Expanding climate action in the chemical industry (CAPCI)

Context

According to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the chemical and petrochemical industries, which manufacture products from oil and gas, account for around ten per cent of global energy demands and over seven per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. By 2030, these emissions could more than double. In addition to energy-intensive production, the entire life cycle of the products results in further greenhouse gas emissions.

Chemistry plays a role in all areas of modern life. More than 90 per cent of industry uses (primary) products from the chemical industry. At the same time, it is a source of climate-friendly solutions and, for example, produces materials for sustainable energy and mobility systems. In developing countries and emerging economies in particular, however, individual and institutional skills are not yet at a sufficient level to tap into climate action potential and initiate a transition to more sustainable and climate-friendly chemical production.

Objective

The capacities of key players for effective climate action in the chemical industry are strengthened in selected developing countries and emerging economies.

Approach

The project creates awareness through training courses and knowledge databases, builds up knowledge and disseminates it among those responsible in public institutions and the private sector. It provides information on where greenhouse gas emissions occur in chemical production, what their effects are and how they can be reduced. Advisory services are also provided on efficient and climate-friendly solutions for producing and utilising chemicals.

Another focus is on the promotion of skills development in the public and private sectors through training courses and workshops in the partner countries and across national borders.

It also cooperates with partners on country-specific measures and climate action roadmaps for the chemical industry and gears them towards their specific needs. In this way, the measures can be permanently mainstreamed.

Last update: December 2023