WGEO Program at COP29

WGEO Panel Discussion

Background

The aviation industry is pivotal in the global economy but is also a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. Recent years have seen substantial advancements in technologies aimed at reducing this environmental impact. Innovations such as electric aircraft, hybrid propulsion systems, and sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) are at the forefront of transforming the industry.

Moreover, improvements in aerodynamics and operational efficiencies are paving the way for more sustainable air travel. The industry is at a critical juncture where technological innovations, economic considerations, and policy frameworks must align to meet global carbon reduction commitments and the goals of the Paris Agreement. International cooperation and robust policy support are essential to foster these advancements and ensure their widespread adoption.

In Focus

Integrating sustainability into the aviation sector requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses technological innovation, supportive policy frameworks, and economic strategies. Recent advancements in technology offer promising reductions in carbon emissions, which are essential for the industry’s environmental impact mitigation efforts.

Exploring the policy and economic frameworks that can bolster these technologies is crucial.

Additionally, international cooperation plays a pivotal role in harmonizing standards and regulations, ensuring a cohesive global transition towards sustainable aviation. This exploration of innovation, policy, and economics is key to developing actionable strategies that can hasten the widespread adoption of sustainable practices within the aviation industry.

Questions for Panel Discussion

What are the latest technological innovations in aviation that are helping reduce carbon emissions, and what are their potential impacts on global carbon reduction goals?

• How do electric and hybrid propulsion systems compare in terms of efficiency, reliability, and commercial viability?
• What advancements have been made in the development and scalability of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), and what barriers remain?
• In terms of aerodynamics and aircraft design, what innovations have significantly improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions?

How can policy frameworks and international cooperation be enhanced to support the adoption and implementation of sustainable aviation practices?

• What successful policies from other sectors could be adapted for aviation to incentivize emission reductions?
• How can international regulatory bodies coordinate to set unified global standards for aviation emissions?
• What incentives can governments provide to accelerate the adoption of green aviation technologies?

What are the economic implications of transitioning to sustainable aviation for airlines, airports, and associated industries, and how can these challenges be mitigated?

• What financial mechanisms can be implemented to support airlines in adopting green technologies without compromising their economic stability?
• How can airports be retrofitted to support new sustainable aviation technologies, and what are the associated costs?
• What collaborative models between industry stakeholders can be developed to share the costs and benefits of sustainable practices?

Joint Panel Discussion by WGEO & UGIH

Background

Urban areas are at the forefront of climate change, facing challenges such as air pollution, congestion, and resource scarcity. Digital technologies offer innovative solutions to address these challenges and promote sustainable urban development. By leveraging data-driven insights and advanced analytics, cities can optimize resource management, improve transportation systems, and enhance quality of life.

Recent reports by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)[1] highlight the potential of digital technologies to transform urban environments. By adopting smart city solutions, cities can become more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive.

In Focus

Digital tools can be used to address a wide range of urban challenges,[2] including:

• Urban planning: Optimizing land use patterns and infrastructure development.
• Transportation: Improving transportation efficiency, reducing congestion, and promoting sustainable mobility.
• Energy management: Enhancing energy efficiency and integrating renewable energy sources.
• Waste management: Optimizing waste collection and recycling systems.
• Citizen engagement: Fostering citizen participation and feedback in urban planning and decision-making.

To incentivize cities to adopt these tools, governments and international organizations can provide financial support, technical assistance, and policy frameworks.

Questions for Panel Discussion

What digital tools are most effective in promoting sustainable urban development?

• How can data analytics and artificial intelligence be used to optimize urban planning and resource management?
• What are the benefits of using smart city technologies, such as smart grids and smart transportation systems?
• How can digital tools be used to improve citizen engagement and participation in urban governance? 

How can cities be incentivized to adopt these tools for better planning and management?

• What financial incentives and policy measures can be used to encourage the adoption of digital tools in urban development?
• How can partnerships between governments, businesses, and civil society organizations be fostered to promote the use of digital technologies?
• What are the potential challenges and risks associated with adopting digital tools in cities?

What are the challenges in integrating these technologies into existing urban frameworks?

• How can data privacy and cybersecurity concerns be addressed?
• What are the technical and infrastructure challenges in implementing digital solutions in cities?
• How can the digital divide be bridged to ensure equitable access to digital technologies in all urban areas?

Panel Discussion by UGIH, WGEO Innovation Partner

Background

Innovation has been used by humanity to cope with changes and discover new opportunities. Its primary application nowadays aims at fostering competitive advantage and sustaining growth. It has also been used to comply with actual and future economic, social, and environmental regulations. Applied to address climate change and foster sustainable development, it is expected to deliver transformative climate and SDG resource efficient solutions with the capacity to deliver flourishing lives to a world with 10 billion people by 2050, while being aligned with the climate goals and the SDGs. However, there are challenges hindering the mobilization of the full potential of innovation, to serve climate and sustainable development.

The transition to a green economy is seen solely as a decarbonization agenda. This narrows the climate and sustainability innovation space to only incremental improvements in the form of gradual reduction of the carbon footprint of products and services at the sectoral level. This also does not address the needs of developing countries that are low emitters. Indeed, for them, the challenge is less how to decarbonize their economy but more how to develop, but to develop in a way that is aligned with the climate and sustainability goals. While in developed countries the aim of innovation will be to reduce GHG emissions, in developing countries, innovation will aim to enable development while avoiding emissions.

Against this background, the UN Global Innovation Hub was launched at COP 26 to contribute to making the use of innovation to support climate and sustainability actions more effective.

More specifically, the UGIH is set as a key collaboration tool that aims to make best use of transformative innovation in supporting the UNFCCC process, including the Global Stocktake (GST), the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP), the joint Work Programme of the Technology Mechanisms and the successful implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The Hub expands the global innovation space by facilitating solutions that support climate-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and that address the satisfaction of core human needs via alternative value chains aligned with those SDGs.

One key working space of the UGIH is the Systemic Innovation Workshops. The Systemic Innovation Workshops are part of a wider Systemic Innovation Framework that aims to accelerate the identification, development, and effective deployment of innovative technologies, policies, financial instruments, and business models, as well as cooperative approaches and products from culture and creative industries. This framework supports transformative climate and sustainability innovations to address the needs of the many people and the planet. To date, the UGIH has successfully held ten successful SIWs. The key output of the SIW is Innovation Projects that are identified and formulated during the SIW. So far, 24 Innovation projects have been ideated and are being developed in different regions.

In Focus

In line with the objectives of the UGIH, this session will showcase successful innovation projects. The session will introduce the innovation projects and highlight what, why, how, and who of the projects. The panelists will present their innovation project and also deliberate and share ideas, experiences, and plans from the ideation to the implementation phases.

Overall, the session is aimed to:

• To introduce UGIH Innovation Projects
• To share experiences and lessons learned in implementing the innovation projects
• To inspire the audience to participate and contribute to future SIWs.

Joint Panel Discussion by WGEO & UGIH

Background

Urban green spaces play a vital role in mitigating climate change, improving air quality, reducing urban heat island effects, and enhancing biodiversity. Effective management of these spaces is essential to maximize their benefits and contribute to sustainable urban development. Recent studies have highlighted the significant role of green infrastructure in addressing climate challenges and improving quality of life in cities.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)[1] emphasizes the importance of urban green spaces for climate adaptation and mitigation. By increasing green cover, cities can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and enhance resilience to extreme weather events.

In Focus

Innovative management strategies are crucial for maximizing the benefits of urban green spaces.

This includes:

• Ecosystem-based approaches: Utilizing nature-based solutions to enhance the ecological functions of green spaces.
• Community engagement: Involving local communities in the planning, management, and maintenance of green spaces.
• Green infrastructure integration: Integrating green infrastructure into urban planning and development processes.
• Sustainable management practices: Adopting sustainable practices for green space maintenance, such as reducing pesticide use and conserving water.

Questions for Panel Discussion

What are innovative approaches to managing and expanding urban green spaces?

• How can green infrastructure be integrated into urban planning and development processes?
• What are the benefits of using nature-based solutions for urban green spaces, such as green roofs, vertical gardens, and urban forests?
• How can innovative management practices be used to enhance the ecological functions and benefits of green spaces?

How can these spaces be designed to provide maximum ecological, social, and economic benefits?

• What factors should be considered when planning and designing urban green spaces to maximize their benefits?
• How can green spaces be integrated into transportation networks to promote sustainable mobility?
• How can green spaces contribute to social cohesion and community well-being?

What challenges do cities face in integrating green spaces into their urban landscapes?

• How can land scarcity and competing land uses be addressed?
• What are the financial and logistical challenges associated with creating and maintaining urban green spaces?
• How can the benefits of green spaces be quantified and communicated to decision-makers?

Joint Panel Discussion by WGEO & UGIH

Background

The transition to a net-zero carbon economy requires a fundamental transformation of urban environments. Smart and wise cities, which leverage digital technologies to improve efficiency, sustainability, and resilience, are crucial for achieving this goal. By integrating digital infrastructure, cities can optimize resource management, reduce emissions, and enhance quality of life.

Recent reports by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)[1] highlight the potential of smart cities to contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation. By adopting sustainable urban planning and leveraging digital technologies, cities can create more resilient and equitable communities.

In Focus

Digital infrastructure in the context of this panel discussion refers to the integration of digital technologies into urban planning and management to promote sustainability. This includes technologies such as smart grids, smart transportation systems, and building automation systems. By leveraging these tools, cities can improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance resource management.

Key benefits of investing in digital infrastructure include:

• Reduced emissions: Optimizing energy use, reducing traffic congestion, and promoting sustainable transportation.
• Improved resource management: Enhancing water efficiency, waste management, and urban planning.
• Enhanced resilience: Building resilience to climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels.
• Improved quality of life: Enhancing citizen well-being through better air quality, reduced noise pollution, and increased access to green spaces.

Questions for Panel Discussion

What constitutes a smart and wise city in the context of the net-zero transition?

• How can cities leverage digital technologies to achieve their climate goals?
• What are the key characteristics of a sustainable and resilient city?
• How can cities integrate digital infrastructure into their urban planning and development processes?

How can digital infrastructure contribute to achieving net-zero goals?

• What role can smart grids and renewable energy integration play in reducing carbon emissions?
• How can digital technologies be used to optimize energy efficiency and reduce waste?
• How can smart transportation systems promote sustainable mobility and reduce emissions?

What are the best practices in integrating digital technologies into urban settings?

• How can cities ensure that digital technologies are accessible and inclusive for all residents?
• What are the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of digital infrastructure?
• How can public-private partnerships be leveraged to promote the development and deployment of these technologies?

WGEO Panel Discussion

Background

The aviation industry, a significant driver of global connectivity and economic growth, is also responsible for approximately 2-3% of global CO₂ emissions annually. Addressing this environmental impact is becoming increasingly urgent as international aviation expands. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are spearheading efforts through initiatives like the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). CORSIA aims to cap international aviation emissions at 2020 levels through market-based measures, promoting carbon-neutral growth, and driving sustainable practices across the sector.

Recent advancements in electric and hybrid propulsion systems, improved aerodynamics, and the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) are promising solutions for reducing aviation’s carbon footprint. National policies are also gaining momentum, with countries setting ambitious SAF targets. For example, the United Arab Emirates aims to produce 700 million liters of SAF annually by 2030, and Egypt has committed to using SAF for 2% of flights to and from Europe by 2025. Similarly, India’s SAF mandate calls for 1% usage by 2025. Aligning these efforts with ICAO’s broader goals under CORSIA demonstrates the importance of national policy support and international cooperation in accelerating the adoption of sustainable aviation technologies.

ICAO’s submissions to the SBSTA 60 session emphasize the alignment of CORSIA with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to enhance global emissions reduction efforts. By linking CORSIA with Article 6 mechanisms, countries can explore cooperative measures like emissions trading and leverage Article 6 cooperative approaches to generate Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) for offsetting emissions. This alignment would facilitate increased flexibility and cost-effectiveness in achieving carbon reduction targets.

In Focus

This side event will explore strategies for aligning CORSIA with Carbon Market Mechanisms, the role of SAFs in achieving emissions reduction targets, and how national policy initiatives can support these goals.

1. Technological Innovations

• Electric and Hybrid Propulsion. The latest advancements in electric and hybrid propulsion systems are paving the way for reduced emissions in the aviation sector. Achieving commercial scalability requires strong policy support and investment.
• Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs). SAFs are key to short-term decarbonization of aviation. National SAF policies, such as the UAE’s SAF capacity target and India’s mandate, set examples for other countries. Linking SAF initiatives with Article 6 mechanisms under CORSIA can incentivize adoption through international market-based measures.
• Aerodynamic Innovations. Improved aircraft designs and operational efficiencies can further reduce emissions. Technological innovations in these areas complement the adoption of SAFs and other green technologies.

2. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Integration and CORSIA

• SAF is a critical component of CORSIA’s emissions reduction strategy. Integrating CORSIA with Article 6 facilitates alignment between international emissions trading mechanisms and national SAF targets.
• Article 6 cooperative approaches can be used to generate ITMOs, which could then be utilized by airlines for CORSIA compliance. National SAF policies, such as the UAE’s 1% SAF target by 2031 and India’s 1% mandate by 2025, are models that show how national efforts can integrate with CORSIA.

3. Policy Frameworks and International Cooperation

• Aligning national policies with ICAO’s CORSIA and UNFCCC’s Article 6 mechanisms is crucial for creating a unified global standard for aviation emissions.
• International cooperation can overcome policy and regulatory barriers, streamline SAF certification, and harmonize emissions accounting under CORSIA and Article 6.

4. Economic Strategies and Implications

• Financial Mechanisms. Transitioning to sustainable aviation requires robust financial mechanisms, such as tax incentives and subsidies. National strategies like India’s SAF mandate must be supported by these frameworks.
• Cost Sharing and Collaboration. Collaborative models between stakeholders can facilitate the widespread adoption of sustainable technologies by sharing costs and benefits.

Questions for Panel Discussion

1. Technological Innovations

• What are the latest technological advancements that can reduce emissions, and how can these be scaled up globally?
• What role does SAF play in CORSIA’s emission reduction targets, and what are the key challenges in achieving widespread SAF adoption?

2. SAF Integration with CORSIA and Article 6

• How can countries link their national SAF targets with CORSIA and Article 6 mechanisms?
• What roles do ITMOs play in facilitating emissions reductions in the aviation sector under CORSIA and Article 6?

3. Policy Frameworks and International Cooperation

• What successful policies from other sectors could be adapted for aviation to incentivize emission reductions?
• How can international regulatory bodies coordinate to establish unified standards for aviation emissions under CORSIA and Article 6?

4. Economic Strategies and Implications

• What financial mechanisms can support airlines in adopting green technologies without compromising their economic stability?
• How can industry stakeholders collaborate to share the costs and benefits of sustainable practices?