PROGRAMMES OF ACTIVITIES

German Environment Ministry Establishes PoA Foundation for the Future of the Carbon Market

As part of the International Climate Initiative, the German Environment Ministry (BMU) has made €10 million available for the establishment of the “Foundation for the Future of the Carbon Market”. The Foundation will provide start-up funds for programmatic CDM activities (PoAs) and assist the tapping of emission reduction potential, primarily in least-developed countries (LDCs). Advising developing countries on the use of the carbon market is another key focus of the Foundation, which is based at the KfW Bank. more

UN Climate Conference in Durban

Durban Conference Agrees Roadmap for Binding International Climate Change Agreement

After long and drawn-out negotiations, the Climate Change Conference in Durban agreed a roadmap for a legally binding climate change agreement between all states. By 2015, an international agreement will be developed which will be binding for all countries. The agreement will enter into force in 2020. This provided the basis for the Conference to agree a second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol the first commitment period of which expires at the end of 2012. The length of the second commitment period has yet to be decided. more

12th CTI Workshop

CTI Workshop: Climate Policy Challenges and Opportunities for the Building Sector

At the invitation of the German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), the 12th Climate Technology Initiative Workshop was held in Berlin from 14 to 15 October. Focusing on the theme of Climate Policy Challenges and Opportunities for the Building Sector, over 50 experts from more than 20 countries discussed the various dimensions of energy efficiency in buildings. The talks primarily centred on innovative financing instruments, favourable conditions and the role of Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) in the building sector. more

Emissions Trading

Emissions Trading Act review sets out new rules on use of CDM/JI in Germany

Following its approval by the German Bundesrat (upper house of parliament), Germany’s Emission Allowance Trading Act (TEHG) entered into force on 28 July 2011. With the third trading period of the European Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) from 2013 to 2020, the EU introduces consistent EU-wide rules on free allocation of emissions allowances. This change is transposed into national law by the Emission Allowance Trading Act, which also governs the use of CDM/JI certificates. From 2013 onwards, ERUs and CERs stemming from emission reductions achieved prior to 2013 will be eligible as well as CERs from projects registered before 2013.

• Further information:
  German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHSt)

NEW MECHANISMS

New study looks at role of PoAs in NAMA development

How climate policies in developing countries can be developed and enhanced is being negotatiated in the context of the Bali Action Plan under the heading Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs). The carbon market can play a key role in this regard: Programmes of Activities (PoAs) provide a model for use in sectoral and national approaches for mitigation activities. How experience with PoAs can be utilised for the introduction of NAMAs is the subject of a study conducted by Southpole on behalf of KfW Bank. more