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KEY PUBLICATIONS AND ONLINE
RESOURCES
CLIMATE AND ATMOSPHERE
This page was updated
on: 01/12/10
CASE STUDY
OF THE MULTILATERAL FUND FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL
(The World Bank, 2004)
This study analyses the efficacy of the Multilateral Fund for the
Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, a mechanism designed to assist
developing countries in their progress towards phasing out
ozone-depleting substances. It describes the genesis and organization of
the Multilateral Fund, and concludes that the Fund has targeted
cost-effective interventions and has "established a new approach toward
solving global environmental problems." The
report.
VOLUNTARY APPROACHES IN CLIMATE POLICY
(Edward Elgar Publishing, 2004) Edited
by Andrea Baranzini and Philippe Thalmann, this book illustrates how
corporate voluntarism can be harnessed to mitigate climatic impacts of
business, and assesses the economics of such approaches at the company
level and in the context of climate policies. The book also explores the
efficiency and effectiveness of voluntary approaches, how they compare
and combine with other instruments, how they impact competition and why
they get adopted.
UNEXAMINED RISK: HOW
MUTUAL FUNDS VOTE ON GLOBAL WARMING SHAREHOLDER RESOLUTIONS
(CERES, December 2004) This
report from Douglas G. Cogan of the Investor Responsibility Research
Center considers the use of shareholder resolutions to bring about more
corporate disclosure on the financial impacts of global warming.
Commissioned by CERES, a coalition
of investment funds, environmental organizations, and public interest
groups, the report finds that "a mere two percent of the assets of the
largest 100 mutual funds in America voted in 2004 to support shareholder
resolutions calling for more corporate disclosure" on global warming.
The report suggested that a vast majority of investment companies
resisted or failed to act on shareholder proposals on this issue.
However, it noted that pension funds and other investors are supporting
shareholder resolutions in growing numbers, reaching a record high of 37
percent at some recent annual general meetings. CERES has recently
claimed that mutual funds are "a critical missing link in the push for
better corporate disclosure about climate risk." The
report.
IGES PUBLISHES THE "HOTTEST JOURNAL
ON THE KYOTO PROTOCOL"
IGES - Institute for Global
Environmental Strategies - is pleased to announce its new publication, a
special-featured issue of IRES on the Kyoto Protocol – its development,
implications and the future. After seven years of negotiations, the
Kyoto Protocol will finally come into effect in February 2005 with
Russia's ratification. This IRES issue is a new and interesting journal
on Kyoto issues, containing the latest analyses and future forecasts by
experts from all over the world. Leading thinkers in the climate policy
arena, such as Michael Grubb, Visiting Professor at Imperial College,
and Michael Zammit Cutajar, Former UNFCCC Executive Secretary, give
their views and assessments on the Kyoto Protocol, and its future
implications, in this issue. Country views from many experts, including
the US, the UK, Germany, Russia, China, India, Australia, and Japan, are
also provided. Their perspectives vary widely, such as on the value and
effects of the Kyoto Protocol, its barriers, its status in the context
of domestic policies, and the possibilities of the post-Kyoto regime.
IRES (International Review for Environmental Strategies) is a biannual
academic journal published by IGES, focusing on environmental policies.
Click here for
abstracts of each article.
COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS:
LINKING ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE, SUSTAINABLE LAND USE, BIODIVERSITY
CONSERVATION AND WATER MANAGEMENT
(BothENDS 2004) Prepared by Ana Rojas,
this report looks into the synergies between environmental policies and
the development of comprehensive environmental projects. The report
seeks to understand how climate change, sustainable land use,
biodiversity conservation, and water management considerations can be
linked to local actors' activities in order to help local communities
develop comprehensive environmental projects. Special focus is given to
the issue of climate change adaptation. The
report.
WORLD DISASTERS REPORT 2004
(IFRC, 2004) The World Disaster
Report, which was launched in mid-November 2004 by the International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the UN
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs,
focuses on community resilience to disasters. The report considers how
international aid organizations can help strengthen local resilience to
crises ranging from "slow-onset" problems such as drought or HIV/AIDS to
sudden "one-off disasters" like earthquakes. It argues
that a more
development-focused approach is needed that places communities at the
heart of defining their needs and identifying appropriate solutions. The
report also deals with such specific issues as the impact of heat waves
on the developed world, capacity building in rural India, disaster
resilience in the Philippines, and key risks in urban slums.
More information.
TOOLKIT
"INTEGRATION OF BIODIVERSITY CONCERNS INTO
CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION ACTIVITIES"
(UBA,
2004) Published by the German Federal Environmental Agency (UBA), this
toolkit seeks to provide practical guidance on designing climate change
mitigation activities in a way that will benefit biodiversity and
contribute to the 2010 biodiversity target. It also aims to enhance
synergies between climate change mitigation and biodiversity
conservation policies.
The first part of the toolkit
provides an overview of potential climate change mitigation activities,
particularly in the land use, land use change and forestry sector. The
second part introduces selected instruments that could be applied for
the integration of biodiversity aspects into climate change mitigation
activities. The third part seeks to supports the design of activities
that are beneficial for biodiversity and contribute to the global 2010
biodiversity target, and is based on decision-sheets for project types
that are eligible according to the flexible mechanisms of the Kyoto
Protocol.
The
toolkit.
ENERGY SERVICES FOR THE URBAN POOR IN
AFRICA: ISSUES AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS
(AFREPREN, 2004) Edited by
Bereket Kebede and Eng. Ikhupuleng Dube, this publication presents a
compilation of country studies carried out on energy services for the
urban poor in eastern and southern Africa. The book considers two major
issues in Africa – poverty alleviation and growing urbanization –
against an energy background, and seeks to contribute to the current
energy policy debate in Africa.
More
information.
RENEWABLES AND ENERGY FOR RURAL
DEVELOPMENT IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
(AFREPREN, June 2004) Edited
by M. Mapako and A. Mbewe, this publication provides a compilation of
country studies carried out by AFREPREN researchers in the Renewables
and Energy for Rural Development Theme Group of 1999-2004.
More
information.
THE COST OF SECTORAL
DIFFERENTIATION: THE CASE OF THE EU EMISSIONS TRADING SCHEME
(CICERO, 2004) This new
working paper from Steffen Kallbekken examines the likely economic
impacts of the new EU emissions trading scheme, noting that the EU
scheme and Kyoto Protocol are likely to impose different commitments on
various sectors of the economy as a result of political considerations
and other factors. Kallbekken finds that sectoral differentiation will
at least triple the cost of implementing climate policy, with only
"limited benefits" even for those sectors that are granted concessions.
The report appears to provide further ammunition for those arguing in
favor of a comprehensive trading scheme that does not differentiate
between sectors. The paper.
IN PURSUIT OF
THE FUTURE – 25 YEARS OF IEA RESEARCH TOWARDS THE REALIZATION OF
HYDROGEN ENERGY SYSTEMS
(IEA, 2004) The International Energy
Agency has produced a publication on the work of its Hydrogen
Implementing Agreement, which has collaborated on international research
and development activities since 1977. Reviewing advances in the area,
it notes progress in hydrogen's growing potential as a source of energy,
and considers how hydrogen-related technology may develop in the future.
The
publication. The IEA is also planning a
new
publication reviewing national research and development programmes
on hydrogen and fuel cells.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
CONSUMPTION IN AFRICA
(UNDESA, May 2004)
Stephen Karekezi, Jennifer
Wangeci and Ezekiel Manyara of African Energy Policy Research Network
authored this paper, which addresses energy consumption at the household
level and in the agriculture and transport sectors in Africa. It also
examines energy consumption at the subregional levels of North Africa
and Sub-Saharan Africa, and in South Africa, highlighting differences in
consumption patterns and presenting the case for a differentiated
approach to sustainable energy consumption options. The paper concludes
with a range of policy options that could assist in the promotion of
sustainable energy consumption in Africa and offers a chart that
organizes the options according to subregional priorities. Actions that
are priorities in all subregions include: efficient energy use at the
household level; improved data collection on energy use in the
agriculture sector; greater use of other renewable energy resources and
technologies (excluding biomass) in the agriculture sector; regulatory
measures in the transport sector; and energy efficiency in the transport
sector. This paper served as a background paper for the Regional
Conference on Sustainable Consumption in Africa held in Morocco in May
2004, co-organized by DESA, UNEP and the Government of Morocco. The
paper.
TYNDALL CENTRE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
RESEARCH WORKING PAPERS
Working Papers from the Tyndall Centre
are now available online. The documents address a range of topics,
including: Modeling innovation and threshold
effects in climate change mitigation; Social simulation of the public
perceptions of weather events and their effect upon the development of
belief in anthropogenic climate change;
Creating an index of social vulnerability to climate change for Africa;
Developing regional and local scenarios for climate change mitigation
and adaptation; the Announcement Effect and environmental taxation; Fuel
Cells for a Sustainable Future?; and Restructuring our electricity
networks to promote decarbonisation. The Tyndall Centre brings
together scientists, economists, engineers and social scientists, who
together develop sustainable responses to climate change through
trans-disciplinary research and dialogue on both a national and
international level. The
documents.
DOES THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION'S CLIMATE
POLICY MEAN CLIMATE PROTECTION?
(EPE, 2004) This article provides a
perspective on US climate policy from two experts –
Odile
Blanchard of the French Department
of Energy and Environmental Policy,
and Chicago-based consultant James F. Perkaus.
The paper considers two key parts of the Bush administration's climate
policy, namely its emission intensity target and its technology focus.
The authors conclude that these policies do not guarantee emissions
reductions that are likely to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions at a
level that is considered safe in the long term. They suggest that the
administration's approach gambles too heavily on securing a major
technological breakthrough in the coming years. However, the authors
also speculate that US policy on climate protection could well
strengthen due to growing concern in Congress and at the state,
corporate and civil society levels. A draft copy of the article can be
accessed from the LEPII-EPE's website at:
http://www.upmf-grenoble.fr/iepe/Equipe/blanchard/blanchardPubliGB.htm
GLOBAL WARMING AND YOUR
MUTUAL FUND
A new website has been launched to allow
mutual funds investors to assess whether their investments are
endangered by the financial risks posed by global warming. This free
service is provided by Results for America, a non-profit group that
monitors companies' performance on climate change. The site, which
covers the top 24 mutual funds in the US, allows investors to check if a
specific company or mutual fund has a poor record in responding to
climate change. This includes monitoring how individual companies
compare with their rivals in taking climate change into account in their
long-term strategies. For more information, visit:
http://www.CookingYourNestEgg.org
THREE PUBLICATIONS ON HARVESTED WOOD
PRODUCTS
(July/August 2004) Three reports have
recently been published on the complex issue of harvested wood products
under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto
Protocol. The first, Harvested Wood Products – A Beginning Guide to
Key Issues, was prepared by New Zealand climate change expert Murray
Ward. The report is intended as a primer for those following the climate
change negotiations who are not necessarily experts on carbon sinks and
land use, land-use change and forestry issues. Ward seeks to put the
issue in the broader policy context, and considers some possible
approaches for accounting for harvested wood products beyond the Kyoto
Protocol's first commitment period. A second recent paper on the same
subject has also been prepared in recent weeks. Approaches for
inclusion of harvested wood products in future greenhouse gas
inventories under the UNFCCC, and their consistency with the overall
UNFCCC inventory reporting framework, was prepared by K. Pingoud, B.
Schlamadinger and several other experts from various institutions in
Europe, North America, and Australia. A third paper, by Daniel L.
Martino of Uruguayan environmental services company Carbosur, is
entitled A Negative View of Dakar Approaches for Reporting and
Accounting Carbon in Harvested Wood Products. All three reports were
released ahead of a planned UNFCCC workshop on the subject taking place
in Lillehammer, Norway from 30 August to 1 September.
Links to
further information
Ward's paper can be
accessed via e-mail
Martino's paper can be requested by e-mail
The report by
Pingoud et al
UNFCCC Secretariat's
harvested wood products website
THE INVESTOR GUIDE TO CLIMATE RISK
(CERES, July 2004) A new guide for investors
outlining strategies to address the financial risks and investment
opportunities posed by climate change has been published. Commissioned
by the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (CERES), a
coalition of investment funds and environmental organizations, the guide
focuses on actions that pension plans, fund managers and companies can
take to address climate risk. The report aims to assist investors in
implementing the recommendations of the Investor Call for Action on
Climate Risk – an agreement signed by a number of leading public and
labor pension funds and other groups owning more than US$800 billion in
assets. The guide focuses on assessing and disclosing risk, as well as
in investing in solutions. The report is available online at:
http://www.incr.com/investor_guide/
SOUTH-NORTH DIALOGUE ON EQUITY IN THE
GREENHOUSE – A PROPOSAL FOR AN ADEQUATE AND EQUITABLE GLOBAL CLIMATE
AGREEMENT
(Wuppertal Institute and the
Energy Research Centre at Cape Town University) This publication,
produced by 14 climate researchers from both developed and developing
countries, outlines proposals for the content of a future climate
agreement building on existing international treaties. The report
outlines suggestions for how to approach the issue of climate
mitigation, recommending "deep cuts" in emissions from industrialized
countries, and "differentiated mitigation commitments" for four groups
of developing countries. It also contains recommendations for adaptation
policies designed to address the needs of the most vulnerable countries.
The text concludes with recommendations on the future of the political
process needed to secure such an agreement. The report can be downloaded
online at:
http://www.wupperinst.org/Sites/Projects/rg2/1085.html
ARCTIC MISSION - THE CYBERDOCUMENTARY
This cyber-documentary brings
viewers on board the Sedna IV, a trawling turn research vessel, for a
scientific adventure through the Arctic region in search of signs of
climate change. Arctic Mission is an interactive, educational and
entertaining resource that allows viewers to learn more about
climatology and the impacts of global warming though different online
activities. The resource, available in both English and French, is
located at:
http://www.onf.ca/missionarctique/landing_en.php
CAN GEOLOGICAL CARBON STORAGE BE
COMPETITIVE?
(CICERO, 2004) This new
working paper from Norwegian think-tank CICERO considers the costs and
benefits of geological carbon storage. Authors Steffen Kallbekken and
Asbjørn Torvanger argue that, in the short-term, carbon capture and
storage is unlikely to be an economically-viable option, except under
very specific circumstances (such as enhanced oil recovery). However, in
the longer term, the paper suggests that technological improvements
could see costs drop, and the financial feasibility of carbon storage
improve. The working paper can be read online at:
http://www.cicero.uio.no/publications/detail.asp?publication_id=2735&lang=en
PER CAPITA GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
FOR ANNEX I COUNTRIES
(Australia Institute/IIASA,
2004) Hal Turton of the International Institute for Applied Systems
Analysis in Austria has written a report looking at per capita emissions
from the world's industrialized countries and states belonging to the
former Soviet Bloc (known collectively as "Annex I" countries under the
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change). Published by the Australia
Institute, the report finds that Australia has the highest emissions per
person at 27.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. This is 27% higher
than those in the United States, and twice the average for Annex I
Parties overall. A summary of the report is available online at:
http://www.tai.org.au/Publications_Files/DP_Files/Dp66sum.pdf
THE PRICE OF POWER: POVERTY, CLIMATE
CHANGE, THE COMING ENERGY CRISIS AND THE RENEWABLE REVOLUTION
(New Economics Foundation,
2004) This new report by Andrew Simms, Julian Oram and Petra Kjell
argues that a continuing reliance on fossil fuels will perpetuate
poverty and could drive a huge "reversal of human progress." It shows
that increased investment in renewable energy could save millions of
lives and avert an impending crisis over global energy supplies. Even a
relatively small shift in investment in the energy sector in percentage
terms could have hugely beneficial consequences for people's health and
economic wellbeing. The report also argues against the current subsidies
for coal, oil and gas, which it estimates amount to at least US$235
billion each year. The report is available online at:
http://www.neweconomics.org/gen/z_sys_publicationdetail.aspx?pid=182
AFRICAN ECONOMIC OUTLOOK 2003/2004
(AfDB/OECD, May 2004) The AEO
is an annual assessment of economic and social developments in African
countries. The report shows that despite progress on several fronts and
general economic growth in several countries, many will still not be
able to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This third
edition report's special focus on energy considers whether improvements
in energy supply can help alleviate poverty, and concludes that Africa's
huge energy potential remains "vastly under exploited." Based on data
from the 22 most significant African economies, this publication serves
as a reference for policy makers, donors and the private sector. The AEO
is prepared by the OECD Development Centre and the African Development
Bank. More information is available at:
http://www.oecd.org/document/47/0,2340,en_2649_201185_32282223_1_1_1_1,00.html
CLIMATE CHANGE AND HUMAN HEALTH: RISKS
AND RESPONSES
(World Health Organization,
2004) Edited by A.J. McMichael et al, this book considers the
risks to human health posed by climate change. The book looks both at
current and future adverse impacts on human health, and how societies
can lessen these impacts through adaptation strategies and by reducing
greenhouse gas emissions. Each chapter tackles a different aspect of the
problem. More information on the book is available online at:
http://www.who.int/globalchange/publications/cchhsummary/en/
NEW ACADEMY REVIEW JOURNAL – FOCUS ON
CLIMATE CHANGE
(New Academy Review, May 2004)
The New Academy Review, a journal focusing on key issues relating
to responsible and successful enterprise in the 21st Century, is
publishing an issue devoted to climate change. The issue will include
articles covering a range of theoretical and methodological issues,
empirical studies, and literature reviews. It was launched by the EC's
Commissioner for the Environment, Margot Wallström, at an event held in
London on 11 May. For more information, visit:
http://www.respecteurope.com/rt2/downloads/NAR%20Launch%20Invitation%20London.pdf
ECONOMICS OF SEQUESTERING CARBON IN
THE U.S. AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
(US Department of
Agriculture, March 2004) This technical bulletin by the Economic
Research Service of the US Department of Agriculture presents the
results of an analysis of the performance of alternative incentive
designs and payment levels if US farmers were paid to adopt land uses
and management practices that raise soil carbon levels. The report finds
that: agriculture can provide low-cost opportunities to sequester
additional carbon in soils and biomass; different sequestration
activities studied become economically feasible at different carbon
prices; and the estimated economic potential to sequester carbon is
lower than previously estimated technical potential. The report also
finds that an incentive system with both payments for carbon
sequestration and charges for carbon emissions may be more cost
effective than a system with payments only. The report can be downloaded
at:
http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/tb1909/
THE EU EMISSIONS
TRADING DIRECTIVE: OPPORTUNITIES AND POTENTIAL PITFALLS
(Resources for the Future, April 2004) This report by Joseph Kruger and
William A. Pizer was published by Resources for the Future, a US-based
institute focused on researching and analyzing
environmental, energy, and natural resource issues. The report
looks at the European Union's new emissions trading programme. Noting
that the programme is ten times the size of the Acid Rain programme in
the US, the authors consider the design of the new EU initiative. While
concluding that the programme is an "impressive development," the
authors raise concerns about issues of equity, enforcement, and
efficiency. In particular, they point to a lack of data and weaker
institutions in some EU Member States, which could cause problems in
terms of allowance allocations and compliance and enforcement. The
authors also warn that uncertainty about several key elements of the
scheme, including external events, could create volatility in the
markets, which could result in high compliance costs in the programme's
second phase. The report is available online at:
http://www.rff.org/rff/Documents/RFF-DP-04-24.pdf
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
KYOTO PROTOCOL WITHOUT RUSSIAN PARTICIPATION
(Statistics Norway and CICERO, 2004) This discussion paper by Bjart
Holtsmark and Knut Alfsen considers the possible consequences if Russia
decides to reject the Kyoto Protocol. Without Russian ratification,
Kyoto will not enter into force as a legally-binding treaty. Given the
widespread support for Kyoto among most industrialized nations and
former eastern Bloc states, the authors speculate on how these pro-Kyoto
countries might respond if the Protocol does not secure Russian support.
It considers a scenario where a limited number of countries establish a
new "mini-Kyoto" agreement setting out emissions targets, rules for
emissions trading, and other elements along the lines of those contained
in the Kyoto deal. The paper estimates the permit price and
environmental benefits that are possible if a "mini-Kyoto" is
implemented. The paper is available online at:
http://www.ssb.no/publikasjoner/DP/pdf/dp376.pdf
THE KYOTO PROTOCOL: RUSSIAN
OPPORTUNITIES
(RIIA/OIES, March 2004). This
paper by Benito Müller investigates the opportunities provided by the
Kyoto Protocol to the Russian economy. Müller estimates the value of
Russian greenhouse gas mitigation under the Kyoto mechanisms based on
different carbon prices, and considers how the mechanisms could best
work for Russia's economy. He concludes that the "Joint Implementation"
mechanism provides the best platform for Russia, because of the way it
leverages foreign direct investment. However, Müller urges that Russia
should begin to engage in Joint Implementation projects as soon as
possible if it is to extract the greatest possible benefit. The paper
suggests that linkages with the European Union's new Emissions Trading
Scheme could be developed, which would benefit Russia once it ratifies
the Kyoto treaty. The paper was published jointly by the Royal Institute
of International Affairs and the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. It
is available online at:
http://www.wolfson.ox.ac.uk/~mueller/
THE HYPE ABOUT
HYDROGEN: FACT AND FICTION IN THE RACE TO SAVE THE CLIMATE
(Island Press, 2004) This book by Joseph Romm investigates the recent
hype around the prospects for using hydrogen fuels cells to solve the
world's environmental and energy dilemma. Romm, who was previously a US
Energy Department official under the Clinton administration, argues that
achieving a "hydrogen economy" is unlikely to
be possible for several decades. He alerts readers to the dangers of
over-estimating the short- to medium-term impact of hydrogen fuel cells,
warning that "putting all our eggs in the hydrogen basket could allow
climate problems to become irreversible." For more information, visit:
http://www.islandpress.org/books/detail.html?SKU=1-55963-703-x
CRITICAL USE NOMINATIONS – 2004
SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
(UNEP Technology and Economic
Assessment Panel, February 2004) UNEP's Technology and Economic
Assessment Panel has produced an additional report on the issue of
methyl bromide in request to a response late last year from Parties to
the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The
request was made over disagreements on the issue of exemptions to allow
the use of methyl bromide – an ozone depleting substance – for "critical
uses."
In its supplementary report, the Panel
makes a variety of recommendations, including that Parties to the
Montreal Protocol should consider allowing methyl bromide for uses
nominated for 2005 and 2006 "critical use exemptions" that have not been
approved by Parties to date. However, it adds that this should only be
permitted as long as the resulting emissions are offset through the
collection and destruction of one kilogram of halon 1211 (another
ozone-depleting substance) for every five kilograms of methyl bromide.
The Panel also recommended that Parties be allowed to use methyl bromide
for "critical use nominations" approved by Parties for 2007 and beyond,
but again only if this is balanced by the destruction of a sufficient
quantity of halons or chlorofluorocarbons to offset the ozone-depleting
potential of the methyl bromide. The Panel notes that Parties'
nominations have been treated "liberally," but warns that future
evaluations will require Parties to demonstrate clearly that their
nomination meets all the relevant criteria.
The methyl bromide issue has proved
controversial, with further negotiations taking place throughout March
to resolve the issue, culminating in an extraordinary Meeting of the
Parties to the Montreal Protocol scheduled for 24-26 March in Montreal,
Canada. This supplementary report proved to be no exception, with one
Panel member, Gary Taylor, disagreeing with the procedures and content
of the destruction credits section. The report notes Taylor's view that
the report is "seriously flawed" and that the Panel has exceeded its
mandate. Taylor, who chairs the Halons Technical Options Committee, is
resigning from his position effective 30 June 2004. The report is
available online at:
http://www.unep.org/ozone/pdfs/mbtoc-cun-report0204.doc
EMISSIONS TRADING IN INTERNATIONAL
CIVIL AVIATION
(Öko-Institut, 2004) This
report by Martin Cames and Odette Deuber of Germany's Institute for
Applied Ecology (Öko-Institut) considers emissions trading in aviation,
looking at possible design options for a trading system, as well as
their likely impacts. The authors argue that an emissions trading system
for aviation is "both possible and sensible," while cautioning
that the "total climatic impact of aviation [must] be covered" by such
as system if it is to have the desired effect. The report was
commissioned by the German Federal Environment Agency in response to the
growing focus on economic instruments in limiting the impact of
greenhouse gases from the aviation sector (the European Union is
reported to be considering emissions levies, while the International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is looking at setting up an emissions
trading system). The report is available online at:
http://www.umweltdaten.de/verkehr/emissionshandel-en.pdf
HIGH TIDE: NEWS FROM A WARMING WORLD
(Flamingo Press, March 2004)
This new book by Mark Lynas explores the effects of climate change, both
now and in the future. Aimed at a mainstream audience, the book is
designed to raise awareness of the significant threat posed by climate
change. Lynas considers the global impact of this phenomenon, from
islands threatened by sea level rise to huge changes taking place in the
world's polar regions. Articles by Mark Lynas and information on how to
purchase the book are available online at:
http://www.marklynas.org/books/
ENERGY
SUBSIDIES: LESSONS LEARNED IN ASSESSING THEIR IMPACT AND DESIGNING
POLICY REFORMS
(Greenleaf
Publishing, 2004) Edited by Anja von Moltke, Colin McKee and Trevor
Morgan, this book seeks to raise awareness of the impacts of energy
subsidies and provide guidance to policy makers on how to develop and
implement energy subsidy reforms. It provides methodologies for
analyzing subsidies and presents a number of case studies from various
countries and regions. It also provides advice on how to overcome
resistance to reform. The book draws on a range of sources, particularly
the UN Environment Programme and the International Energy Agency. To
purchase the book or view the Executive Summary, visit:
http://www.greenleaf-publishing.com/catalogue/enersubs.htm
LINKING CDM AND JI WITH EU EMISSION
ALLOWANCE TRADING
(Wuppertal Institute, 2004) A new policy
briefing on links between the EU's Emission Trading System and the Kyoto
Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism and joint implementation
initiative has been prepared by the Wuppertal Institute. The briefing
considers the compatibility of the EU system with the provisions of the
Kyoto Protocol. The authors argue that a "significant compliance gap"
exists, and recommends that a link between the EU trading scheme and the
Kyoto mechanisms should be established. They also analyze the directive
that has been prepared by the European Parliament's Environment
Committee to address this issue. The
briefing.
THE EASTERN PROMISE: PROGRESS REPORT
ON THE EU RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY DIRECTIVE IN ACCESSION COUNTRIES
(WWF, 2004) Conservation organization WWF
has produced a report surveying the progress made by countries in
eastern and central Europe in implementing the European Union's
renewable energy directive. These countries will shortly be joining the
EU, and will be bound by its rules and procedures. The report surveys
progress on a country-by-country basis, using various criteria to rank
each nation on its level of success to date. The report also contains
various recommendations to increase the use of renewables in these
countries. The report is available online at:
http://www.panda.org/downloads/europe/easternpromise.pdf
THE IMPACT OF THE EU
EMISSIONS TRADING SYSTEM ON THE PRICE OF ELECTRICITY IN THE NETHERLANDS
(ECN, 2004) The Energy Research Center of
the Netherlands (ECN) has released a new publication on the impact the
EU's emissions trading scheme could have on electricity pricing in the
Netherlands. It shows that the scheme could result in substantially
higher electricity prices in the Netherlands and other EU member states.
However, this will depend on several factors, including the price set
for an emission allowance, and the extent to which emissions trading
costs will be passed on to the final electricity consumer. The report
points out that higher prices could benefit power producers while
harming energy-intensive industries that are unable to pass on the
increased costs. The report suggests several options for mitigating such
effects. The report is available online at:
http://www.ecn.nl/library/reports/2004/rx04015.html
CORAL REEFS AND GLOBAL
CLIMATE CHANGE: POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF CLIMATE CHANGE TO STRESS ON
CORAL REEF ECOSYSTEMS
(Pew Center on Global Climate Change, February 2004) This new report
from Robert Buddemeier, Joan Kleypas and Richard Aronson outlines the
likely impacts of climate change over the next century on coral reef
systems around the world. The report reviews the existing literature on
the subject in an effort to analyze the current state of knowledge on
coral reef communities and the likely impact of climate change. With the
loss of an estimated 25 percent of coral reefs already due to human
activities, the report argues that climate change will only intensify
the "coral reef crisis" that already exists. Coral reefs are the
greatest source of biodiversity of all marine ecosystems, and are
estimated to contribute US$30 billion annually to the global economy.
The report is available online from 13 February at:
http://www.pewclimate.org/coral_reefs.cfm
MARKET POWER WITH
INTERDEPENDENT DEMAND: SALE OF EMISSION PERMITS AND NATURAL GAS FROM THE
FORMER SOVIET UNION
(CICERO, 2004) This working paper
from the Norwegian research organization CICERO considers the role of
the countries of the former Soviet Union in the emissions permit market.
Written by Cathrine Hagem, Steffen Kallbekken, Ottar Mæstad and Hege
Westskog, the report examines the interdependence between the revenues
from exports of permits and fossil fuels. Using a numerical general
equilibrium model, the authors discover that the former Soviet Union
countries' status as large exporters of natural gas would have a
negligible effect on the incentives to exert monopoly power in the
permit market. However, the authors also find significant impacts on
what the optimal level of gas exports might be. The working paper is
available online at:
http://www.cicero.uio.no/publications/detail.asp?2597
CARBON FINANCE
(EBRD, 2004) The
European Bank for Reconstruction
and Development (EBRD) has launched a new
online information service on carbon trading. The information, which is
contained in a new section of EBRD's website, offers details about
carbon financing, including project eligibility criteria and guidance on
how projects can be developed. EBRD recently created one of Europe's
first carbon trading funds in partnership with the Dutch Government. The
information service can be found at:
http://www.ebrd.com/carbonfinance
CLIMATE ANALYSIS INDICATORS TOOL
(WRI, 2004) The World
Resources Institute has recently released the Climate Analysis
Indicators Tool (CAIT), an interactive database that allows users to
view the GHG emissions (all gases and sources) of any country. This
resource compiles the "full basket" of greenhouse gases (including 5
non-CO2 gases) for both developed and developing countries, and can be
used to analyze a range of climate-related data questions and to help
support future policy decisions made under the UNFCCC and in other
relevant fora. CAIT can be found at:
http://cait.wri.org/
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY GUIDELINES FOR
REPORTING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
(IPIECA, January 2004)
Guidelines to assist oil and natural gas companies in estimating and
reporting their greenhouse gas emissions have been posted online by a
group of industry experts. The Guidelines are an attempt to offer a cost
effective, industry-endorsed method for estimating and reporting
emissions. They include advice for companies on corporate management and
reporting of emissions, regulatory compliance, and emissions trading.
The Guidelines were prepared as part of a Joint Industry Task Force
involving the International Petroleum Industry Environmental
Conservation Association (IPIECA), the American Petroleum Institute, and
the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers. The Guidelines
are available online at:
http://www.ipieca.org/reporting/ghg.html
If you
would like to submit details of
recently published documents and online resources,
send a message to
Diego Noguera, IISD
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