The ClimateTech Podcast

In this episode, we look at nature-based solutions and how we can overcome the barriers to scale and implement them in growing cities. The guests present several societal and biodiversity co-benefits resulting implementing nature-based solutions for climate adaptation and resilience in cities.  We delve into policies, regulations, and the need for enhanced capacity and peer-to-peer knowledge transfer between cities of the global south. Guests: * Julia Rocha Romero, Advisor – Nature-based Solutions, UNEP-CCC * Gabriel Dias Mangolini Neves, Environmental Engineer, Municipality of Campinas, Brazil * Monalisa Sen, Associate Director, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, South Asia Links to reports and cases mentioned in the episode: * Enabling Future-Ready Urbanization in Fast-Growing Cities with Nature-based Solutions [https://unepccc.org/publications/enabling-future-ready-urbanization-in-fast-growing-cities-with-nature-based-solutions/] * Business Models for Financing Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Climate Action [https://unepccc.org/publications/business-models-for-financing-nature-based-solutions-in-urban-climate-action/] * Linear parks in Campinas, Brazil [https://www.urbanet.info/campinas-trash-treasure-green-space-initiative/] * Canal restoration in Kochi, India [https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/historic-canals-take-centre-stage-kochi-india-aims-blunt-fallout-climate]

In this episode, we look at investing in urban climate resilience with Nature-Based Solutions through innovative business models, and a new publication with examples on how to develop them: Business Models for Financing Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Climate Action. [https://unepccc.org/publications/business-models-for-financing-nature-based-solutions-in-urban-climate-action/] We delve into real-world examples, how to speak the language of private sector stakeholders, underused financing sources, and the importance of data and analysis. Guests: * Dora Almassy, nature-based solutions assessment expertSolutions * Najma Mohamed, Head of nature-based solutions, UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre * Vanesa Rodriguez Osuna, Net-Zero Sector Track Lead, UNEP Finance Initiative

In this episode, we talk about climate technology in cities, and about implementing green solutions in an urban context. We look at overall issues, challenges and opportunities, and look closer at what we can learn from Thailand on governance for the water sector specifically. Guests: -Pakamas Thinphanga, project director at Thailand Environment institute, specializing in urban climate resilience –engaging with local communities and governments -Blanche Ting, Energy Advisor at UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre and editor of the Climate Technology Progress Report. The episode references the Climate Technology Progress Report, which can be found here: https://unepccc.org/climate-technology-progress-reports/ [https://unepccc.org/climate-technology-progress-reports/] And a recent webinar on governing urban systems transition, which can be found here: https://unepccc.org/events/governing-urban-systems-transition-how-to-meet-the-needs-for-climate-technology-transfer/ [https://unepccc.org/events/governing-urban-systems-transition-how-to-meet-the-needs-for-climate-technology-transfer/]

In this episode, we talk about the Adaptation Gap, more specifically the adaptation finance gap. Joined by the authors of the finance chapter of UNEPs 2023 Adaptation Gap Report, we delve into the big numbers, go beyond them, and try to show what the adaptation finance gap actually means and what we can do about it. The report shows an adaptation finance gap of 194 to 366 billion dollars - numbers that can seem almost surreal. But, bridging the adaptation gap is not just about reaching the right amount of billions in finance, its also about how we spend the money, about equity, and about gender and social inclusion aspects. As the report and the guests make clear, emissions reductions are urgently needed. Slow and insufficient climate adaptation is stretching the limits of our ability to cope with climate change, increasing loss and damage in the future. Guests: * Paul Watkiss, Director of the research consultancy Paul Watkiss Associates * Dipesh Chapagain, Senior Research Associate at the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security. * Georgia Savvidou, research associate at Stockholm Environment Institute and PhD researcher at Chalmers University of Technology. * Blanche Butera, climate adaptation specialist at Paul Watkiss Associates. Based in Rwanda * Pieter Pauw, senior researcher at the Eindhoven University of Technology Download the 2023 UNEP Adaptation Gap Report here: https://www.unep.org/resources/adaptation-gap-report-2023

In this episode we talk about carbon markets, and emissions trading under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. We look at Pakistan and the country's experiences, potential and needs when it comes to using Article 6 to both implement NDCs and raise climate finance and ambitions. The guests discuss why carbon markets can be crucial and why Pakistan in particular is interested in using Article 6. We also talk about what the barriers for using Article 6 and how the Supporting Preparedness for Article 6 Cooperation (or simply 'SPAR6C') programme can help Pakistan overcome them. Guests: * Dr Saima Shafique, Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination of Pakistan, UNFCCC focal point and focal point for the SPAR6C Programme * Karen Olsen, UNEP carbon market coordinator * Xianli Zhu, Article 6 lead for UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre in Pakistan.