The Paris Agreement calls on countries to prepare and submit long-term emissions strategies. Some countries have submitted such strategies, others – including Australia – are preparing them. They can also be useful at sub-national level. Done properly, such strategies can help underpin policy decisions and improve investment confidence. We have reviewed a number of long-term strategies and other documents that fulfil the purpose, and have identified best practice in long-term emissions strategy process, design and implementation. This can serve as inspiration or a benchmark for national or subnational strategies that are in preparation or yet to come.

In short, best practice means a transparent process that actively involves a wide range of stakeholders, an ensemble of analytical approaches that looks at technological, economic and social aspects and that explicitly takes uncertainty into account, understanding the shift towards net-zero emissions as one of transition to new systems, and viewing emissions reductions in the context of a broader set of goals.

At a webinar on 11 March, we’ll discuss our findings and hear about the recently released draft advice by New Zealand’s Climate Change Commission (He Pou a Rangi), presented by commissioner Catherine Leining.

Other recent working papers released by the Centre for Climate and Energy Policy are the effect of air pollution on land values in Japan, and Hazelwood coal power station transition policies.

Best regards

Frank Jotzo