http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate en info@e3g.org Copyright 2012 2012-01-30T16:05:20+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/ends-from-the-greenest-government-ever...-to-our-very-own-tea-party/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/ends-from-the-greenest-government-ever...-to-our-very-own-tea-party/#When:15:18:30Z Ian Fleming introduced the world to his arch villain Goldfinger in 1959. Into his mouth he put the now famous aphorism “Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it’s enemy action.” Later, a more vulgar version of the same sentiment became popular in America. It was claimed that if something looked like a duck, walked like a duck and quacked like a duck, it was probably a duck. The moral of this somewhat oblique introduction is that things often really are what they appear to be. If it looks like the coalition government has abandoned its effort to be the greenest government ever, that is because it has. The evidence for this judgment is now so great as to defeat that last vestiges of hope in those of us that wished otherwise. David Cameron used greenery effectively in his successful effort to convince voters that the Tories were no longer the nasty party. It may still be true that he personally remains committed to this cause. But then he may also be personally committed to the cause of preserving the NHS while his government seems intent on its demolition. Liam Fox resigned because he confused his… Climate and Energy Security - News & Comment 2011-10-20T15:18:30+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/climate-change-new-frontiers-in-transparency-and-accountability/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/climate-change-new-frontiers-in-transparency-and-accountability/#When:13:51:10Z The Transparency and Accountability Initiative (T/A Initiative) is a donor collaborative working to expand the impact and scale of transparency and accountability interventions. E3G was commission by the donor collaborative to identify where transparency and accountability could provide transformational outcomes in tackling climate change. There has been much less attention paid to transparency and accountability in the field of climate change than in other areas, such as natural resource governance and donor aid. However, as the pressure to act builds and new financing for tackling and adapting to climate change comes forward, it is increasingly clear that transparency and accountability mechanisms are not only necessary but can also play a crucial role in promoting delivery of an effective response to this global crisis. Gaps and Opportunities Tackling climate change requires both ‘bottom up’ action and ‘top down’ action to help reduce the potential loss of human lives and livelihoods threatened by changes in the global climate. Countries need to demonstrate that it is economically feasible for them to change onto a low carbon, climate-resilient pathway. Government, civil society and the private sector must monitor and report on action that is being… Climate and Energy Security - Thinking 2011-05-24T13:51:10+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/speech-for-the-business-of-sustainability-conference-at-the-minerals-counci/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/speech-for-the-business-of-sustainability-conference-at-the-minerals-counci/#When:15:09:19Z Please see attached document for a copy of Tom Burke’s speech at the Business of Sustainability conference, Minerals Council of Australia 13/10/2010.  The speech explores the interaction between the mining industry and society within a world-wide political context.  Tom Burke demonstrates that the increasing resource scarcity facing our world requires a new alignment in the interaction between businesses, governments and individuals.  Within this space he says, the mining industry must contribute by persuasively articulating the part others must play in making resource scarcity risks manageable.   Climate and Energy Security - News & Comment 2010-11-23T15:09:19+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/what-the-uk-elections-mean-for-climate-security/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/what-the-uk-elections-mean-for-climate-security/#When:17:28:07Z Following the UK elections on May 6th, the right-wing Conservative party, who secured 306 seats in the election (20 short of an outright majority), joined forces with the center-left Liberal Democrats, who secured 57 seats, to form the UK’s first coalition Government since World War II. This briefing note looks at the key elements of the new coalition government’s climate and energy program. It suggests that: The UK’s first coalition Government since World War II is likely to provide continuity in its emphasis on climate security; The Government has outlined a strong focus on delivering low carbon finance through the creation of a green investment bank, energy efficiency and market reform; and will shape innovation and industrial policy to build its competitiveness in low carbon technology; There are potential flash points between the coalition partners on nuclear power and Europe, but the Liberal Democrat influence may lead to a more positive agenda on Europe than had initially been anticipated. A pdf version is available above for download. Climate and Energy Security - News & Comment 2010-05-20T17:28:07+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/technology-action-plans-and-funding-complement-legally-binding-climate-agre/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/technology-action-plans-and-funding-complement-legally-binding-climate-agre/#When:13:00:20Z Comments on Major Economies Forum Announcement by United States, Italy, India and Australia As we approach the endgame of the Copenhagen climate change negotiations, members of the Major Economies Forum, a group of the largest emitting nations, announced a $350m technology transfer program to support developing countries a series of action plans for key climate technologies and a US led clean energy innovation Ministerial discussion. Secretary Chu of the United States Department of Energy, along with representatives from Italy, India and Australia, came together to make the announcements which mark the culmination of the first six months work by the world’s major economies to shape the pathway for future efforts to develop and deploy technologies. These initiatives can help achieve the step-change required within innovation and diffusion to keep the increase in global temperatures well below 2°C if they are accompanied by legally binding treaties that ensure sustainable global emissions reductions,” said Shane Tomlinson, Programme Leader, Systems for Change, E3G. “At the same time, the reports highlight the scale of the technology challenge – underscoring the need for an additional… Climate and Energy Security - News & Comment, Climate and Energy Security - Delivering a Global Deal 2009-12-14T13:00:20+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/guardian-the-real-message-of-the-leaked-danish-text/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/guardian-the-real-message-of-the-leaked-danish-text/#When:16:08:07Z Nick Mabey was asked to give his expert reaction to the leak of Danish text at at the Copenhagen negotiations. His view (copied below) was made as part of wider comment, available at Guardian’s Copenhagen climate conference coverage. Climate policy experts respond to outcry over Danish text Despite anger from developing countries over the leaked document, the negotiations are still on track for success The leaked Danish text provoked only ritualistic reactions from most developing country governments. This is unsurprising. Many of them had already discussed these ideas directly with the Danes. The real message of “leakgate” is hopeful. If these negotiations were really doomed to failure then the leak would have been seized on as an opportunity to stall the talks. This did not happen. In fact the head of the G77 group of developing countries explicitly rejected walking out as a response. This means countries are serious about getting a deal at Copenhagen. They do not intend to be distracted by mischievous interventions and leaks, events which will only proliferate as the negotiations progress. Chinese newspapers correctly focused on the inadequacy of the US emission reductions target,… Climate and Energy Security - News & Comment, Climate and Energy Security - Delivering a Global Deal 2009-12-09T16:08:07+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/feasibility-study-on-eu-china-low-carbon-technology-and-investment-demonstr/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/feasibility-study-on-eu-china-low-carbon-technology-and-investment-demonstr/#When:15:49:34Z E3G’s work on EU-China cooperation continues to grow. Following the successful conceptualisation and demonstration of case studies of Low Carbon Zones, E3G, in cooperation with China International Investment Promotion Agency (CIIPA) conducted a feasibility study on Low Carbon Technology and Investment Demonstration Zones (LCTIDZs). The concept of a Low Carbon Economy has recently gained greater prominence internationally as a result of the impacts of climate change on the environment, economic development and social stability. Therefore, the development of a low carbon economy not only has implications for policy and technology, it can also lead to deeper structural economic and industrial changes and transformation of consumption patterns. EU-China LCTIDZs aim to explore China-specific technology development pathways and strategies to promote low carbon development. It will hopefully provide a good foundation for future policy exchanges and collaborations between the relevant departments in China and the EU, and cooperation between businesses in both regions. The report available to download above, was officially launched at the 13th China International Fair for Investment and Trade held in Xiamen on… Climate and Energy Security - Activities, Europe in the World - EU-China Partnership 2009-09-24T15:49:34+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/living-on-earth-radio-mired-in-the-mud-on-the-road-to-copenhagen/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/living-on-earth-radio-mired-in-the-mud-on-the-road-to-copenhagen/#When:11:06:37Z Following the G8 meeting in L’Aquila, Italy, there has been a lot of coverage on the group’s G8’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 and avoid average global temperatures from rising more than two degrees Celsius. But is it all smoke and mirrors or is there real progress towards a Global Climate Deal at Copenhagen in December 2009? Living on Earth’s Steve Curwood speaks to Jennifer Morgan to get a feel for what this means within international climate negotiations. Mired in the Mud on the Road to Copenhagen G8 leaders failed to persuade developing countries to halve their emissions by 2050. The Obama administration’s debut at the World Economic Summit ends with little progress made toward a global climate change treaty expected by December in Copenhagen. The G8 agreed for the first time that a global temperature increase beyond 2 degrees Celsius would be dangerous, but didn’t set goals that would encourage developing countries, like China and India,… Climate and Energy Security - News & Comment, Climate and Energy Security - Delivering a Global Deal 2009-07-13T11:06:37+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/financing-the-uks-low-carbon-transformation/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/financing-the-uks-low-carbon-transformation/#When:15:06:28Z The financial crisis presents both risks and opportunities to the UK’s low carbon transformation. As public funding will be squeezed, the public will be less willing to see energy prices rise in the short term to pay for low carbon investment. On the other hand, aggressive investment in energy efficiency, renewables and other low carbon infrastructure generates opportunities in the form of immediate well-paid jobs in the UK, lay the foundation for future global industries and help protect the UK from the economic impacts of future oil price shocks. Grasping the economic opportunity of the low carbon transition will require creative ways to mobilise private funds in a risk averse market into public purpose activity. Energy Efficiency, Renewables and Low Carbon Infrastructure E3G and Climate Change Capital produced the three papers above in the run up to the UK Budget examining possible solutions in the areas of efficiency, renewables and infrastructure finance. The UK Government is committed under the EU Renewables Directive to ensure that 15% of the UK’s final energy consumption is renewable by 2020 – a tenfold increase on today’s capacity. “Delivering Centralised Renewables” outlines… Climate and Energy Security - Thinking, Systems for Change - Low Carbon Finance 2009-07-01T15:06:28+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/carbon-capture-and-storage-in-china/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/carbon-capture-and-storage-in-china/#When:14:46:03Z To prevent climate change from breaching dangerous tipping points, global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will need to peak before 2020 and fall rapidly thereafter. Developed countries must take the lead by cutting their own emissions sharply and supporting the efforts of developing countries. China has ambitious targets on energy efficiency and renewable energy but will remain dependent on coal for at least the next few decades. Early development and deployment of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is therefore essential if China is to play a meaningful role in global emissions reduction. CCS should be seen as one component of an ambitious overall clean energy strategy, not a substitute for other measures. The EU has earmarked funding for 10-12 CCS demonstration plants but the money will not be available for projects in third countries such as China. This leaves question marks over future EU-China cooperation on CCS. The EU needs to be clear on what it wants to achieve and what it is willing to fund. Options range from small-scale technology development to a bigger investment in laying foundations for wider rollout of CCS in China. The Italian G8 or the US-led Major Economies Forum could be possible… Climate and Energy Security - Thinking, Europe in the World - EU-China Partnership 2009-05-22T14:46:03+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/case-studies-on-low-carbon-zones-in-china/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/case-studies-on-low-carbon-zones-in-china/#When:12:57:13Z The concept of Low Carbon Zones (LCZs) emerged from joint work by European and Chinese research institutes summarised in a report published in November 2007 entitled “Changing Climates: Interdependencies on Energy and Climate Security for China and Europe”. Chatham House and E3G then used the initial research findings and the results of extensive discussions in China to elaborate the LCZs proposal in a concept paper. China is a vast country with a highly diverse economy and will need a range of low carbon development models. Many Chinese provinces and cities are pursuing low carbon initiatives, some via partnerships with Europe. LCZs would provide a practical framework to scale up these initiatives. The latest in this collection of papers, available to download above (in English and Chinese), builds upon the previous by suggesting some concrete examples of how LCZs would add value to existing Chinese initiatives to move to a low carbon economy, and specifically add value to existing EU-China cooperation, as well as outline practical mechanisms that could be used to channel EU support for LCZs.… Climate and Energy Security - Activities, Europe in the World - EU-China Partnership 2009-03-16T12:57:13+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/a-new-european-climate-diplomacy-engaging-the-us-in-solving-the-climate-cri/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/a-new-european-climate-diplomacy-engaging-the-us-in-solving-the-climate-cri/#When:11:49:48Z Following a meeting on transatlantic relations at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), an article written by Jennifer Morgan, E3G’s Global Climate Change Director and Simon Koschut of The German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP – Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Austwartige Politik e.V.) appeared in DGAP Standpunkt. The article is also available to download above. Eine neue europäische Klimadiplomatie – Einbindung der USA bei der Lösung der Klimakrise Bundesaußenminister und Kanzlerkandidat Frank-Walter Steinmeier hat den Kampf gegen die Erderwärmungbei seiner Rede in San Francisco am 31. August 2008 zum zentralen Bestandteil einer neuentransatlantischen Agenda für das 21. Jahrhundert erklärt. Im Auswärtigen Amt spricht man in diesemZusammenhang bereits von einer neuen Ära transatlantischer Zusammenarbeit. Die Voraussetzungen füreine »grüne Allianz« stehen angesichts des klimapolitischen Meinungswandels in den USA nicht schlecht. Mit der Wahl von Barack Obama zum künftigen amerikanischen Präsidenten entstehen neue Möglichkeiten.Sein Wahlprogramm weist viele Ähnlichkeiten mit Elementen der europäischen Klima- und Energiestrategieauf. Die internationalen Klimaschutzverhandlungen bieten die Möglichkeit für Barack Obama,das internationale Ansehen der USA wiederherzustellen. Europa muss nun geschickt agieren und nach einer transformativen transatlantischen Partnerschaft streben, in der Klimawandel die oberste Prioritäteinnimmt. Nirgendwo sonst ist der Wandel so notwendig… Climate and Energy Security - News & Comment 2008-12-15T11:49:48+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/jennifer-morgan-on-living-on-earth-radio/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/jennifer-morgan-on-living-on-earth-radio/#When:10:10:45Z With the meeting at Poznan, Poland just hours away, Bruce Gellerman of Living on Earth Radio interviews Jennifer Morgan on what she expects will happen at the negotiations. The recording of the interview is available here and below is a transcript. The historic city of Poznan, Poland will host talks on the future of climate change. International leaders will meet in Poznan, Poland next week to lay the groundwork for a renewed commitment to cutting CO2 emissions, adapting to climate change and fostering renewable energy. Jennifer Morgan, director of the Global Climate Program for the think tank E3G, tells host Bruce Gellerman that she’s cautiously optimistic that the U.S., with Barack Obama at the helm, will play a strong role in the fight against climate change. A new sense of hope and momentum…” Jennifer Morgan, Director of Global Climate Change, E3G GELLERMAN: From the Jennifer and Ted Stanley studios in Somerville, Massachusetts, This is Living on Earth. I’m Bruce Gellerman, in for Steve Curwood. Poznan, Poland is the place to be if you want to… Climate and Energy Security - News & Comment 2008-11-29T10:10:45+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/e3g-report-launch-innovation-and-technology-transfer-framework-for-a-global/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/e3g-report-launch-innovation-and-technology-transfer-framework-for-a-global/#When:03:39:30Z Following months of research and discussion, we are pleased to announce the launch of the new E3G report: “Innovation and Technology Transfer: Framework for a Global Climate Deal”.In 2007 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its most definitive report to date, finding that human-induced climate change is already happening and will lead to catastrophic results if not addressed quickly.  International negotiations are underway on a post-2012 framework for stabilising global greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change impacts.  An unprecedented global effort is required to accelerate innovation and diffusion of low carbon and adaptation technologies.  The challenge is formidable but history shows that in a variety of fields, from the space race to the pharmaceuticals industry, concerted effort can deliver transformative results. This report, produced by E3G and Chatham House, proposes a new institutional framework for the innovation and diffusion of low carbon and adaptation technologies, and points to critical features needed in the international agreement due to be signed at the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties in Copenhagen in December 2009.  The report argues that: Faster and broader innovation is… Climate and Energy Security - News & Comment, Climate and Energy Security - Activities, Climate and Energy Security - Thinking 2008-11-24T03:39:30+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/nick-mabey-on-morning-ireland-urgently-fund-carbon-capture-and-storage-ccs-/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/nick-mabey-on-morning-ireland-urgently-fund-carbon-capture-and-storage-ccs-/#When:13:22:33Z In his interview by morning Ireland’s Cathal MacCoille & Aine Lawlor, E3G’s Nick Mabey explains why no more coal power stations should be built in case the plan to safely store emissions does not work. Calling the new CCS plant in Germany a ‘great if it works’ technology, Morning Ireland asks Nick what the catch is: The catch at the moment is that we haven’t got the technology to deploy. While people are talking a lot about carbon capture and storage, they are actually building new coal fired power stations even faster. Our view is that we need to demonstrate this technology now and in the meantime not build any more coal power stations which may end up being a liability in the future if the technology doesn’t work.” It was pointed out in the Irish Parliament recently that the Americans, in order to continue using coal to generate electricity, will make sure the technology will work, not least due to its abundance and their reliance on it. Actually, funny enough, we think that’s the least likely outcome! The US has got lots of supplies of gas from suppliers which they consider reliable, like Canada and Mexico and… Climate and Energy Security - News & Comment 2008-09-08T13:22:33+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/bbc-radio-4-interview-funding-for-ccs-plants/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/bbc-radio-4-interview-funding-for-ccs-plants/#When:09:21:04Z As the first ever coal-fired power plant ready to capture and store its CO2 emissions prepares for its opening in Northern Germany, E3G’s Nick Mabey emphasizes the importance and urgency for funding and delivery of CCS plants. E3G has worked since 2004 to accelerate the demonstration and deployment of CCS. E3G works with Vattenfall, the plant’s owners, in the CCS Leadership Group advocacy coalition and the ETP-ZEP European stakeholder dialogue. We need CSS urgently because the world is building a whole new generation of coal power plants and unless we find out whether this technology operates at scale and we can make these plants zero-carbon in the future, those will be a liability,” says Nick Mabey of the think-tank e3g.” Vattenfall, the plants owners, have funded the €70m project themselves and it is likely that other firms will join the race to construct other full-scale CCS coal plants. The British government, in trying to avoid passing the cost as taxes, is expected to deliver a decision on how it will fund a full-scale CCS in the UK in October. As Nick Mabey explains: “The UK has talked a good game on this, it has… Climate and Energy Security - News & Comment 2008-09-05T09:21:04+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/john-ashton-in-korea-youtube-interview/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/john-ashton-in-korea-youtube-interview/#When:12:12:00Z E3G Founding Director John Ashton was recently visiting Korea in his role as Special Representative for Climate Change of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. A short interview with John has been posted on YouTube by the Foreign Office’s online team, and it is embedded here below. John highlights how decisions around the transition to a low-carbon economy will always be taken on the basis of an understanding of national interests, and don’t automatically flow from an international agreement. Climate and Energy Security - News & Comment 2008-07-15T12:12:00+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/carbon-capture-and-storage-letter-to-eu-energy-and-environment-ministers/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/carbon-capture-and-storage-letter-to-eu-energy-and-environment-ministers/#When:15:09:00Z The EU’s package of climate and energy measures will be top of the agenda when EU Energy and Environment Ministers meet in Paris from 3-5 July 2008. Ahead of their meeting, we’ve joined together with seven other organisations to write an open letter in support of EU action to secure the effective demonstration of carbon capture and storage. The text of the letter follows below, and a pdf version is attached for download. Joint Open Letter from Alstom, Bellona, E3G, Climate Change Capital, Fortum, Shell, Sintef and Vattenfall to EU Energy and Environment Ministers Informal Energy and Environment Council in Paris, 3-5 July 2008 Brussels, 30 June 2008 Dear Minister, European leadership on climate change, and in particular the targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions are laudable. We believe, however, that the needed reductions in CO2 emissions will not be achieved by 2030 without widespread deployment of CO2 capture and storage (CCS). Deployment of CCS on that time-scale requires CCS technology to be ready on commercial scale by 2015-2020. A well-constructed programme of demonstration projects starting early next decade is necessary to achieve this objective. The generally ambitious EU climate and energy package of legislative proposals urgently… Climate and Energy Security - Activities 2008-06-30T15:09:00+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/the-humanitarian-challenge-of-climate-change/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/the-humanitarian-challenge-of-climate-change/#When:15:53:01Z On the 5th June the University of Geneva Interdisciplinary Programme for Humanitarian Action hosted a one day conference entitled “Adapt or Surrender? The Challenges of Climate Change for Humanitarian Action”. The conference was intended to highlight the challenges and threats posed by climate change for humanitarian actors and highlight possible responses. Shane Tomlinson from E3G gave a keynote address highlighting the climate security challenge and the economic transformation which will be required to shift the world to a low-carbon development pathway. Unless nations understand the security implications of climate change it is unlikely to be prioritised in policy making. Debate on these issues needs to shift from narrowly focusing on apportioning the 0-2% of GDP global mitigation costs to managing the incidence of the 5-25% of global GDP damage costs which climate change could create. A pdf version of Shane’s presentation is attached for download, alongside the official conference flyer.   Climate and Energy Security - Thinking 2008-06-05T15:53:01+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/eu-ccs-policy-financing-options/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/eu-ccs-policy-financing-options/#When:15:50:01Z The International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) hosted a workshop on 3rd June 2008 to discuss the financing options that would support the development and deployment of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). E3G Associate Mark Johnston presented a technical working paper on the financing options. Mark’s presentation is attached here for download. It is also available on the IETA website, as are the presentations from Bellona, CEZ, and IETA.     Climate and Energy Security - Thinking 2008-06-03T15:50:01+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/taming-king-coal-the-eus-energy-policy/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/taming-king-coal-the-eus-energy-policy/#When:14:39:00Z Europe has willed the end but not the means to deliver the CCS demonstration programme. Unless a way is found to rebuild momentum at EU level it is likely that companies will look to invest in other projects and other areas. In short, Europe has put itself between a rock and a hard place.  That’s the argument E3G Chief Executive Nick Mabey makes in a leader article published in Issue 3 of Carbon Capture Journal. The text of his article follows below. It’s also available in the pdf version of the full issue of the journal. Taming King Coal - the EU’s energy policy In March 2007 EU Heads of Government called for the deployment of technologies for the capture and storage of CO2 (CCS) in new European power plants by 2020, and welcomed the European Commission’s intention to establish a mechanism to stimulate the construction and operation by 2015 of up to 12 CCS demonstration plants.  The EU is now in the process of adopting legislation providing for the geological storage of CO2. So far, so good; but… Climate and Energy Security - Thinking 2008-05-28T14:39:00+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/eu-must-accelerate-ccs-demo-plant-development/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/eu-must-accelerate-ccs-demo-plant-development/#When:15:41:44Z EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes hosted a full-day seminar on Environmental Protection and Climate Change - Cost, Opportunities and the Role of Public Support on the 27th May 2008. E3G Chief Executive Nick Mabey was one of the discussants, and his remarks were subsequently reported by ENDS Europe Daily (subscription required): Nick Mabey of sustainability campaign group E3G told the conference that governments had “agreed on the end of developing CCS but not the means”. It would be the “biggest failure of EU policy” if they fail to agree a funding mechanism for the demonstration plants by the end of the year, he said. Funding could come from the proceeds of carbon permit auctions in the EU emission trading scheme, from EU agricultural subsidy “underspend”, or by creating a new EU low-carbon technology transition fund, he said. Policymakers must take more risks to develop potential emission-cutting technologies such as CCS and all stakeholders must be prepared to see some of these fail, he said. “Doing this in the real economy is the best… Climate and Energy Security - Activities 2008-05-27T15:41:44+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/clinton-mccain-obama-europes-opportunity-to-shape-a-presidency/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/clinton-mccain-obama-europes-opportunity-to-shape-a-presidency/#When:13:00:01Z Who will lead the USA back into a meaningful international engagement on climate change in 2009? And who can Europe work with best? Those are the questions raised by Stephen Boucher of the thinktank Notre Europe in his recent paper Clinton, Obama, McCain - Europe’s Best Hope for Fighting Climate Change. Now, as one of a number of responses to Stephen Boucher’s paper, E3G’s Jennifer Morgan gives her perspective on this crucial matter. A pdf version of Jennifer’s paper is available her for download. Clinton, McCain, Obama – Europe’s opportunity to shape a Presidency Stephen Boucher’s paper “Clinton, Obama, McCain – Europe’s Best Hope for Fighting Climate Change” provides a thorough assessment of the candidates’ positions in the field and a thoughtful set of actions that Europe should pursue to reengage the United States. I would like to make 2 key points in response – firstly the nature of the challenge we face, then secondly the question of Europe’s next steps. 1. The nature of the challenge We must address our analysis and… Climate and Energy Security - News & Comment, Climate and Energy Security - Thinking 2008-05-20T13:00:01+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/invitation-climate-change-and-security-the-geopolitics-of-tomorrow/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/invitation-climate-change-and-security-the-geopolitics-of-tomorrow/#When:10:37:05Z The reality of climate change will require fundamental changes to the practice of international relations. Impacting on strategic interests, alliances, borders, threats, economic relationships, comparative advantages and the nature of international cooperation, climate change geopolitics will extend far outside the environment sphere, and will link old problems in new ways. Managing the complexity of collective security will become an ever more important part of foreign policy. Climate Change and Security: The geopolitics of tomorrow The Centre and E3G invite you to a discussion on the security implications of climate change. Tuesday 20 May from 13:00 to 14:30 with a sandwich lunch served from 12:30 to 13:00 With: Nick Mabey (Chief Executive, E3G) and Steven Everts (Special Counsellor in the Cabinet of High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana), Chaired by Martin Porter Security sector actors must communicate the security implications and costs of uncontrolled and extreme climate change to political leaders and the public. The security sector has the vital - and expensively acquired - experience of how government can drive technological development and infrastructure deployment at scale. Climate change is also a security opportunity. A low-carbon global economy will be a… Climate and Energy Security - Activities, Climate and Energy Security - Delivering Climate Security 2008-05-08T10:37:05+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/new-frameworks-for-delivering-global-climate-and-energy-security/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/new-frameworks-for-delivering-global-climate-and-energy-security/#When:20:00:42Z Until very recently Climate Protection and Energy Security have been viewed as largely contradictory or separate objectives. This week saw the Athens Summit on Climate Change and Energy Security strive to overthrow this zero-sum mentality. E3G Chief Executive Nick Mabey has been a member of the advisory board planning the summit, and also contributed a major presentation for the session “The Environment and Energy Communities Meet: Finding Common Ground for Energy and Climate Security”. Nick’s presentation “Beyond Zero Sum Politics: New Frameworks for delivering Global Climate and Energy Security” is attached here in pdf format for download. It outlines the need for closer cooperation between major energy consumers to secure energy and climate security; giving an agenda for collaboration to underpin and strengthen the UN climate change negotiations. Commenting on the unprecedented nature of the summit, Nick Mabey said: We need to create more coherence between energy and climate change policies. The fact that the Athens Summit has brought together the energy security and climate change communities for the first time at a major event shows how far we have to go in developing a common vision of a clean and… Climate and Energy Security - Delivering Climate Security, Climate and Energy Security - Thinking 2008-05-07T20:00:42+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/delivering-climate-security-nick-mabey-interview/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/delivering-climate-security-nick-mabey-interview/#When:16:02:51Z Following on from the publication of Nick Mabey’s report ‘Delivering Climate Security’, BusinessGreen.com have interviewed Nick on the topic, including discussion of the implications for business. The full interview follows below: “Climate Change represents an existential threat” Former senior advisor to the UK Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit, Nick Mabey, warns that governments and businesses must begin to frame climate change as a global security issue James Murray, BusinessGreen, 07 May 2008 BusinessGreen.com: You recently wrote a report for the Royal United Services Institute warning that unless climate change is brought under control we could see a century long conflict on a scale of the two World Wars. What basis do you have for such a shocking prediction? Nick Mabey: The prediction is based directly on the Stern Report, although it is worth noting that Stern has said recently that he underestimated scale of the problem in that report. If you take Stern and the IPCC’s projections – that if we don’t control emissions then an increase in temperature of between five and six degrees by… Climate and Energy Security - News & Comment, Climate and Energy Security - Delivering Climate Security 2008-05-07T16:02:51+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/invitation-eu-india-a-new-partnership-on-climate-change/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/invitation-eu-india-a-new-partnership-on-climate-change/#When:16:34:00Z The climate debate between Europe and India is stuck, with official positions limited by how far governments are willing to go in light of UNFCCC negotiations. Both the EU and India are falling far short of their potential. If we are to respond to the climate challenge effectively, fresh thinking is urgently needed. We are pleased to announce the first in a series of seminars in India and Europe, designed to ask hard questions of why the partnership is not working and what needs to be done to reinvigorate it. Across the EU and India new voices are emerging in response to the perceived failure of governments to deliver on climate change. This seminar series will bring many of them together to build new coalitions for action and work with governments to move official positions on. The series will culminate with a set of recommendations feeding into the EU-India Summit in Marseille on 29 Sept 2008. ‘EU-India: Towards a new partnership on climate change’ Tuesday 6 May 2008 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Speakers: Ms Malini Mehra, Founder & Chief Executive, Centre for Social Markets (India) Mr Matthew Findlay, Global Deal Programme Leader, E3G Climate and Energy Security - Activities 2008-04-30T16:34:00+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/creating-a-secure-climate-the-g8-leadership-challenge/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/creating-a-secure-climate-the-g8-leadership-challenge/#When:12:50:00Z Climate change will be at the top of the agenda when leaders of the world’s major economies gather in Japan for the G8 Summit in July. The science is clear on the need for an ambitious and rapid response. Almost all heads of government now have a basic understanding that without climate security they will be unable to meet their economic or development goals. This makes reducing global greenhouse emissions a vital national interest and a core issue for international diplomacy. So writes E3G’s Jennifer Morgan, in a comment article published in the May 2008 edition of The World Today - the monthly magazine of Chatham House. A pdf version of the article is attached for download. Creating a secure climate BY 2050, THE WORLD WILL NEED to cut its emissions dramatically, to at least half of 1990 levels. The challenge is to agree how this will be shared between countries and create the political conditions for national leaders to sign up to a global climate deal. The starting point for the negotiations is the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and… Climate and Energy Security - News & Comment, Climate and Energy Security - Thinking 2008-04-29T12:50:00+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/invitation-towards-a-global-deal-on-climate-latest-views-from-the-eu-china-/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/invitation-towards-a-global-deal-on-climate-latest-views-from-the-eu-china-/#When:10:07:40Z The last few months have seen mounting activity on the climate talks culminating in interesting positions emerging at Bangkok. The US, EU and emerging powers continue to be in the centre of the frame with bilateral and multilateral diplomacy stepping up several gears. Where are the talks going and what are the prospects for elements of a deal emerging in the coming months? Come and join us for some expert views from observers close to the issues - and bring your own insights and opinions. Towards a Global Deal on Climate? Latest views from the EU, China & India Monday 28 April 2008, 12:00pm - 2:00pm, Chatham House, St James’ Square, London As part of their series ’From Bali to Copenhagen – The Climate Briefings’, Chatham House, CSM, E3G and Chinadialogue invite you to a discussion on ’Global deal on climate? Latest views from EU, China & India’ with: Nick Mabey, Co-Founder & Chief Executive, E3G (UK) Ma Jun, Director, Institute of Public & Environmental Affairs (China) Malini Mehra, Founder & Chief Executive, Centre for Social Markets (India) Chaired by Isabel Hilton, Editor, Chinadialogue To register, please send an email with “Global… Climate and Energy Security - Activities, Europe in the World - EU-China Partnership 2008-04-23T10:07:40+00:00 http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/climate-change-and-the-future-john-ashton-tv-interview/ http://www.e3g.org/programmes/climate-articles/climate-change-and-the-future-john-ashton-tv-interview/#When:10:43:00Z E3G Founding Director John Ashton has been interviewed by British Satellite News in his role as Special Representative for Climate Change at the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The interview focussed on the security implications of climate change and the continuing need to change from high carbon to low carbon economies. The video is hosted on the blip.tv site, and is also embedded here below. Climate and Energy Security - News & Comment 2008-04-16T10:43:00+00:00