UN Climate Change Conference in Durban

Implementing the Cancún Agreements, Negotiating a Roadmap for Future Action

This year’s Climate Change Conference is being held in Durban, South Africa, from 28 November to 9 December. There are two main topics: negotiating a timeframe for a new global climate change agreement and talks on a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol. The introduction of new flexible mechanisms remains a contentious issue. 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

PROGRAMMES OF ACTIVITIES

PoA Handbook for Programmes in Africa

Climate Focus and the African Development Bank present the Handbook for Programmes of Activities in Africa. This updated version of Climate Focus’ previous publication includes a new chapter that focuses on the particularities of PoA development in Africa and presents the CDM’s struggle to take off across the continent. It provides an explanation of the current status of PoAs in Africa and the opportunities that this mechanism brings; highlighting a few examples brought by pioneering initiatives, and discussing their benefits and challenges. The chapter closes by introducing the opportunities arising through NAMAs, and the possibility of framing PoAs within them.

• Download:
  The Handbook for Programmes of Activities in Africa