16 October 2015: The UNFCCC Secretariat has released an updated compilation of information on mitigation benefits of actions, initiatives and options to enhance mitigation ambition, focusing on the promotion of renewable energy supply and acceleration of energy efficiency in urban areas.
The release consists of a technical paper and two addenda. The technical paper (FCCC/TP/2015/4) contains updated information provided at technical expert meetings and other meetings on workstream 2 (pre-2020 ambition) of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP) held in 2015, submissions from parties and observer organizations, and relevant literature. The document contains sections on: main findings; accelerating renewable energy supply; accelerating energy efficiency in urban environments; enhancing mitigation through multilateral cooperation and the engagement of non-state actors; mobilization and provision of means of implementation (MOI); and possible next steps to accelerate implementation in the pre-2020 period through advancing the technical examination process.
The main findings include: continued scaling up and replication of successful and innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency policies is fundamental to achieving the 2°C target; a combination of scaled-up renewable energy and energy efficiency measures could lead to a major shift in emission pathways by 2030; progress in renewable energy and energy efficiency-related action by national and sub-national governments has reduced costs and expanded deployment options; the 2030 sustainable development agenda highlights important co-benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency policies; and barriers still exist with regard to investment, fossil fuel subsidies and insufficient technical and human capacity.
The two addenda contain technical summaries on the promotion of renewable energy supply (FCCC/TP/2015/4/Add.1) and the acceleration of energy efficiency in urban environments (FCCC/TP/2015/4/Add.2), including with regard to drivers for accelerated implementation and key policies, practices and technologies. [Publication: Updated Compilation of Information on Mitigation Benefits of Actions, Initiatives and Options to Enhance Mitigation Ambition] [Addendum 1: Renewable Energy Supply] [Addendum 2: Energy Efficiency in Urban Environments]