Development and Climate Alliance

Project description

Title: Development and Climate Alliance Support Programme 
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Germany
Overall term: 2019 to 2021

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Context

Climate change poses major challenges for societies and countries in all regions of the world. Economically, environmentally and socially sustainable development is possible only through shared international efforts. The international framework for this is provided by the 2030 Agenda, with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and the target specified in the Paris Climate Agreement to reduce global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. Both of these agreements were adopted in 2015. As a signatory, Germany supports their objectives.

It is already clear that international funding commitments and national efforts will need to be expanded greatly if we are to achieve the targets. Companies could bridge these funding gaps through voluntary emission offsets, thereby contributing to the international reduction efforts and the achievement of development goals.

Objective

The voluntary market for CO2 offsets in Germany is strengthened.

Approach

The Development and Climate Alliance launched by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is a multi-stakeholder partnership to promote voluntary CO2 emission offsets. As an institutionalised platform, the project links interested parties and supporters with providers and developers of offset projects. Supporters can draw on existing projects of these partners to offset their CO2 emissions or work together with the partner on developing their own individual climate action projects.

The CO2 emissions are offset by financing high-quality projects in developing and emerging economies. As well as climate action, these projects promote economic and technological advances and improve the living conditions of local people. In this way, they also contribute to the achievement of both the Paris Climate Agreement and the 2030 Agenda. Recognised standards are applied to ensure achievement of the desired results. 

Several hundred supporters have already signed up to the Alliance – companies, associations, public authorities, project developers, offset providers and civil society actors. They all want to contribute to climate action through the avoidance, reduction and offsetting of CO2 emissions. Private individuals are also welcome to participate and improve their own personal carbon footprint.

GIZ acts as the secretariat for the Alliance, provides technical contributions, organises events and supports the representatives of all interest groups during the process. It is the point of contact for all queries. 

Results

  • The Development and Climate Alliance already networks several hundred supporters from business, academia, sport, municipalities and public authorities as well as civil society.
  • Two supporters’ meetings have already been held with high-level speakers (including Federal Minister Müller and Professor Töpfer). At these meetings, the supporters had the opportunity to help flesh out the content of the Alliance.
  • Working groups on standards, reporting and the added value of the Alliance were set up.
  • A website provides information on a range of offsetting options.
  • A baseline survey gathered information on current climate action measures and the supporters’ commitment.
  • Participants worked together to develop a requirements catalogue and standards and processes for projects within the Alliance.
  • Contributions to the Alliance have been published in newsletters and magazines.

 

Additional information