Standardized Baselines as key tools for enhancing climate ambition: Experiences in Latin America and Caribbean
(November 10, 2020) - The RCC St. George’s and RCC Panama co-organized the webinar “Latin America and Caribbean experiences on Standardized Baselines” in English and Spanish language and it took place as a side event to the Regional and Global DNA Forum 2020. There were 29 DNA Representatives from Latin America and the Caribbean who participated in the event. The event was moderated by Mr. Vintura Silva, the Regional Lead for the Caribbean.
James Grabert delivered the opening remarks reminding DNAs about the objectives of the event and the usefulness of standardized baselines including the ability to “reduce transaction costs, enhance transparency, objectivity and predictability, facilitate access to the CDM, particularly with regard to underrepresented project types and regions, and scale up the abatement of greenhouse gas emissions.”
Gaj Hegde presented an overview of the Standardized Baselines (SBs) concept and explained the historical context and procedures to develop the SBs, as well as statistics. Additionally, his presentation outlined the applications of SBs in the context of CDM Project Activities and Program of Activities as well as outside of the CDM including Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (e.g. the Philippines Rice NAMA) and International Finance Institution (IFI) projects (ex: Honduras renewable energy projects). Finally, Gaj concluded with a case study on using standardized baselines for energy efficiency in buildings and indicated that high emission reduction potential was recognized.
To take a closer look into the details of standardized baselines, experiences from Latin American and Caribbean countries were shared among the DNAs. Representatives from Belize (Colin Mattis), Dominican Republic (Luz Alcantara), and Honduras (Marcela Madrid & Wendy Lara) all shared various aspects of how they developed their SB (GEF, transport and waste respectively). They highlighted some procedural challenges and gaps, including the need to strengthen countries’ technical capacities to develop new SBs and update the existing SBs. Some conclusions were that increased participation in SBs could increase GHG abatement activities within the country and ultimately increase financial flows. The Q&A session was moderated by Eduardo Cardoso Filho who took the lead answering insightful questions from the audience.
In the last and final session, presentations were given by CDM Executive Board Members; Dr. Spencer Thomas and Prof. Eduardo Calvo who spoke about how further support on SBs from the RCCs and CDM EB could ultimately catalyze climate action in the region.
Carlos Ruiz Garvia highlighted the critical role of the National Authorities in the development of standardized baselines. He also thanked the CDM EB Members, presenters, and the everyone who participated in the event.
The RCCs have been addressing the needs of the DNAs throughout 2020. In addition to regular support on CDM matters, training sessions were organized such as:
RCC Kampala delivers first webinar since introduction of lockdown
Standardized Baselines as a building block for Low Carbon Pathways in the Paris Agreement regime
