UN opens climate centre to aid technological development

The United Nations has launched a new programme to develop technologies that help tackle climate change, following an agreement made during climate change negotiations in Doha last year.

In Nairobi this week, it was agreed that the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) would lead a consortium of 11 organisations and host the Climate Technology Centre.

The Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) aims to develop new technologies that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the effects of climate change on soil erosion and extreme weather.

In 2012, UNEP claimed that current measures to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere were not enough to avoid a dangerous temperature rise.

“Innovation is the engine of development, and replacing current technologies with cleaner, low-carbon alternatives is a vital part of tackling the causes and effects of global climate change”, said UN under-secretary-general and UNEP executive director Achim Steiner.

“Under UNEP’s leadership, the CTCN will work to accelerate the use of new technologies in improving the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in developing countries who are dealing with the impacts of climate change on a daily basis.”

The CTCN will also look to improve international partnerships to increase the diffusion of sustainable technologies, especially among local communities in developing countries.

Kandeh K Yumkella, director-general of the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) – another of the 11 organisations in the consortium – said, “The CTCN will reduce the risks and costs of technology transfer, and help developing countries make informed choices about mitigation and adaptation technologies.”

Further reading:

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