What is technology development and transfer?

Credit: Pixabay-Mr Ganso

What are climate technologies?

The technologies we use to combat climate change are known as climate technologies. Climate technologies help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions, for example by using renewable energy technologies. Climate technologies also help us adapt to the adverse effects of climate change, for example by using drought-resistant crops, early warning systems or sea walls. There are also 'soft' climate technologies, such as energy-efficient practices or training in the use of equipment.

What is technology transfer to support climate action?

Developing and transferring technologies to support national action on climate change has been an essential element from the beginning of the UNFCCC process. In 1992, when countries established the Convention, they included specific provisions on technology with the aim of achieving the ultimate objective of stabilising greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.

The Convention notes that all Parties shall promote and cooperate in the development and transfer of technologies that reduce emissions of GHGs. It also urges developed country Parties to take all practicable steps to promote, facilitate and finance the transfer of, or access to, climate technologies to other Parties, particularly to developing countries. Furthermore, the Convention states that the extent to which developing country Parties will effectively implement their commitments will depend on the effective implementation by developed country Parties of their commitments under the Convention related to financial resources and technology development and transfer.

What are the key institutions and mechanisms?

Technology Framework

The Paris Agreement established in 2015 speaks of the vision of fully realizing technology development and transfer for improving resilience to climate change and reducing GHG emissions.

Parties established the Technology Framework under Article 10, paragraph 4 of the Paris Agreement to provide overarching guidance to the work of the Technology Mechanism in promoting and facilitating enhanced action on technology development and transfer in order to support the implementation of the Agreement in pursuit of the long-term vision on technology development and transfer referred to in Article 10, paragraph 1.

Technology Mechanism

In 2010, the COP established the Technology Mechanism, which also serves the Paris Agreement, with the objective of accelerating and enhancing climate technology development and transfer.

The Technology Mechanism consists of two complementary bodies that work together, – the Technology Executive Committee (TEC) and the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN).

The Joint Work Programme of the Technology Mechanism (2023–2027) is composed of joint activities and common areas of work of the TEC and the CTCN. The Joint Work Programme brings together, for the first time, the long-term strategies of the TEC and the CTCN and defines areas of focus for the mechanism as a whole, to elevate its performance and increase its impact.

Technology Executive Committee

The TEC is the Technology Mechanism’s policy arm, serving the Convention and the Paris Agreement. It analyses climate technology issues and develops policies that can accelerate the development and transfer of technologies for low-emission and climate-resilient development. The TEC consists of 22 technology experts from both developing and developed countries. It meets at least twice a year and holds climate technology events that support efforts to address key technology policy issues.

Climate Technology Centre and Network

The CTCN is the Technology Mechanism’s implementation arm and is accountable to the Convention and the Paris Agreement through an Advisory Board. It supports countries to enhance the implementation of climate technology projects and programmes through three core services: providing technical assistance to developing countries; creating access to knowledge on climate technologies; and fostering collaboration among climate technology stakeholders. The CTCN is hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme, and has a network of national, regional, sectoral, and international organizations that support it in undertaking its services. Developing country Parties may submit requests for technical assistance to the CTCN through their National Designated Entities (NDEs).

Technology Needs Assessments (TNAs)

Understanding climate technology needs is the starting point for effective action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change. To determine their climate technology priorities, developing countries undertake Technology Needs Assessments (TNAs). A TNA supports national sustainable development, builds national capacity and facilitates the implementation of prioritized climate technologies. Since 2001, more than 100 developing countries have undertaken TNAs to identify their technology needs for mitigation and adaptation. Since 2010, as part of their TNAs, developing countries have also developed technology action plans (TAPs), which are concrete action plans for the implementation of their prioritized technology needs.