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Online Ministerial Meeting for the Platform for Redesign 2020: Platform on Sustainable and Resilient Recovery from COVID-19 "Redesign" and the "Three Transitions"
On September 3, 2020, the Online Ministerial Meeting for the Platform for Redesign 2020 was held. During the meeting, participants from each country shared their views and concrete actions to tackle the COVID-19 crisis and measures to address climate change and environmental degradation.
Background
Opening video message from UN Secretary-General Guterres
The 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) has been postponed to November 2021 due to the COVID-19 crisis. While the pandemic continues to affect the world's socio-economic systems, climate change and environmental degradations have not subsided, as extreme rainfalls and tropical cyclones continue to cause floods in many parts of the world, and increased temperatures and droughts cause wildfires.
COVID-19 stroke a massive blow to the global economy. Now is the time for us to plan for a vigorous recovery. Such recovery will be triggered by a virtuous cycle of environment and growth. As part of our recovery from the pandemic, we must move forward with tackling both climate change and environmental degradation. We have to take concrete actions to raise the level of ambition and implement both mitigation and adaptation measures. Furthermore, 2020 is an important year during which the Paris Agreement enters into force, and parties communicate and update their NDCs, leading to longterm emissions reduction strategies. To address these two crises, it is essential for all countries to cooperate and enhance inclusiveness.
Minister of the Environment KOIZUMI Shinjiro, with full support from the UNFCCC Secretariat, held the Online Ministerial Meeting for the Platform for Redesign 2020 on September 3, 2020, to bring together information from all countries on their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and climate and environmental measures. The objective was to build global momentum and make sure that climate action does not lag behind amid the pandemic.
The meeting on post- COVID-19 climate measures garnered large-scale attendance globally with a total of 96 countries participating, and ministers and viceministers from 46 countries sharing their initiatives. The meeting was chaired by Minister KOIZUMI, with full support of Ms. Patricia Espinosa, UNFCCC Executive Secretary. Opening messages were provided by Mr. ABE Shinzo, (then) Prime Minister of Japan, and Mr. Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General.
Keywords: "Redesign" and the "Three Transitions"
Using "Redesign" as a keyword, Minister KOIZUMI indicated the need to implement the Three Transitions in all countries that will form the basis for redesigning post- COVID-19 societies. These are: the transition to a decarbonized society, the transition to a circular economy, and the transition to a decentralized society. Minister KOIZUMI received supports and agreements from many participating countries on his assertion that in order to transition to more sustainable and resilient socio-economic systems, our task is not to return to the pre-COVID-19 world, but rather to redesign our socio-economic systems to be more sustainable and resilient.
Based on the joint recognition of the need to bear in mind the virtuous cycle of environment and growth in the context of recovery from COVID-19, opinions were exchanged over three sessions.
Session 1: Redesign of Socio-economy with the Three Transitions
Session 1 aimed to indicate a framework approach to respond to the two crises, COVID-19 and climate change. The session was facilitated by Dr. Andrew Steer, WRI President and CEO; and joined by Minister KOIZUMI; Ms. Mary Robinson, representative of The Elders and former President of Ireland; Mr. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO of GEF and former Costa Rican Minister of Environment and Energy; Dr. Mark Carney, COP26 Finance Advisor and former Governor of the Bank of England; and Dr. Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
The effectiveness of the "Redesign" and the "Three Transitions" approach was recognized. The need to develop new initiatives focusing on sustainability as part of our economic recovery, as well as to plan and implement policies with the aim to redesign society as a whole, was noted. The Three Transitions toward a decarbonized society, a circular economy, and a decentralized society will be the cornerstone of this "Redesign."
Concerning the transition to a decarbonized society, views were voiced on the need to recognize that while recovery from the pandemic will be accompanied by a rise in global energy demand, we cannot fall back to the same rebound in emissions that followed economic stimulus packages after the 2008 financial crisis. Therefore, it is critical to address the issues of decarbonization of both energy sectors through the development of renewable energies and the social implementation of hydrogen, as well as decarbonization in the process of energy use in industrial sectors and households.
With regards to the transition to a circular economy, views were shared on the importance of promoting economic recovery policy with climate and environmental policies to create a virtuous cycle of environment and growth. Redesigning socio-economic systems for the transition to a circular economy requires not only recycling and proper treatment of waste, but also the acceleration of initiatives in resource circulation over entire supply chains as a business strategy in the private sector, and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Concerning the transition to a decentralized society, discussions noted that the propagation of COVID-19 has highlighted the limitations of a centralized society. In addressing the pandemic, the focus should continue to be on the importance of rebuilding our socio-economic systems and creating decentralized societies with new ways of working such as tele-working, lifestyle changes, digitalization, introduction of decentralized energy systems, and community engagement.
Implementing the Three Transitions will help prevent future environmental risks, and can be seen as a form of "vaccine" for our socio-economic system. The Three Transitions are a cost-effective way to prepare for future crises.
Session 1 also highlighted three cross-cutting issues: policies based on facts and science, the role of finance and investment, and the importance of international cooperation. In addition to facts and sciencebased policymaking and enhanced international solidarity, going forward we also require a just energy transition, re-investing in industrialization, more sustainable technologies and services, and various measures to secure (and distribute) funding toward restructuring the finance sector.
Session 2: COVID-19 Recovery and Climate / Environmental Measures and Actions
Measures and Actions In Session 2, participating countries delivered statements on their various measures. The session was facilitated by Mr. Selwin Hart, Special Adviser of the UN Secretary- General on Climate Action. The content of discussions on different topics is indicated below.
The meeting was held online, with ministers and vice-ministers of participating countries presenting their measures
[Strengthening Climate Action]
Various measures to enhance NDCs and commitments to netzero carbon emissions by 2050 were introduced. Countries presented examples of aligning their economic recovery measures from the COVID-19 pandemic implemented in various sectors, with their longterm strategies and national plans. This included policies such as green jobs, restructuring supply chains, efficient use of resources and waste management, and circular economy. The need for energy security was also emphasized. Participants also recognized the need for technological innovations, including mixed combustion of ammonia produced by renewable energy, and the utilization of CCUS/carbon recycling, as well as integral changes in lifestyles.
Minister KOIZUMI serving as Chair of the Online Ministerial Meeting
Communicating Japan's domestic climate change measures to the world
[Energy/Digitalization]
Most countries presented measures to promote the introduction of renewable energy. Numerous countries mentioned their hydrogen policies. Realizing a hydrogen society is a key to achieving global decarbonization. It was recognized that hydrogen has advanced to the social implementation stage by countries' efforts in conducting ongoing pilot projects such as the production of hydrogen by renewable energy and its use in the domestic sector, as well as fuel-cell vehicles and buses. Several countries have started formulating their hydrogen strategies following the measures and strategies of these leading countries. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the need for behavioral, economic, and societal changes to increase energy efficiency.
[Transportation]
While countries have taken measures to promote electric vehicles or electric scooters, some countries are accelerating their support measures in the context of the COVID-19 crisis, and specifically in support for EVs used to respond to the increase in delivery services. In this session, many countries introduced measures such as the development of low-carbon/zerocarbon public transportation networks and bicycle lanes. Research and development of related technologies are also being promoted. Human mobility over national borders has been limited during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the aviation industry was severely impacted by the mobility restrictions, some countries are imposing conditions on airline company bailouts involving commitment to decarbonization.
[Urban Planning, Building Sector, Decentralization]
Some countries have combined measures for reducing densely populated urban spaces and promoting infectious disease control in the building sector, such as the introduction of high efficiency ventilation equipment, together with energy conservation measures. Countries presented various examples of designing smart cities and building societies with empowered communities.
[Climate Change Adaptation: Infrastructure, Water and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)]
The importance of adaptation measures was highlighted, such as climate-resilient infrastructure designs, as well as the mainstreaming of these adaptation measures in various policy documents, strategies and plans.
Session 3: Panel Discussion on Non-State Stakeholder Interests
Session 3 focused on roles and expectations for non-state stakeholders. This session was facilitated by Mr. Gonzalo Munoz, High-Level Climate Champion of Chile; and joined by Mr. Paul Polman, Co-founder and Chair, IMAGINE and Honorary Chair of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC); Ms. Kobie Brand, Regional Director of ICLEI Africa; and Ms. Sharon Burrow, General Secretary of International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). Video messages by representatives from a Japanese local government (Yokohama City) and youth organizations were also presented.
The corporate world recognizes the necessity to align business models with the ESG framework to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. Participants recognized that in contrast to past times when money was scarce and resources were abundant, we now live in a world where money is abundant and resources are scarce. The need for change in this current reality was highlighted, involving the concept of "regenerative economies" that generate new jobs or values through a circular economy. Regarding the roles of governments and nonstate actors, participants underlined the need for national governments' leadership in formulating long-term strategies and policies, coordinating with all stakeholders and relevant ministries, beyond those in charge of climate change and environment, and decarbonization policies and local governments' actions directly linked to communities. Participants also recognized that the transition to a decentralized society aimed at building resilience from the community level could be supported by several dimensions of climate justice: the most vulnerable to climate change impacts, gender, intergenerational equity, different pathways for industrialization, and biodiversity and the natural environment.
Countries' environmental policies displayed on the website as of November 20, 2020
Outcomes of the Meeting and Future Developments
As the host country, Japan achieved its objectives to enhance international solidarity and raise momentum for climate change measures at the Online Ministerial Meeting for the Platform for Redesign 2020. The meeting contributed to strengthening international cooperation by sharing ideas and concrete actions on responding to the two crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. Moreover, Japan's fundamental shift in its policy on export of coal-fired power and Japan's initiatives on decarbonization, such as zero carbon cities, were presented to the world, representing a major step in restoring Japan's status as an environmentally advanced nation. The outcomes of the meeting, including the Chair's Summary, will be disseminated at various international forums on climate change, and the platform (website) will be utilized to continuously collect and disseminate information, experiences, and actions related to the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change/environment.
Results of analyses will be posted on the website (https:// platform2020redesign.org). In anticipation of future international environmental conferences, both inperson and online, Japan will analyze best practices and information on the recovery policies and environmental measures of various countries and share these results in the perspective to continuously contribute to international environmental policymaking.
