Policy Papers

NDC Summary Brazil

This paper will help identifying policy measures in line with the New Urban Agenda and in the context of the Nationally Determined Contribution for Brazil. The paperbriefly assesses current and planned mitigation actions for the urban transport, energy
and resource management sectors. The paper identify relevant stakeholders and institutionsfocusing on one specific case study and outlines selected measures currently consideration inthe city.

Policy Environment Paper - Ethiopia

Policy Environment Paper - Ethiopia
This paper highlights policy measures adopted by the Ethiopian government in delivering on its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) communicated to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The paper reviews mitigation and adaptation efforts of the government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change impacts in the context of the New Urban Agenda. The paper also presents an overview of the transport, energy and waste sectors and highlights policy strategies
and actions implemented by the city of Addis Ababa in the promotion of sustainable and environmentally-sound development.

Policy Environment Paper - Ecuador

Ecuador, responsible for 0.15% of the world GHG emissions, aims to reduce its energy related emissions in up to 45.8% depending on the availability of resources and the support of the international community. In order to achieve this goal, Ecuador has started to transform its energy matrix with the construction of 8 hydropower plants. In the future, Ecuador plans to produce 80% of its electricity with hydropower, 16% with thermoelectricity and 4% with other renewable sources. In terms of transport, which accounts for 21% of the national emissions, Ecuador launched the Programme RENOVA in 2008 to replace cars older than 10 years. This includes incentives for the purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles. Concerning public transport, Quito and Cuenca lead the way with the construction of the first subway line and the first tramline, respectively. Finally, in 2010 Ecuador implemented the National Programme of Integrated Solid Waste Management by which it supports the implementation of the technology to capture and use the biogas from municipal landfills.

Policy Environment Paper - Vietnam

In the context of formulating and implementing the Urban Pathways initiative for Vietnam, this paper analyses the administrative, legislative and political environment, which influences policymaking at two levels of the government – the National and the Local/Provincial (Hai Phong). The paper outlines Vietnam’s GHG emission reduction targets, as well as the parallel ‘green growth’ strategies and action plans currently beingimplemented within three sectors – energy, transport and resource management. The paper also identifies key decisionmakers within the country’s public administration system.

Policy Environment Paper - Bhutan

This paper aims to identify policy measures in line with the United Nation’s New Urban Agenda and in the context of the respective Intended Nationally Determined Contributions of the Kingdom of Bhutan (Bhutan). This paper reviews current developments of Bhutan to mitigate and its adaptation to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by focusing on the country’s national policies and implementation strategies in keeping with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (2015). A brief analysis of Thimphu’s strategies to accordingly mitigate and adapt is conducted by reviewing the sectors of energy, transport and resource/waste management.

Policy Environment Paper - Nepal

This paper aims to identify policy measures in line with the UN’s New Urban Agenda and in the context of the respective Nationally Determined Contributions of Nepal. This paper reviews current developments of Nepal to mitigate and its adaptation to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by focusing on the country’s national policies and implementation strategies in keeping with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (2015). A brief analysis of the Kathmandu Valley’s strategies to accordingly mitigate and adapt is conducted by reviewing the sectors of energy, transport and resource/waste management​.

Policy Environment Paper - India

In the context of the low-carbon initiative in India, this paper analyses the administrative, legislative and political environment which influences policymaking at three tiers of the government: National, State (Kerala) and the pilot city (Kochi). Based on the NDC’s objective of maximising co-benefits to achieve India’s climate-related targets, the paper assesses how multi-level governance could build synergies between sustainable development programmes and policies within three sectors – energy, transport and resources. The paper also identifies relevant veto-players with decision-making capacities within respective public organisations.

Policy Environment Paper - Kenya

The United Nations’ New Urban Agenda (NUA) aims to set a new global standard for sustainable urban development, especially focusing on how we rethink our planning, management and living within our cities. The aim of this paper is to briefly review the policy environment in the Republic of Kenya in its development and implementation of the NUA with a specific focus on energy, mobility and resource (waste) management. This paper’s analysis conducts a  overview of the policy making  process and institutional make-up towards climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Policy Environment Paper - South Africa

This paper aims to identify policy measures in line with the UN’s New Urban Agenda and in the context of the respective Nationally Determined Contributions of the Republic of South Africa (SA). This paper reviews current developments to mitigate and adapt to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and focuses on national policies and implementation strategies of the South African government in keeping with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (2015). A brief overview of the City of Cape Town’s strategies to accordingly mitigate and adapt is conducted by reviewing the sectors of transport, energy and resource sector.

Policy Environment Paper - Ghana

This paper highlights policy measures in line with Ghana’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions as communicated to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in its obligations under the convention. The paper also reviews government’s efforts to keep up with objectives of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change effects in the context of the New Urban Agenda. Focus is given to the transport, energy and waste sectors with briefs on some policy strategies undertaken in the capital city of Accra and at the national level.

Policy Environment Paper - Morocco

This paper presents a summary of the Nationally Determined Contributions of the Kingdom of Morocco, which has been set in line with the New Urban Agenda and the Paris Agreement on climate change. This paper briefly discusses Morocco’s policy measures to reach its NDCs targets for mitigation and its adaptation to climate change. This paper focuses on the national and state policies and implementation strategies by the Moroccan government to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in three sectors: energy, transport and waste management. Finally, an overview of the policies and practices of Casablanca city to meet its adaptation and mitigation objectives to climate change is presented.

NDC Summary China

This paper will help identifying policy measures in line with the New Urban Agenda and in the context of the respective Nationally Determined Contributions for China. Thispaper will briefly assess framework conditions in the country in addition to policy actions with mitigation potential.

Policy Environment Paper - Malaysia

This paper aims to identify policy measures in line with the United Nations’ New Urban Agenda and in the context of the respective Nationally Determined Contributions of Malaysia (MY). This paper reviews current developments to mitigate and adapt to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and focuses on national policies and implementation strategies of the Malaysian government in keeping with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (2015). A brief overview of Melaka’s strategies to accordingly mitigate and adapt is conducted by reviewing the sectors of transport, energy and resource sector.