16 October 2017: With fewer than three weeks to go before the opening of the UN Climate Change Conference taking place in Bonn, Germany from 6-17 November 2017, the UNFCCC Secretariat and constituted bodies have intensified preparations. Seeking to contribute to implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) has published a paper outlining lessons that could be learned from other regimes with regard to implementing Paris Agreement provisions on building capacity for climate change.

The UNFCCC Secretariat has issued a summary document laying out information on the activities of the Technology Executive Committee (TEC) and the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) relevant to the elaboration of the technology framework established under the Paris Agreement (FCCC/SBSTA/2017/INF.5). The paper outlines past and ongoing activities of the TEC and the CTCN, taking into account the key themes of the technology framework and their relation to the technology cycle. It also covers potential additional activities that the TEC and CTCN could undertake to support implementation of the Paris Agreement. [Information on the Activities of the TEC and the CTCN relevant to the Elaboration of the Technology Framework]

The TEC brief highlights the power of technological innovation to accelerate and scale up national climate action through implementation of NDCs, NAPs and mid-century strategies.

The TEC has published a policy brief titled, ‘Technological Innovation for the Paris Agreement: Implementing nationally determined contributions, national adaptation plans and mid-century strategies.’ The brief outlines the key elements of successful technological innovation and highlights the power of technological innovation to accelerate and scale up national climate action through implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), national adaptation plans (NAPs) and mid-century strategies. [Technological Innovation for the Paris Agreement: Implementing NDCs, NAPs and Mid-century Strategies]

The CTCN has published an update on its technical assistance on hydrodynamic modelling for flood reduction and climate-resilient infrastructure development pathways in Jakarta, Indonesia. This technical assistance contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 (climate action) and 14 (life below water). [CTCN Update] [Hydrodynamic Modelling for Flood Reduction and Climate-resilient Infrastructure Development Pathways in Jakarta] [Active Technical Assistance Webpage]

The TEC is the policy arm of the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism. Its implementation arm, the CTCN, is hosted by UN Environment (UNEP) and the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

SEI has published an AdaptationWatch brief titled, ‘Capacity Building for Climate Change: Lessons from Other Regimes,’ calling for “successful” implementation of capacity building provisions contained in the Paris Agreement. AdaptationWatch researchers identify five types of regimes that have addressed capacity building and could provide valuable lessons: development, trade and regional economic integration, environment and natural resources protection, international human rights, and security, cooperation and humanitarian affairs. The 2017 AdaptationWatch Report addressing this in detail is expected to be launched at the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 23) to the UNFCCC. [Capacity Building for Climate Change: Lessons from Other Regimes] [WeADAPT Press Release]

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The SDG Knowledge Hub publishes regular capacity building and technology updates that can be found under the tag Climate Change Capacity Building and Technology Update.