Contribution of Global Centre for Environment and Energy in the UNEP Climate Technology Progress Report 2023

United Nations Environment Programme’s Climate Technology Progress Report 2023, which was published today, November 24, 2023, raises critical points about the speed and scale of urban systems transformation.

The report has been prepared by 33 experienced scientists and researchers from across the world. We are pleased to inform you that two of our University members, Minal Pathak, Associate Professor and Shaurya Patel, Research Fellow from the Global Centre for Environment and Energy, Ahmedabad University, have co-authored the chapter on policies and regulations in the report.

Here are a few key highlights from the chapter:

• "In Asian cities, successful climate initiatives hinge on a mix of strategies - coordinated policies, ambitious targets, and incentives, driving widespread adoption of cost-competitive technologies."
• "Renewables and electric vehicles are cost-competitive, yet need subsidies to overcome financial barriers in private sector involvement. Incentives are crucial for their uptake in the climate action agenda."
• "Cities may lack control over certain climate technology factors, but they wield power in adoption: managing infrastructure, setting ambitious regulations, and leading by example through tech demonstrations."
• "Upfront costs, awareness gaps, weak institutions, and revenue limitations pose hurdles to widespread climate tech adoption in Asian cities."
• "Diverse public transport modes in Asian cities add depth to transport policy, emphasising the need for their integration into the larger system."
• "Urbanisation erodes green spaces. Nature-based solutions in urban planning can combat climate change while offering multifaceted benefits."
• "Sustainable development is paramount, especially for swiftly growing Asian cities with high informality. Policies must weigh trade-offs to drive inclusive progress."

You can find the full report here.