NEWS

New GCN research project: Shadow Low-carbon Industrial Strategies

The primary challenge facing successful national responses to climate change is to ensure that low-carbon considerations are firmly aligned to the overarching economic, industrial and developmental objectives of each country. In many cases, this is likely to require policies to promote the development and mass deployment of low-carbon energy technologies, the emergence of competitive clean-tech industries, the roll-out of smart infrastructure and environmentally-friendly transport systems, and the creation of clean energy jobs.

Yet, governments will also need to take measures to address traditional, carbon-intensive sectors and work with firms in these sectors; helping them to clean up their operations and supply chains and adapt to the demands of the low-carbon transition. In short, decoupling emissions from economic growth and development requires government, working with business and civil society, to make targeted policy interventions throughout the economy - not just in new low-carbon sectors.

The Global Climate Network is currently working on a project aimed at devising 'shadow low-carbon industrial strategies' in China, India, South Africa, the US and Nigeria. We expect to launch the findings of this research alongside five national studies in February 2011.

For more information about this project, please contact Andrew Pendleton a.pendleton@ippr.org at the Global Climate Network Secretariat in London.

 

WELCOME

Bright ideas are the foundation stones of prosperity. They will also help us build a future free from carbon.

The Global Climate Network is an alliance of nine influential, progressive think tanks located in countries where action on climate change really matters. We bring together some of the world’s brightest brains to propose progressive solutions to climate change that will also help lay the foundations for a new era of prosperity.

Our focus is on policy. We will work with decision makers on innovations that help clear space for progressive action on climate change. Each of us enjoys international renown, but understands that domestic change is the key to successful global action.

We think that climate change policy has to be led by governments, acting independently and together. But because each of us is well connected domestically, we understand that governments as yet do not have the political space to implement the depth of policies needed.

We are committed to producing high-quality research and bright policy ideas that help governments link climate change policy with human and economic progress, including with poverty eradication. Our focus is therefore on technological progress, economic development and policies that reduce not entrench inequality.

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