Climate Governance Integrity

Fossil Fuel Subsidies Written by : Andra Vitola Koranteng Fossil fuel subsidies are universal around the world, based on the approximate calculation by the international organizations roughly global value of global fossil fuel subsidies are between US$325 billion and US$5300 billion per year.  Aside from the harmful impacts that these subsidies do to the environment, fossil fuel subsidies are as well economically inefficient. Economically this money can be used on other priorities like health and education.  As for the environment, fossil fuels are the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions and prevent the shift towards clean energy. These fossil subsidies are weakening the competitiveness of renewable energy.  Issues regarding fossil fuel subsidies have been an essential point on the G20 agenda since the 2009 Summit in Pittsburg during this summit G20 leaders pledge dedication to “rationalize and phase out over the medium term inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that e...

G20 Fossil Fuels Subsidies Written by : Andra Vitola Koranteng G20 countries supposedly are encouraged to pay attention to their internal policies and measures in a systemic way as well experts are supposed to help with learning from the previous lessons so that countries can achieve efficient awareness about the environmental, social, and economic impact of their fiscal policy. [ 1 ]  However, gradually eliminating fossil fuel subsidies have been one of the hardest things to do. Since 2009, G20 countries have continuously agreed over and over to pledge to reduce fossil fuel at every summit. Yet, in reality, progress has been very little, or it has backslid. A recent report shows that G20 countries provided $147 billion in subsidies to coal, oil, and gas in 2016. [ 2 ]  Fossil fuel subsidies benefit wealthier households that use more fuel and energy, but it's unproductive to support low-income households. Instead of spending money to support coal, oil, and gas, this money can...

TI-UN Habitat Local Governance Toolkit  Written Summary by:  Lynn Lee Corruption (as defined by Klitgaard, MacLean-Abaroa and Parris, 1996) is the misuse of the office for private gain, and it can occur in any of the three major governance pillars (government, private sector, civil society). The office is a position of trust, where one receives authority in order to act on behalf of an institution, be it private, public, or non-profit. Corruption has a deeply negative effect on life in cities, as it can undermine a city’s social, economic, environmental and political objectives. For example, it could lead to lower tax revenue, which results in less government budget for social welfare programs and consequently a loss of public confidence in the government. To tackle this, we strive for transparency.  Transparency connotes the conduct of public business in a manner that affords stakeholders wide accessibility to the decision-making process and the ability to effectively in...

What Can Youth Do for Climate Issues? Written by : Lynn Lee (high school student intern, July 2020) As a youth, it’s easy to feel powerless. Many of us can’t drive, much less vote. But climate change is a pressing global issue. If we don’t act now, it might be too late.  Where to start? Well, building a strong foundation is critical.  What is the science behind climate change? Why are we on a strict timeline? There is a wealth of information available online to answer these questions.  Transparency International’s e-learning course offers a good starting point, while organizations such as National Geographic and BBC also provide simple guides for beginners.  For those more inclined to visual or auditory learning, YouTube videos (e.g., Our Planet), TED Talks (e.g., Why I live a zero-waste life, Lauren Singer), and podcasts (e.g., Costing the Earth) are available for anyone to access. Full-length films such as Before the Flood, An Inconvenient Truth, and The True Cost...

CSO Webinar on the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Green Climate Fund Headquarters in Songdo, South Korea (Disclaimer: The contents are from the CSO webinar organized by APMMD as basic information on the Green Climate Fund) GCF Basics (by Claire Miranda) CBDR - a principle within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that acknowledges the different capabilities and differing responsibilities of individual countries in addressing climate change. During COP15 in Copenhagen, Denmark, developed countries aimed to raise at least $100B/year by 2020. In 2010 during the COP16 in Cancun, Mexico, parties to the Convention agreed to the establishment of the Green Climate Fund, and make it the official financial mechanism of the UNFCCC. GCF is mandated to support global and national efforts to combat climate change and help developing countries cope with its effects. It is aimed to become the largest public Fund for climate projects and programs that promote “p...

Climate Governance Integrity Policy Proposal  Climate Change Finance Integrity Policy Summary Monitoring and tracking climate finance transparency, accountability, and integrity This proposal urges the government to establish policies that can help prevent misuse of budgets for climate projects and programmes. Such monitoring activity will ensure disclosures, expenditures, and other relevant integrity aspects of climate actions.  Mitigation Activities/programmes of the government This proposal urges the government to establish policies that will implement the “action plans” (NAPs and INDC) to stop or reduce the emissions of Green House Gases (GHGs), which contribute to global warming issues. Also, it asks the government to establish policies that clarify the roles and ensure that each responsible ministries and sectors promote the reduction of GHG emissions. Adaptation Projects and Programmes This proposal urges the government to establish policies that will ensure that people...

Solidarity with World Environment Day Activists World Environment Day is celebrated around the world annually on June 5. The United Nations first organized this annual event to promote awareness-raising and action for a sustainable environment. This annual celebration is gaining more popularity, support, and action, especially among organizations, groups, individuals, including activists who are campaigning for the protection of all creatures and, are against the historic unsustainable consumption and exploitation of the natural resources.  Much worse, the harsh effects of climate change brought about by environmental degradation are not only caused by overconsumption of resources (worsen by wastes) but also due to integrity issues. Such issues include bribery and corruption involved in logging, mining, development projects, procurement, business permits, among others. Transparency International (TI), a leading global anti-corruption movement, includes the climate and environmental...