30 November 2015: Introducing the ninth edition of the ‘Climate Action Publication,’ UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Achim Steiner indicates that it shows how various elements can fit together to deliver lasting, meaningful change through the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the “Paris climate deal.” Steiner’s foreword to the publication notes that the integration of environmental sustainability, social equity and economic progress in the 2030 Agenda “is galvanizing momentum for a strong, universal climate agreement.” The publication was produced for the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the UNFCCC.

In his foreword, Steiner also underscores that making the transition to “economic and climate compatibility” requires proactive collaboration from governments and the private sector, and is about “spending wisely,” not just “spending more.” In this regard, he reports that carbon emissions and energy consumption of the building sector could increase by 70% and 50% respectively by 2050 and investments needed to transform the building sector to address these challenges could cost US$330 billion per year. He says tools already exist to make this happen such as the Green Climate Fund, the UNEP Finance Initiative and the UNEP Inquiry.

The publication outlines efforts that are underway to address climate change impacts and factors of success. It includes sections on the future of clean energy, mitigation and adaptation, finance and the green economy, and smart and livable cities. It also contains an article from Pierre Henri Guignard, COP 21 General Secretary, on COP 21 and beyond, and a description of the 21 climate leaders nominated by Climate Action as the most influential climate leaders over the last decade.

The publication features the participation of governments including Denmark, France, Germany and Norway, and of organizations such as the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Investment Bank. In addition, it presents contributions from private sector companies including the BMW Group, Avery Dennison, Carbon Trade Exchange, Climate Resources Exchange, Cogar International Energy and Cool Effect.

The Climate Action publication was launched during COP 13, which that took place in December 2007 in Bali, Indonesia. It provides a platform where markets and industries can showcase their sustainable solutions and innovations to senior decision makers. Regular sections of the publication include the growth of public-private partnerships, green solutions across water, energy, information and communications technology (ICT), transport and the green building sectors, and an analysis of environmental policy, finance and governance. [UNEP Executive Director Foreword] [Publication: Climate Action Publication 2015-2016] [Climate Action Programme Website] [IISD RS Coverage of UNFCCC COP 21]