Sustainable climate action and inclusive just energy transitions

TF2 is dedicated to addressing critical facets of climate action, especially emphasizing issues related to energy transitions, with a central focus on inclusivity and justice. The recommendations from this task force are aimed at supporting the work and deliberations of the special Task Force for Global Mobilization against Climate Change established by Brazil’s G20 presidency. In addition, TF 2 seeks to inform the work and thematic priorities of the Sustainable Finance Working Group and the Infrastructure Working Group of the G20 Finance Track, as well as the Sherpa Track's working groups on Energy Transition, on the Environment, Climate and Sustainability Working Group, on disaster risk reduction, on agriculture, and on employment.

Key issues and sub-topics include:

1. Fostering Sustainable, Inclusive, and Just Energy Transitions (Co-chair: Rosana Santos - Instituto E+ Transiçao Energética, Brazil); (Members: Matias Bianchi - Asuntos del Sur, Argentina and Rachel Meidl- Center for Energy Studies - Rice University, USA):
   Highlighting the importance of equitable energy transitions, this task force aims to develop policy proposals to ensure that the necessary shift towards sustainable energy is inclusive and fair for all (countries, people, and the planet). This includes promoting a justice-oriented approach to guarantee access to sustainable energy, while providing support for workers in sectors most affected by transition patterns, as well as implementing policies aimed at mitigating the adverse environmental, social, and economic impacts associated with the extraction of critical minerals (and the production of biofuels) that are required for various energy transition models. SDGS 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 13. 
   
   
2. Accelerating Transition to a Low-carbon Economy and Sustainable Consumption/Production (Co-chair: Shuva Raha- CEEW - Council on Energy, Environment, and Water, India); (Members: Fabian Barrera - Agora Industry, Germany; Barbara Bressan - CGEE - Centro de Gestão e Estudos Estratégicos, Brazil and Emilly Caroline - CGEE - Centro de Gestão e Estudos Estratégicos, Brazil):
   Prioritizing the shift towards a low-carbon economy, the TF will propose context-specific policies aimed at fostering sustainable production and consumption patterns. The overarching goal of these policies is to help reduce the environmental impact of productive sectors while fostering inclusive economic growth and sustainable neo industrialisation, especially in emerging economies and least developed countries. SDGS 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, and 17. 
   
   
3. Fostering Investment and Open Innovation for Sociobioeconomy and Nature-based Solutions (Co-chair: Monique Atoguia - Nature Finance, Brazil); (Members: Alexander Ryota Keeley - Urban Institute - Kyushu University, Japan and Igor Makarov - Higher Schol of Economics, Russia):
   On this subtopic, the TF will focus on encouraging investment and innovation in sociobioeconomy and nature-based solutions to tackle climate challenges, with a particular emphasis on the pivotal role of open innovation and technology transfers in sustainable development. SDGs 1, 2, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 17. 
   
   
4. Investing in Sustainable, Inclusive, and Resilient Infrastructure (Co-chair: Juliana Luiz -Instituto Escolhas, Brazil); (Members: Anita Prakash -  ERIA - Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, Indonesia/Regional and Saehee Jeong - SFOC -Solutions for our Climate, South Korea):
   Recognizing the pivotal role of infrastructure in sustainable development, the TF will look into investments that promote inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability. A particular focus will be placed on fostering climate resilient cities. SDGs 1, 2, 7, 9, 11, and 17. 
   
   
5. Optimising Access to Multilateral and Climate Funds and Leveraging Private Capital for Climate Finance (Co-chair: Frank Schroeder - E3G - Third Generation Environmentalism, UK); (Members: Marina Caetano - Instituto Talanoa, Brazil and Fatih Yilmaz - KAPSARC, Saudi Arabia):
   The TF aims to explore avenues to enhance climate finance by suggesting measures that can improve access to multilateral funds and leverage private capital through blended finance models, with a particular focus on broadening opportunities for developing nations. SDGs 13 and 17. 
   
   
6. Operationalizing Climate Justice through Financing and Technology Transfer (Co-chair: Alex Benkenstein - SAIIA, South Africa); (Members: Diego Araújo Azzi - OPEB/UFABC, Brazil and Nicolas Buchoud - ADBI, Japan):
   The TF aims to propose ways to operationalise the concept of climate justice by ensuring equitable access to financing and technology transfer. This approach seeks to empower all nations to effectively combat climate change while addressing inequalities among countries and within countries, including horizontal inequalities, such as environmental racism. SDGs 9, 10, 13, 15, and 17. 
   
   
7. Implementing just sustainability reporting requirements: the Role of ESG Metrics: (Co-chairs: Huma Saif Qazi and Raissa Sare - CDP, Global); (Members: Guven Sak - TEPAV, Turkey and Joisa Dutra - FGV, Brazil):
   The TF will seek to contribute to greater transparency, accountability, and standardization of companies' Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics and taxonomies. This effort aims to enable companies to more effectively contribute toward creating more just and sustainable trade and investment flows worldwide. 

By addressing these critical sub-topics, the T20 Task Force endeavours to develop comprehensive strategies to promote sustainable climate action, drive inclusive energy transitions, and pave the way for a more equitable and resilient future for all.

Click here to access TF02's LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12954102/