Methods for quantifying the benefits of sustainable development policies and measures (SD-PAMs)

Abstract

How can the concept of sustainable development policies and measures (SD-PAMs) be operationalized in a multilateral climate regime? The strategic approach is to focus on policies and measures that are firmly within the national sustainable development priorities of developing countries but which, through the inclusion in an international climate framework, recognize, promote and support means of meeting these policy priorities on a lower-carbon trajectory. The concept of SD-PAMs is further elaborated in two ways: (1) possible methods for quantifying SD-PAMs and (2) policy design. An important step in operationalizing the concept of SD-PAMs is the examination of available methods to quantify their benefits. Four ways to quantify the effect of SD-PAMs on development and emissions are identified: (1) case studies, (2) national energy modelling, (3) analysis of sectoral data and (4) inclusion of policies in global emission allocation models. Each of the methodological approaches has its strengths and weaknesses, but these approaches are demonstrated as being capable of quantifying the effect of SD-PAMs on development and emissions. Formalizing the commitment of SD-PAMs could be aided by more fully elaborating these methodologies. Formal recognition could be given either by listing countries in an Annex to the Convention or by including the pledged policies in a dedicated register. Regular reporting on the sustainable development and climate benefits of SD-PAMs could take place through national communications or a separate reporting mechanism. Incentives for SD-PAMs could come from both climate and non-climate funding. Development funding through other agencies could also be mobilized. International finance will be critical, as will the mobilization of domestic investment. Comment le concept des politiques et mesures de développement durable (SD-PAMs) peut-il être opérationnalisé dans un régime climatique multilatéral? L'approche stratégique est de se concentrer sur les politiques et mesures étant fermement ancrées dans les priorités nationales de développement durable des pays en développement, mais surtout dans leur inclusion dans un cadre climatique international qui reconnait, encourage et soutient les efforts à dessein de satisfaire ces priorités politiques selon une trajectoire sobre en carbone. Le concept des SD-PAMs est davantage élaboré de deux manières: méthodes possible de quantification des SD-PAMs et forme des politiques. Une étape importante d'opérationnalisation du concept des SD-PAMs est l'examen des méthodes disponibles au calcul de leurs bénéfices. Quatre moyens ont été identifiés pour quantifier l'effet des SD-PAMs sur le développement et les émissions: études de cas, modélisation énergétique nationale, analyse de données sectorielles et inclusion des politiques dans les modèles d'allocation d'émissions à l'échelle mondiale. Bien que chacune des approches méthodologiques ait ses forces et faiblesses, la capacité de ces approches à quantifier l'effet des SD-PAMs sur le développement et les émissions ...

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