Papers by Hans J H Verolme
Cover page: The richness of ancient temperate rainforest is evidenced by this picture by Ian McAl... more Cover page: The richness of ancient temperate rainforest is evidenced by this picture by Ian McAllister of falls in the mixed forest of British Columbia, Canada We gratefully acknowledge Ian and Karen McAllister and Greenpeace for contributing their pictures to this publication. All pictures so identified are © Ian McAllister / Raincoast.
Environment International, Jun 1, 2003
This is an overview of Session 2c dealing with the regulatory, policy and economic issues related... more This is an overview of Session 2c dealing with the regulatory, policy and economic issues related to carbon dioxide and its impact on global climate change. The information is taken from the two papers presented in this session (the U.S. Perspective by Dennis Leaf and the European Perspective by Hans J.H. Verolme) and from the panel discussion that took place at the end of the session. The overview focuses primarily on the policy responses of both the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) to changes in global atmospheric pollution. To a lesser extent, the progress of policy responses to these changes is discussed. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has been signed and ratified by over 180 countries. The UNFCCC contained no binding targets or timetables for emissions reductions. The Kyoto Protocol [United Nations. Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. UNEP.IUC/99/10. Chatlelaine, Switzerland: United Nations Environment Programme's Information Unit for Conventions, for the Climate Change Secretariat, 1997] to the UNFCCC did contain targets and timetables for reductions of greenhouse gases on the part of developed countries. The US has signed but not ratified the Kyoto Protocol. The US has experienced some movement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on the part of various levels of government, as well as the private sector. The UK's commitment to reducing green house gases is laid down in the UK Climate Change Programme 2000. The UK is a member of the European Union (EU). In this context, an example of EU-wide progress, the voluntary agreement with car manufacturers to reduce CO(2) emissions in new vehicles, will be discussed. In addition, there will be some discussion on the UK CO(2) trading scheme that created the first market in the world in April 2001. Overall, the policy process is constantly informed by scientific research. In the case of climate change, much of this work is carried out under the auspices of international scientific panels.
The Heinrich Böll Foundation Nigeria Office is one of 28 international offices of the foundation,... more The Heinrich Böll Foundation Nigeria Office is one of 28 international offices of the foundation, which is headquartered in Berlin, Germany. The foundation is associated with the German Green Party, but is a legally autonomous and intellectually open political foundation.
In spite of the frustration with the slow progress of multilateral processes, civil society acros... more In spite of the frustration with the slow progress of multilateral processes, civil society across the world continuously tries to push leaders to commit to meaningful climate action. An ambitious and fair global climate deal can only be reached, if alliances can be formed that go beyond the binary split between developed and developing countries. The European Union plays a key role in international climate negotiations and should strengthen and build new alliances for an ambitious outcome in Paris. With the 2014 Climate Summit taking place in Lima, Latin America is put into the spotlight of the international climate scene. Based on shared history and values, Latin America and the European Union could strengthen their bi-regional partnership and develop new narratives that might help to overcome the North-South division. This report provides an introduction to European and Latin American civil society perspectives on international climate change policy and politics. Europe and Latin...
Chinese Journal of Urban and Environmental Studies, 2016
This section presents summaries of speeches that were given throughout the workshop, including th... more This section presents summaries of speeches that were given throughout the workshop, including the panel discussion on the last day, and describes the different tasks assigned to the working groups in order to arrive at recommendations proposed.
Climate Policy
Nigeria is Africa's largest economy and home to approximately 10% of the unelectrified population... more Nigeria is Africa's largest economy and home to approximately 10% of the unelectrified population of Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2017, 77 million Nigerians or 40% of the population had no access to affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity. In practice, diesel-and petrol-fuelled backup generators supply the vast majority of electricity in the country. In Nigeria's nationally-determined contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, over 60% of the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reductions are foreseen in the power sector. The goal of this study is to identify and critically examine the pathways available to Nigeria to meet its 2030 electricity access, renewables and decarbonization goals in the power sector. Using published data and stakeholder interviews, we build three potential scenarios for electrification and growth in demand, generation and transmission capacity. The demand assumptions incorporate existing knowledge on pathways for electrification via grid extension, mini-grids and solar home systems (SHS). The supply assumptions are built upon an evaluation of the investment pipeline for generation and transmission capacity, and possible scale-up rates up to 2030. The results reveal that, in the most ambitious Green Transition scenario, Nigeria meets its electricity access goals, whereby those connected to the grid achieve a Tier 3 level of access, and those served by sustainable off-grid solutions (mini-grids and SHS) achieve Tier 2. Decarbonization pledges would be surpassed in all three scenarios but renewable energy goals would only be partly met. Fossil fuel-based backup generation continues to play a substantial role in all scenarios. The implications and critical uncertainties of these findings are extensively discussed. Key policy insights. The 2030 electricity mix for Nigeria varies across the scenarios presented, with the most ambitious scenario achieving electricity access goals and partly meeting renewable energy goals.. All three scenarios surpass the decarbonization targets of Nigeria's NDC for the power sector.. The transformation of the power sector relies on a wide range of financial, policy and enabling environment-related conditions taking place in the near-term, some of which are in turn strongly influenced by larger political economy realities.. Fossil fuel-based backup generation plays a substantial role in all scenarios. Data availability for this technology remains a significant source of uncertainty.
Environment international, 2003
This is an overview of Session 2c dealing with the regulatory, policy and economic issues related... more This is an overview of Session 2c dealing with the regulatory, policy and economic issues related to carbon dioxide and its impact on global climate change. The information is taken from the two papers presented in this session (the U.S. Perspective by Dennis Leaf and the European Perspective by Hans J.H. Verolme) and from the panel discussion that took place at the end of the session. The overview focuses primarily on the policy responses of both the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) to changes in global atmospheric pollution. To a lesser extent, the progress of policy responses to these changes is discussed. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has been signed and ratified by over 180 countries. The UNFCCC contained no binding targets or timetables for emissions reductions. The Kyoto Protocol [United Nations. Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. UNEP.IUC/99/10. Chatlelaine, Switzerland: United Natio...
Environment International, 2003
This is an overview of Session 2c dealing with the regulatory, policy and economic issues related... more This is an overview of Session 2c dealing with the regulatory, policy and economic issues related to carbon dioxide and its impact on global climate change. The information is taken from the two papers presented in this session (the U.S. Perspective by Dennis Leaf and the European Perspective by Hans J.H. Verolme) and from the panel discussion that took place at the end of the session. The overview focuses primarily on the policy responses of both the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) to changes in global atmospheric pollution. To a lesser extent, the progress of policy responses to these changes is discussed. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has been signed and ratified by over 180 countries. The UNFCCC contained no binding targets or timetables for emissions reductions. The Kyoto Protocol [United Nations. Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. UNEP.IUC/99/10. Chatlelaine, Switzerland: United Nations Environment Programme's Information Unit for Conventions, for the Climate Change Secretariat, 1997] to the UNFCCC did contain targets and timetables for reductions of greenhouse gases on the part of developed countries. The US has signed but not ratified the Kyoto Protocol. The US has experienced some movement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on the part of various levels of government, as well as the private sector. The UK's commitment to reducing green house gases is laid down in the UK Climate Change Programme 2000. The UK is a member of the European Union (EU). In this context, an example of EU-wide progress, the voluntary agreement with car manufacturers to reduce CO(2) emissions in new vehicles, will be discussed. In addition, there will be some discussion on the UK CO(2) trading scheme that created the first market in the world in April 2001. Overall, the policy process is constantly informed by scientific research. In the case of climate change, much of this work is carried out under the auspices of international scientific panels.
The overall objective of this project is to support “Strategies for Renewable Energy for Climate ... more The overall objective of this project is to support “Strategies for Renewable Energy for Climate Protection in Developing Countries”, for which the GIZ has nominated a consortium of Reiner Lemoine Institut and the greenwerk. Thus, the specific objective of this study is to assess the climate change mitigation relevance of the dynamically developing off-grid sector with a particular focus on NDC elements. Sub-tasks are to quantify the impact of RE technologies for providing electricity access on the overall emissions of the growing sector, their market potential in low electrified countries and the respective socio-economic benefits besides GHG emission mitigation. Additionally, three country deep dive reports shall provide the following elements to developing country stakeholders, particularly policy-makers: Detailed country specific recommendations for ambition raising of NDCs; Share country level recommendations for inclusion of off-grid RE elements in NDCs; and, Reflect on the results from our global report in view of the 2020 NDC updates. Country deep dives provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of the state of the electricity sector and summarize recent developments in the country concerning energy access, emissions targets and the share of renewables. Out of the 52 assessed countries, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Madagascar have been selected as deep dive countries according to their performance to criteria such as off-grid market potential, emission reduction potential, enabling frameworks, climate change vulnerability and financial capability. This first country deep dive focuses on Nigeria. This report first provides a comprehensive background to Nigeria and an overview of the state of the electricity sector It then assesses the 2015 Nigeria NDC and summarizes national strategies, policies and plans related to electrification. This includes a particular focus on programs, initiatives and activities in the field of off-grid RE development. Finally, recommendations sketch out the rational for an off-grid component to the 2020 NDC update and provide elements for consideration in the NDC revision process.
Climate Policy, 2019
The study aims to contribute to decision-making by critically examining three pathways available ... more The study aims to contribute to decision-making by critically examining three pathways available to Nigeria to meet its electricity access, renewables and decarbonisation goals in the power sector by 2030. The scenarios explore the potential effects of near-term developments in grid-based electricity, sustainable off-grid solutions, and fossil fuel based back-up generation.
Under BAU, the share of population without access to electricity increases to 47% of the population. Under a Green Transition scenario, over 90% of people have access to electricity, with about half using clean off-grid solutions. The on-grid share of renewables (excl. large hydropower) represents 15% of the energy mix and the country’s decarbonisation pledges are comfortably met.
Stakeholder consultation was central to the design of the scenarios. They were involved through interviews in scenario development, validation of assumptions and assessment of the implications and uncertainties. The article, data and model can be accessed for free at https://lnkd.in/dkuNEyy
Forthcoming special issue: Development and Mitigation Pathways
Spotlight on Sustainable Development 2017, 2017
Energy is one of humanity’s most basic needs and is rightly recognized in the 2030 Agenda as cent... more Energy is one of humanity’s most basic needs and is rightly recognized in the 2030 Agenda as central to human progress. The global hunger for power seems insatiable and many countries are pursuing power sector development at any cost. The cost will thus be borne by the next generation. The existing mindset to achieve SDG 7, also in relation to the other SDGs, is inadequate. SDG 7 targets
- to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services,
- to increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, and
- to double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
will require investment beyond business as usual by households, government at all levels, and businesses large and small. While the role of business is crucial and can be constructive, vested corporate interests are also working to undermine this goal.
Chinese Journal of Urban and Environmental Studies, 2016
Judged against low expectations and the collective trauma of Copenhagen 2009, the acceptance of t... more Judged against low expectations and the collective trauma of Copenhagen 2009, the acceptance of the global and legally binding Paris Agreement on Saturday, 12th of December, at 19:26, is a historical moment. It achieves a goal long believed unattainable on the long road from Bali (2007) via Durban (2011). It sends a powerful signal that global agreement on such a painful structural transformation is possible. Yet, no government seemed to be willing or able to agree on the specifics. Judged against the enormity of the challenge and the needs and pressure from people on the ground demanding a global deal anchored in climate justice, the Paris Agreement can only be called a disappointment. The gavel in Paris has fallen to seal the deal. But citizens around the world have yet to find out whether the Paris Agreement can be the springboard for lasting policy changes on the ground or whether it will wrap a glorified green veil around the continued inaction of our political leaders.
Wirtschaft Macht Politik: Einfluss privatwirtschaftlicher Akteure in internationalen Politikprozessen, 2016
Die Einflussnahme der Wirtschaft und der Industrie auf die nationale und internationale Klimapoli... more Die Einflussnahme der Wirtschaft und der Industrie auf die nationale und internationale Klimapolitik und deren Entscheidungen ist der Öffent-lichkeit lange Zeit verborgen geblieben. Erst in jüngster Zeit ist das volle Ausmaß der miteinander abgestimmten Anstrengungen deutlich gewor-den, mit denen Unternehmen die politischen Entscheidungsträger und die Öffentlichkeit über einen Zeitraum von beinahe vier Jahrzehnten ge-täuscht haben. Es zeigt sich, dass der Lobbyismus der Interessenvertreter fossiler Energien die Klimaproblematik spürbar verschärft hat. Diese ge-zielten Bemühungen, wirksame Klimapolitik zu verzögern, führen lang-fristig zu Schäden, deren ganzes Ausmaß kaum absehbar ist. Es ist aber auch im zunehmenden Maße die Geschichte eines Rückzugsgefechtes.
Böll.Thema, 2015
Die Geschichte der Klimapolitik ist auch eine der massiven Einflussnahme der Energieindustrie-Lob... more Die Geschichte der Klimapolitik ist auch eine der massiven Einflussnahme der Energieindustrie-Lobby auf ihre Entscheidungen. Sie ist im zunehmenden Maße die Geschichte eines Rückzugsgefechtes.
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung - Ecology, 2014
Ahead of the Lima climate talks (COP20) the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung - European Union office commis... more Ahead of the Lima climate talks (COP20) the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung - European Union office commissioned the report “Europe and Latin America Towards More Ambitious Collective Climate Action." Our report presents a series of proposals derived from European and Latin American civil society positions on international climate policy and outlines ways in which Europe and Latin America can collaborate and contribute to more ambitious climate action. The report is available for download in English and Spanish.
This paper argues that developed countries have a moral and legal obligation to eliminate greenho... more This paper argues that developed countries have a moral and legal obligation to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. Further, developing countries, with support from developed countries, should be encouraged to embark on low carbon development pathways. This should happen mainly on the basis of equity and mutual collaboration and partnership.
The case for encouraging and supporting action by emerging, middle-income economies and by the least developed countries to lower the carbon-intensity of their economies and to integrate low carbon planning into long-term policy-making processes is a strong one, especially because they are already affected by the adverse impacts of climate change.
Low Carbon Development Strategies go beyond conventional »mainstreaming« of climate concerns into policy-making. Low carbon development provides economic and social opportunities.
It involves laying out a low carbon development path and designing a comprehensive framework that will significantly benefit investment, employment and income generation, and technical innovation and will result in increased efficiency and reduced costs. In the process, a balance is struck between emissions reduction and avoidance, on the one hand, and a country’s adaptability and resilience, on the other. However, there is no ›one-size-fits-all‹ package of solutions that delivers sustainable development.
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Papers by Hans J H Verolme
Under BAU, the share of population without access to electricity increases to 47% of the population. Under a Green Transition scenario, over 90% of people have access to electricity, with about half using clean off-grid solutions. The on-grid share of renewables (excl. large hydropower) represents 15% of the energy mix and the country’s decarbonisation pledges are comfortably met.
Stakeholder consultation was central to the design of the scenarios. They were involved through interviews in scenario development, validation of assumptions and assessment of the implications and uncertainties. The article, data and model can be accessed for free at https://lnkd.in/dkuNEyy
Forthcoming special issue: Development and Mitigation Pathways
- to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services,
- to increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, and
- to double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
will require investment beyond business as usual by households, government at all levels, and businesses large and small. While the role of business is crucial and can be constructive, vested corporate interests are also working to undermine this goal.
The case for encouraging and supporting action by emerging, middle-income economies and by the least developed countries to lower the carbon-intensity of their economies and to integrate low carbon planning into long-term policy-making processes is a strong one, especially because they are already affected by the adverse impacts of climate change.
Low Carbon Development Strategies go beyond conventional »mainstreaming« of climate concerns into policy-making. Low carbon development provides economic and social opportunities.
It involves laying out a low carbon development path and designing a comprehensive framework that will significantly benefit investment, employment and income generation, and technical innovation and will result in increased efficiency and reduced costs. In the process, a balance is struck between emissions reduction and avoidance, on the one hand, and a country’s adaptability and resilience, on the other. However, there is no ›one-size-fits-all‹ package of solutions that delivers sustainable development.
Under BAU, the share of population without access to electricity increases to 47% of the population. Under a Green Transition scenario, over 90% of people have access to electricity, with about half using clean off-grid solutions. The on-grid share of renewables (excl. large hydropower) represents 15% of the energy mix and the country’s decarbonisation pledges are comfortably met.
Stakeholder consultation was central to the design of the scenarios. They were involved through interviews in scenario development, validation of assumptions and assessment of the implications and uncertainties. The article, data and model can be accessed for free at https://lnkd.in/dkuNEyy
Forthcoming special issue: Development and Mitigation Pathways
- to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services,
- to increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, and
- to double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
will require investment beyond business as usual by households, government at all levels, and businesses large and small. While the role of business is crucial and can be constructive, vested corporate interests are also working to undermine this goal.
The case for encouraging and supporting action by emerging, middle-income economies and by the least developed countries to lower the carbon-intensity of their economies and to integrate low carbon planning into long-term policy-making processes is a strong one, especially because they are already affected by the adverse impacts of climate change.
Low Carbon Development Strategies go beyond conventional »mainstreaming« of climate concerns into policy-making. Low carbon development provides economic and social opportunities.
It involves laying out a low carbon development path and designing a comprehensive framework that will significantly benefit investment, employment and income generation, and technical innovation and will result in increased efficiency and reduced costs. In the process, a balance is struck between emissions reduction and avoidance, on the one hand, and a country’s adaptability and resilience, on the other. However, there is no ›one-size-fits-all‹ package of solutions that delivers sustainable development.