A positive vision for the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee

Climate technologies, such as wind energy, low-energy household appliances and technologies for adapting to climate change, are essential for dealing with climate change. It is therefore a good sign that the climate negotiators have decided in 2010 to establish a Technology Mechanism to enhance development and transfer of climate technologies, especially in developing countries. If the Technology Mechanism works well, chances that climate change can be addressed are increased substantially.

The Technology Mechanism consists of two bodies: the Technology Executive Committee (TEC) and the Climate Technology Centre & Network. The latter is in the process of being established, while the TEC is already operational. The TEC is informally called the “policy arm” of the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism. On February 15-17, it held its second meeting, where it agreed on its modalities. On May 28-29, it will meet again and continue discussions on its work plan.

Despite its importance, the TEC has not been much discussed or studied. On the verge of the start of yet another session of climate negotiations, two followers of the technology discussions, Heleen de Coninck of ECN and Letha Tawney of the World Resources Institute, give their views on how the TEC can make a difference for addressing climate change.

Please read their blog here.

More information
You can read more about ECN’s work on international climate negotiations on our website.
More information about the Technology Mechanism can be found here.

Contact
Heleen de Coninck, ECN, deconinck@remove-this-part-ecn.nl, +31 224 564316.

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