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Engineering a Transformational Shift to Low-Carbon Economies
in the Developing World: The Role of the Global Environment Facility
Organizers:
The H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment
The Global Environment Facility (GEF)
The Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) of the GEF
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Reception to follow
Where: AAAS Auditorium
1200 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC
Speakers:
- Pavan Sukhdev - Yale University (visiting fellow), Former Head of UNEP's Green Economy Initiative and author of Corporation 2020
- Dr. Joseph Alcamo - UNEP Chief Scientist, Chair - Scientific Steering Committee for the UNEP Emissions Gap Report, 2012
- Dr. Ralph Sims - Professor School of Engineering and Advanced Technology at Massey University, IPCC Member and STAP Panel Member on climate change mitigation
- Dr. Rosina Bierbaum - Professor Natural Resources and Environmental Policy (former Dean) at University of Michigan, Member of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), Member of the Federal Advisory Committee of the U.S. National Climate Assessment
The planet is warming at an alarming rate. The year 2011 marked the highest recorded concentrations of CO2 (390.9 ppm) in the atmosphere, or 140% above pre-industrial levels. Global emissions of greenhouse gases in 2010 reached about 50 GtCO2eq - a figure 14% higher than the median level of emissions (44 Gt) we could afford in 2020 to keep global temperatures from rising above 2°C. For many small islands and coastal states even this level of warming will likely be devastating over the coming years – and for many ecosystems 2°C will cause significant stress. Scientists estimate that the planet has already warmed by about 0.8°C since the 1850s and new model estimates project temperature rises of about 3 to 4°C by the middle of the 21st century should the current levels of emissions continue. However, the 2012 Emissions Gap Report by UNEP, released before the climate talks in Doha in November 2012, argues that while the gap between existing mitigation commitments and the possibility of keeping global temperatures below 2°C widens with every passing year, "… it is still technically possible to close this gap through concerted and rapid action." Broad-based structural adjustments in high income countries and reducing emissions from lower income countries will play a major role in bridging this gap.
For more than 20 years, the GEF has played a major role in assisting developing countries and countries with economies in transition in transforming their markets towards a low-carbon future. As the financial mechanism of the UNFCCC, the GEF has financed over 600 projects worth approximately 30 billion USD in 156 countries around the world. Its role as an innovative and catalytic mechanism on climate action remains as relevant today as ever. However, new global climate and political realities dictate that new implementation approaches are required for both climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.
To assist the Global Environment Facility in assessing this changing context, the GEF Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel commissioned the Report Climate Change: A Scientific Assessment for the GEF, which analyzes the most up-to-date scientific and policy-relevant information addressing the question: As a key partnership institution, what role should the GEF play in assisting developing countries and countries with economies in transition in making a transformational shift towards the de-carbonization of their energy supply and economic systems?
The event will be opened by Dr. Naoko Ishii, CEO Global Environment Facility and Conn Nugent, President of the Heinz Center. Dr. Thomas E. Lovejoy, Chair of the STAP Biodiversity Chair – Heinz Center, will moderate the panel discussion and take questions from the audience. A reception will follow.
As a special feature and in partnership with the UNEP Regional Office for North America, we will be premiering a two-minute video on the topic of Climate Change and Oceans! The video is part of a new series called "Two Minutes on Oceans with Jim Toomey". It uses animated illustrations and light humor to educate a general audience on the topic of climate change and its impact on oceans. The series is produced by UNEP in partnership with Jim Toomey of Sherman's Lagoon—the nationally syndicated cartoon. To view the video visit: (www.rona.unep.org/toomey)
The event is by invitation only. Please RVSP, no later than Friday, 15 March 2013, to:
- Ms. Robin Burgess, Programme Assistant, Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) Secretariat
900 17th Street, NW, Suite 506, Washington DC 20006 USA
Tel: 202-974-1311 - Fax: 202-223-2004
Email: robin.burgess@unep.org