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With 2015 representing a year of unprecedented opportunity with regard to the landmark intergovernmental conferences on development and climate action, the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate have produced this substantial report which makes the case for all parties to forge new and improved strategic partnerships for economic growth and a better climate.The first part of the report focuses on new opportunities and challenges for low-carbon growth and international cooperation, examining recent trends and developments, and international cooperation both within and without the UNFCCC process. Part two then identifies key areas for international and multi-stakeholder action.The commission recommends that in the key economic systems where growth and emissions are concentrated:
Low-carbon development in the world’s cities should be accelerated, with commitments in place by 2020 that prioritise low-emission public transport, building efficiency, renewable energy, and efficient waste management.
Governments, finance institutions, and the private sector must ensure that agricultural and forest landscapes are restored and protected, and agricultural productivity is increased.
A total of at least $1 trillion a year must be invested in clean energy, aided through multilateral and national development banks scaling up their collaboration with government and the private sector.
Efficiency standards must be raised to the global best, necessitating increased cooperation between G20 nations.
Additionally, recommendations concerning key drivers of both economic growth and emissions reductions, fields of business and finance activity, and sectors where international action can unlock low-cost emissions reductions include:
Implementing effective carbon pricing and the phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies.
Ensuring that new infrastructure is climate-smart, integrating climate risks and objectives in policies and planning.
Low-carbon innovation should be galvanised through strategic partnerships hat include developed and developing countries, and the private sector.
Businesses should adopt short- and long-term emission reduction targets, with all major industry sectors agreeing market-wide transformation road-maps.
Ambitions must be raised in reducing international aviation and maritime emissions.
The use of all hydrofluorocarbons should be phased out as soon as possible.
