problem.

Unfortunately the industry position as set out by its representative body, IATA, is currently less ambitious than what ministers have agreed in the declaration [Updated: see clarification below]. Recent comments by Air New Zealand’s CEO on the need for more ambitious industry-led action hopefully signal a wider shift in industry attitudes and new industry leadership on the issue.

Crucially, the declaration has the support of both developed and developing countries.

Disagreement over whether action to address aviation emissions should be limited to developed countries has hampered past efforts on this issue. While such limitation would align with the UNFCCC principle of common but differentiated responsibility, it would conflict with ICAO’s principle of non-discrimination or equal treatment. The declaration is unclear as to how ICAO intends to reconcile these two principles, but the fact that it has the support of all countries suggests a growing recognition of the need for a global sectoral solution.

The proposal put forward by the Aviation Global Deal (AGD) Group could provide a template for delivering such a solution.

Ultimately, the success of the declaration will depend on the willingness of governments to move forward quickly in developing the necessary policies and measures for tackling aviation emissions. While the declaration is full of good intentions, these now need to be translated into concrete action.

Steve Howard: Ernst & Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2009

2009-10-09T14:29:54Z

LONDON - The Climate Group’s CEO Steve Howard has been named the Ernst & Young UK Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2009. He was named the London and South regional winner earlier this year.

Host Joanna Lumley presented the award to Jim Walker, The Climate Group’s COO and co-founder, on Steve’s behalf at this week’s national awards ceremony.

The judges said: “Steve and Jim have made an impressive global impact in a niche market in only a short period of time, They have succeeded in making the company high profile, straddling both the commercial and political markets.”

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs.

Winners are recognised through regional, national and global awards programmes in more than 135 cities across 50 countries. They are selected by independent panels of distinguished business and socal entrepreneurs, on the basis of a number of qualities including: entrepreneurial spirit; national and global impact; and individual and corporate social responsibility.

Past winners of the UK Social Entrepreneur of the Year award include John Bird and Ian MacArthur of The Big Issue Company Limited (2009) and Camila Batmanghelidjh of Kids Company (2005), among others.

Delighted by news of the award, Steve Howard said: “We have come a long way in the last five years, both as an organisation and as a coalition of business and government leaders. There is much work still to do. But we are delighted to be recognised with a prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and alongside such distinguished company.”

Heated Bangkok talks leave much to discuss in Barcelona

2009-10-09T07:31:13Z

The Climate Group’s Damian Ryan reports from the Bangkok Climate Change talks

BANGKOK - The latest round of UN climate change negotiations conclude today in Bangkok. Despite two weeks of intensive talks, officials will leave with many of the key issues unresolved. With just two months until the Copenhagen Climate Conference and only one more round of formal negotiations planned for November, the likelihood of securing a new global deal on climate change hangs increasingly in the balance.

Although consensus started to emerge in certain areas (such as adaptation and deforestation) and progress was made in reducing parts of an otherwise lengthy negotiating text, negotiators largely avoided the tough issues.

Developing countries again voiced frustration, if not anger, at the failure of developed countries to commit to ambitious emission cuts. The former continue to call for reductions of at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2020, in line with the upper range of cuts recommended by climate scientists. For their part, developed countries stuck to the position that the rules governing emission reductions needed to be agreed first, particularly with respect to emissions trading and offsetting.

The uncertainty about the US’s position on a target, due to the continuing absence of a negotiating mandate from Congress, provided another sticking point. Norway’s announcement during the talks of a 40% unilateral cut by 2020 was a notable bright spot in otherwise difficult negotiations.

The question of financing to support emission reduction and adaptation efforts in developing countries also continued to generate heated discussion.

Developed countries generally support a combined public-private sector approach to financing, with carbon markets playing a substantial role in driving low-carbon investment in developing countries. This approach is opposed by many developing countries, who believe that carbon markets won’t be able to deliver the predictable and guaranteed level of financing they require – particularly if developed countries don’t take on ambitious targets necessary to drive carbon market demand.

Developing countries also wish to see the establishment of new, centralised funding mechanisms to enhance and streamline access to funds. Developed countries’ preference is to use existing institutions.

Suggestions by the US and a number of other developed countries that the Kyoto Protocol was best replaced with a new agreement didn’t help the negotiating atmosphere. Developing countries consider such suggestions as an attempt by developed countries to avoid their legal, environmental and indeed moral obligations. One long-time observer of the process observed that the politics of the negotiations were the worst he had seen in 10 years.

Despite all this, many of the key players reiterated their committed to reaching a deal in December. The US’s lead negotiator stated that they were working towards an agreement “with numbers”, while the EU delegation was adamant that “there was no Plan B”. However, with so much still on the table, and so little time remaining, it is increasingly unlikely that Copenhagen will deliver the final, comprehensive deal envisaged in Bali two years ago.

For embattled climate negotiators a busy 2010 awaits.

Second Global Governor’s Summit: Subnational governments lead action on climate change

2009-10-06T08:57:54Z

LOS ANGELES – Speaking at the second Global Governor’s Summit last week, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger told delegates that, while nations continue to negotiate a global agreement on climate change, state and regional governments are taking action and making real progress in tackling climate change.

The Summit brought together subnational government leaders from across the world to focus on their role in addressing climate change. Several leaders from The Climate Group’s States and Regions network - including Quebec, Wales, Manitoba, Victoria, and (of course) California – spoke about the leadership role subnational governments have played, in everything from green building standards to carbon taxes to forest protection and partnerships with developing countries.

States and regions as climate leaders

Pointing to California’s pioneering clean car standards (which was adopted by other states and provinces, and, finally in a modified form by the federal government), Governor Schwarzenegger said that subnational governments are developing the policies that nations can use to implement a global deal.

The Governor pointed out that, in the same way, the US government does not need to wait for other nations to act on climate change. “We should lead the green movement and then other countries will follow,” he said.

Key to delivering a global deal on climate change

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and IPCC Chairman Dr R K Pachauri joined the Governor to discuss the upcoming negotiations at Copenhagen this December in a “fireside chat” focused on Blair’s work with The Climate Group on Breaking the Climate Deadlock.

Mr Blair said he believed there is clear support for global action – negotiations at Copenhagen must get down to the practical solutions. Based on his political experience, he said, “If there is a way, there is a will.”

The Climate Group’s States and Regions network, together with California, Quebec, Catalonia and others, have been lobbying to gain official UNFCCC recognition of the role of States and Regions in implementing a global deal.

This effort was affirmed in a video message from UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer who noted that subnational governments will deliver up to between 50-80% of emissions reduction targets. He said that the UN believed it is important that the final text in Copenhagen reference the role that subnational governments will play in its delivery, and encouraged them to get national delegations to support this effort.

“The message of the importance of sub-national governments in actually implementing a Global Deal, and in leading on practical actions to green the economy, was made loud and clear in California- a message that will be carried to Copenhagen” said The Climate Group’s State and Regions Director Jane Gray at the summit.

“The Climate Group was pleased to assist in this important Summit as a lead-in to the important gathering of subnational, municipal and business leaders that will take place on December 15th at our Climate Leaders Summit in Copenhagen.”

Governor Schwarzenegger closed the Summit by saying it wasn’t only governments that carried the responsibility to act. The best way to ensure long term success in tackling climate change, he said, was to make it “hip”: “We need to make it mainstream so that it is unusual if you’re not involved.”

Comment: US climate bill faces tough road ahead

2009-10-01T13:16:26Z

Evan Juska, Senior Policy Manager for The Climate Group North America, comments on the release on the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act

The climate debate in the US Senate officially started today, with the release of a new climate and energy bill co-sponsored by Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA). The bill, modeled closely after the Waxman-Markey bill that passed in the US House of Representatives in June, is intended to be the starting point for a laborious Senate debate, and will need to overcome significant obstacles before it has a chance to pass.

The most significant change in the new bill is an increase in the short-term emission reductions target from 17% below 2005 levels by 2020 to 20% below 2005 levels by 2020.

In light of US Special Envoy Todd Stern’s recent comments that the US would not commit to targets more stringent than those laid out in Congress, the new Senate target creates the possibility of a stronger US commitment at Copenhagen. However, it has already met with concern from key US Senators, like Kent Conrad (D-ND) who called the target “problematic.”

Many other controversial issues, like emission allowance allocation and carbon tariffs, were left largely unaddressed in the bill. Details on these and other key provisions are expected to emerge over the next couple of months, as the bill’s sponsors begin to negotiate with undecided Senators in an attempt to gain their support.

Proponents of the bill estimate that about 45 of the 60 votes needed to pass the bill are secured. The additional 15 votes will need to come from a pool of only about 20 potential supporters - meaning that every vote is going to count.

The scarcity of potential votes in the Senate means that the concerns of each individual Senator will have significant influence, elevating a new group of issues, most of which played a marginal role in the House, to the forefront of the Senate debate, including nuclear power, natural gas and a potential price cap on allowances (safety valve).

The success or failure of these negotiations will determine the likelihood of the bill passing before Copenhagen. And while Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) remains optimistic about a floor vote before Copenhagen, he recently acknowledged that the Senate may not pass the bill this year, as previously hoped, due to delays in the healthcare reform debate. A more likely scenario is that the climate bill will progress through key Senate Committees this Fall, providing the Administration with a strong position from which to negotiate an ‘outline agreement’ that serves as a marker for further progress next year.

It seems that President Obama was correct in that, “As we head towards Copenhagen, there should be no illusions that the hardest part of our journey is in front of us.”

Event Wrap-up: Roundtable with Maldives’ President Nasheed

2009-09-30T07:55:26Z

Mohamed Nasheed, President of The Republic of Maldives, discussed his country’s path toward carbon neutrality at a Climate Group-hosted roundtable during Climate Week NYC.

In March of this year, the Republic announced its aim to become carbon neutral by 2019, demonstrating the kind of radical action that the world now needs to take.

The plan will virtually eliminate fossil fuel use for homes, businesses and vehicles, through measures including a new renewable electricity generation and transmission infrastructure, wind turbines and rooftop solar panels. The government has also confirmed that it is also developing several biochar projects to help meet its emissions goals.

Roundtable participants, including Climate Group members Swiss Re, Climate Change Capital, FPL Group, and CB Richard Ellis, joined in the discussion ranging from the opportunities for financing and implementing these plans to the cost-benefits of adaptation measures. John Moussouris of VenEarth and Dan Morrell of Carbon Gold – a partner on the Maldives’ biochar projects - encouraged the Republic to go beyond carbon neutrality to be ‘carbon restoring’.

The Maldives, all participants agreed, can prove a global model of accelerating productivity while significantly reducing GHG emissions. Chris Bennet of FPL Group told the president, “Your political will and leadership is to be commended.”

“All eyes can be on the Maldives” said Paul Dickinson, CEO of Carbon Disclosure Project.