Summary report, 24–25 February 2015

The meeting of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (CCAC) Working Group took place from 24-25 February 2015 in Kathmandu, Nepal. More than 100 participants attended the meeting which focused on developing a 5-year Strategic Plan for the CCAC, as requested by Ministers and Heads of the CCAC Partner organizations.

Agenda items on Partners in Action, Demonstrating Impact, the 5-Year Strategic Plan and on Initiatives and the Communications group were addressed on Tuesday. Breakout sessions on the 5-year Strategic Plan also convened on Tuesday. On Wednesday, participants heard from the Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) and received an update on initiatives with new funding requests.

During the meeting, the Working Group made progress on developing key elements of the Strategic Plan. It also approved the SAP Work Plan, together with six funding requests for Initiatives on Agriculture, Diesel, Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Regional Assessment and Supporting National Planning for Action on SLCPs (SNAP). The Working Group also adopted decisions on Demonstrating Impact, the 5-Year Strategic Plan, and the Road to Paris. Requests from UN-HABITAT and the Smart Freight Centre to join the CCAC were approved, bringing membership to 103.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CCAC

The CCAC is a voluntary international coalition of governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which focuses on addressing short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). The CCAC was created in February 2012 by Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Sweden and the US, together with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). It is open to countries and non-state actors, and currently has 103 partners consisting of 46 country partners and 55 non-state partners.

SLCPs include black carbon, methane, tropospheric ozone and some HFCs. These pollutants have a near-term warming influence on the climate, and, in many cases, are also harmful air pollutants that affect human health, agriculture and ecosystems. The objectives of the CCAC include raising awareness of impacts and transformative mitigation strategies of SLCPs. It also seeks to: enhance and develop new national and regional actions; promote best practices and showcase successful efforts; and improve scientific understanding of SLCP impacts and mitigation strategies.

INITIATIVES: The CCAC has approved 11 Initiatives. Its seven sectoral Initiatives include:

• accelerating methane and black carbon reductions from oil and natural gas production;
• addressing SLCPs from agriculture;
• mitigating SLCPs and other pollutants from brick production;
• mitigating SLCPs from municipal solid waste;
• promoting HFC alternative technology and standards;
• reducing black carbon emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles and engines; and
• reducing SLCPs from household cooking and domestic heating.

The CCAC also has four cross-cutting Initiatives on: financing mitigation of SLCPs; regional assessments of SLCPs; supporting national planning for action on SLCPs (SNAP); and urban health.

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE: The CCAC institutional structure includes the High-level Assembly (HLA), Working Group, Steering Committee, SAP and Secretariat.

 The HLA consists of ministers of state partners and heads of non-state partners. It meets at least once a year to provide strategic guidance and leadership to the CCAC. The Working Group includes focal points from each CCAC partner. It convenes at least twice a year to oversee activities.

The CCAC also has a Steering Committee composed of the two Working Group Co-Chairs, four state partners, one representative of international organizations and two NGO representatives. The Steering Committee meets every month to provide oversight support and recommendations to the HLA and Working Group. Current members of the Steering Committee are the two co-chairs from Chile and Norway, plus Canada, Cote d’Ivoire, the Netherlands, the United States, the World Bank, the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies and the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development.

The CCAC Secretariat is hosted by UNEP in its Division of Technology, Industry and Economics in Paris, France. The SAP consists of 14 scientists, including ex-officio the UNEP Chief Scientist.

REPORT OF THE MEETING

OPENING

The CCAC Working Group Meeting opened on Tuesday morning, 24 February. Hanne Bjurstrøm, Co-Chair, CCAC Working Group, welcomed participants, underlining the importance of discussing the 5-year Strategic Plan and the Strategic Framework of the CCAC.

Via video message, Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary-General and UNEP Executive Director, highlighted ongoing discussions in various multilateral processes, notably the negotiations on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of the post-2015 development agenda and the forthcoming meeting of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP) in Paris. He urged participants to focus on how the CCAC can showcase its work through relevant international networks and use science to demonstrate that implementing the specific actions on methane, black carbon and HFCs is cost-effective and has great health, environment and energy efficiency benefits.

David Molden, temporary Co-Chair, during this Working Group meeting (replacing Chile’s Vice Minister Marcelo Mena), and Director-General, ICIMOD, underlined the role of ICIMOD in improving assessment of the effects of air pollution on mountains and the resulting negativeimpacts on health and tourism. He highlighted the importance of bringing more policy makers and scientists into the Coalition.

Govind Raj Pkharel, Vice Chair, National Planning Commission, Nepal expressed his country’s commitment to mitigating SLCPs and reported on significant efficiency improvements to cook stoves, as well as better technology and data on SLCP emissions. He called on participants to commit to formulating a Strategic Plan to leverage action, notably by the least developed countries, focusing on black carbon, with great development impact.

PARTNERS IN ACTION

UPDATE ON PARTNERSHIP and APPROVAL OF PENDING APPLICATIONS: Co-Chair Bjurstrøm introduced the item (WG/FEB2015/02 & 03), observing that the Coalition currently comprises 101 CCAC members including 46 State Partners, 13 intergovernmental organizations and 42 NGOs. She welcomed Chad, Guinea, Paraguay, Uruguay, Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) and the Network for Environment and Sustainable Development in Africa to the Coalition. She said two requests to join the CCAC had been received from UN-HABITAT and the Smart Freight Centre, and noted that the Secretariat had reviewed the applications and determined that they meet the requirements for becoming non–state partners. The CCAC Partners approved the applications, bringing total membership to 103.

OVERVIEW OF A PARTNER’S RECENT EFFORTS ON SLCPs: Providing an overview of recent efforts on SLCPs, Kenya highlighted their work on: exploiting renewable energy potential; developing improved cook stoves; replacing kerosene wick lanterns with solar lamps; and formulating ambient air quality and regulation standards. He said challenges include limited capacity to measure trends in air pollution, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and particulate matter.

CCAC SYNERGIES WITH THE UNFCCC – CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ROAD TO PARIS: France and the UN Secretary-General’s Office (UNSG) presented a joint statement on plans and perspectives looking towards UNFCCC COP 21. France explained that the Peruvian and French COP presidencies, the UNSG and the UNFCCC Secretariat have teamed up to help strengthen climate action throughout 2015 and, with the Coalition, to collectively send a clear signal that: the transition to low GHG and climate-resilient economies is technically and economically feasible; and transformation will come from cooperation.

On a vision of success in Paris, France noted that a successful new legal agreement for the post-2020 climate regime needs to include, among other things: ambitious intended nationally determined commitments (INDCs); pre-2020 and long-term finance; and an action agenda involving voluntary and inclusive partnerships with both state and non-state actors to accelerate action and support towards an ambitious agreement.

He encouraged the Coalition to play a full part in the Lima-Paris Action Agenda, which was launched at COP 20 by Peru, France and the UNSG, to catalyze efforts on climate change, contribute to the UNFCCC process and further increase ambition 2020 and support the 2015 agreement. He observed that the Action Agenda needs to be built on ambitious but concrete initiatives, with operational short-term targets, action plans and indicative long-term goals and multiple co-benefits, all which characterize the work of CCAC.

The UNSG highlighted three fulfilled objectives of the 2014 UN Climate Summit, which the CCAC contributed to: raising political will on climate change; delivering concrete actions with measurable impacts; and helping shift the climate change narrative from crisis towards a “solutions-focused” perspective, galvanizing actors across sectors.

Co-Chair Bjurstrøm discussed the Action Agenda and elaborated on opportunities to deliver on it. She noted that objectives relevant for the CCAC include: raising awareness of the multiple benefits and mitigation potential of taking targeted actions on SLCPs and showcasing achievements; bringing more partners into the Coalition; looking at how SLCPs can be incorporated into INDCs; and considering how the CCAC Strategic Plan can deliver in Paris.

Mexico showcased experiences of including SLCPs in its national climate policy strategy and law. She observed that SLCP mitigation is legally-binding and emphasized the importance of these actions for improving public health. She also highlighted the inclusion of black carbon in Mexico’s GHG inventory in 2013, but noted the need to improve the measurement of SLCP emissions and the potential of forests and soils to act as sinks.

Providing a “Road to Paris COP21 update” (WG/FEB2015/03), Sunny Uppal, Co-Chair, Communications Group, reported on, inter alia: synergies between the CCAC and the Executive Office of the UNSG in showcasing the outcomes on the SLCP deliverables of the 2014 UN Climate Summit (under Industry); the need to leverage communication via social media platforms; and a targeted plan of CCAC relevant milestone events from now until December to showcase action.

Adding further input, Kouadio Désiré N’Goran, Co-Chair of the Communication Group, encouraged Partners to share their experiences in including SLCPs in INDCs and to identify success stories and ‘human face’ experiences to help leverage outreach during COP 21.

During the ensuing discussion, participants emphasized the need to: demonstrate progress on ongoing Initiatives rather than launching new ones; focus on cities as catalysts for SLCP mitigation; and assist countries to include SLCPs in their INDCs.

DEMONSTRATING IMPACTS

UPDATE ON PROGRESS: Caroline Dickson, Chair, Demonstrating Impacts Task Force, introduced the progress report on Demonstrating Impacts (WG/FEB2015/06), noting that seven indictors/clusters have been identified: benefits; number of sources controlled and emission reductions; awareness raising; capacity building and institutional strengthening; policies and programmes; finance; and scaling up of sound practices and technologies.

Dickson observed that a preliminary set of both qualitative and quantitative indicators have been identified in all these clusters. She said not all the Initiatives may be able to report on all indicators and that baselines also need to be reported. On next steps, she highlighted the need to further refine indicators, align with the strategic plan under development, and review and develop methodologies for the indicators.

COMMENTS: Participants called for linking the work on demonstrating impacts with the development of the 5-year Strategic Plan. The need for baselines, and quantitative and qualitative indicators was emphasized, as well as the importance of using available data and disaggregating data where possible.

One participant proposed various approaches to developing indicators by considering whether changes can be either directly or indirectly attributed to CCAC Initiatives and adopting a story telling/narrative approach for communicating CCAC activities. Some participants also highlighted reporting methodology gaps and called for focusing on actions rather than reporting. Some also encouraged the Task Force to develop benefits indicators in order to gain political support for addressing SLCPs.

Reflecting on the discussion, Bjurstrøm stressed that there are clear synergies between demonstrating impacts and the development of the Strategic Plan. She also noted that in May 2015, the draft indicators for funding and reporting will be reported and the Strategic Framework will be agreed and, in September, the Strategic Plan will be finalized.

On Wednesday the draft decision was presented for consideration.

Outcome: In the decision, the Working Group welcomes progress made by the Demonstrating Impacts Task Force and entrusts it to continue its work and submit a refined list of draft indicators to the HLA in May. The Working Group acknowledges that work on methodologies and a process to collect and track data will continue to the end of 2015. The Working Group also requests the Demonstrating Impacts Task Force to coordinate with the Task Force on the 5-Year Strategic Plan to ensure alignment of mutual objectives.

5-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN

Co-Chair Bjurstrøm introduced the “Background Paper for 5-Year Strategic Plan” (WG/FEB2015/04) and informed the Working Group about the ongoing midterm review, being undertaken by an independent consultant through a stocktaking survey, interviews and desk review. She explained that some partners had met the day before to contribute lessons learned and inputs to the review, which will feed recommendations into the work on the strategic planning.

Julie Cerqueira, Co-Chair, Task Force on the 5-Year Strategic Plan, reported on results from the Consultation on the 5-Year Strategic Plan and introduced the format for the breakout session, inviting participants to brainstorm on: key ideas on goals, objectives and priority actions to incorporate in the Strategic Plan; implementation; and those to take the lead.

In the ensuing discussion, some members expressed concern over the short timeframe and consultation process for advancing the Strategic Plan, while others underscored the need to foster technological solutions and demonstrate “good business opportunities” by mitigating SLCPs.

One participant pointed out that the HLA in New York gave the Task Force the mandate to: take stock of progress to date; identify options for measuring the impact of its work; and develop a shared view of priorities for the CCAC’s future.

FEEDBACK FROM THE BREAKOUT SESSION: On Wednesday, Cerqueira reported on the discussions of the breakout group on the 5-Year Strategic Plan. She noted that participants proposed elements for a visionary preamble capturing the Coalition’s vision and a goal for all key actors, focusing on policies, regulations, investments and actions to reduce SLCPs.

She said participants discussed three objectives for the Strategic Plan: awareness raising, capacity building, and finance mobilization. She reported that they also highlighted the need to raise awareness for action on SLCPs and the opportunity to galvanize political will for action inside and outside the Coalition, and stressed the need for tools and resources to effectively communicate data and science to decision-makers. Cerqueira further noted that ideas were shared on how to engage the younger generation and the private sector via, for example, spotlight awards and local campaigns.

On capacity building, Cerqueira reported that participants discussed enhancing the knowledge platform including through best practice case studies, legislation, tools, as well as methodologies required to link health, climate and air quality. She said they exchanged ideas on how to: conduct policy forums to better share partner-partner knowledge; and increase private sector awareness of low SLCP technologies. Participants also shared views on training through workshops, study tours and the need for technology development and institutional strengthening.

On mobilizing finance, Cerqueira observed that participants highlighted the need to mobilize public and private funds to implement and scale up on-the-ground action. They exchanged ideas on how to engage sustainable investment groups and financial mechanisms to facilitate development and scaling up of relevant technologies, as well as de-risking through government-backed loans.

Participants reflected on the draft decision proposing additional issues for inclusion. One participant suggested establishing a network of parliamentary members aimed at improving policy on joined-up air-quality and climate strategies. Another called for emphasis on the costs to be avoided by early action on climate change. Others noted the need to indicate how measures will contribute to an emission reduction goal with health and crops benefit, and for such a goal to be stated explicitly. Other proposals included: stipulating the role and participation of different Coalition constituencies; and providing for the consideration of emerging issues.

Cerqueira said comments from participants would be taken on board and a zero draft would be produced by the Task Force. The decision was adopted reflecting comments made during the meeting.

Outcome: The Decision on the 5-year Strategic Plan requests the Task Force to prepare a first draft of the Strategic Plan framework, which features the main inputs provided by CCAC Partners and is informed by the outcomes of the midterm review and the demonstrating impact. The Decision includes an indicative timeline for completing the framework for delivery to the HLA in May.

INITIATIVES AND COMMUNICATION GROUP - INPUTS TO STOCKTAKING AND STRATEGIC PLAN

Co-Chair Molden opened the session, inviting initiative lead partners to present their achievements to date, lessons learned and future outlook.

Sameer Akbar, World Bank, reported on the Black Carbon Finance Study Group, which reviews strategies to direct financial flows to fund black carbon measures. He underscored the need to have a clearer assessment of the black carbon abatement measures and the opportunity to use existing financial instruments that could include black carbon reduction.

Reto Thönen, Switzerland, reported on the Mitigating Black Carbon and Other Pollutants from Brick Production Initiative, highlighting advancements in the understanding of black carbon emissions in brick production, the first results of global and regional policy and advocacy networks with producers, governments and stakeholders, and work on improved kilns.

On lessons learned, Thönen underscored: the lack of an integrated approach to measure these emissions; opportunities for technology transfer via business-to-business interactions and knowledge-based platforms; and the need to reinforce links between black carbon emissions and public health. He said the ongoing development of green indicators in this sector would be communicated to the CCAC Partners in March 2015 for feedback.

Gary Crawford, International Solid Waste Association, reported on the Municipal Solid Waste Initiative (MSWI), which has been working with cities around the world to assess and develop plans to understand and improve waste management. He stated the Initiative’s goals to reach, by 2020, 100 cities globally committed to implementing quantifiable plans to reduce SLCPs. He noted that this would benefit up to 200 million people, with significant sanitary benefits, methane capture for energy and livelihood options. Crawford outlined key challenges, including the lack of: technical capability to implement SLCP-reducing actions; large-scale financing and budgeting know-how; political and public support for waste action; and national policies, regulations and institutions to enable action.

Carlos Dora, World Health Organization (WHO), presented the Urban Health Initiative, which aims to reduce SLCPs by reinforcing the linkages between SLCP mitigation, air pollution abatement and health benefits. He discussed efforts to develop joint analysis of SLCPs with local governments, which: aims to promote long-term goals; facilitate cross-sectoral cooperation through the development of tools, capacity building and knowledge; and targets the role and capacities within the health sector, and city policymakers and planners

Sunny Uppal, Canada, reported on the work of the Communications Group, which aims to: improve stakeholder outreach; revise and update all CCAC communication elements; and work with the Secretariat to develop and diffuse toolkits for multiple stakeholders. He recalled the main outcomes of a workshop in Oslo, Norway, in January 2015, which highlighted the need to: improve SLCP campaigns; emphasize the human dimension of the CCAC’s work; and make communication locally relevant.

Uppal also mentioned the importance of identifying SLCP “ambassadors,” who could engage in future activities notably related to the implementation of the Communication Strategy, and provide support to Partners on their own communication strategies.

During the discussion, issues raised included: the need to take account of the socio-economic dimension of SLCPs; the role of international networks; funding mobilization; metrics harmonization; communicating with local communities; and the opportunities to include SLCPs in the SDGs under the multilateral negotiations under the post-2015 agenda.

2014 SAP - SCIENTIFIC UPDATE AND BRIEFINGS

Johan Kuylenstierna, Policy Director, Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), introduced the item (WG/FEB2015/07), noting that the SAP 2014 Science update covers an overview of new findings and research related to SLCPS and CCAC remit, includingon: black carbon and co-emissions; HFCs; methane; health and SLCPs; climate impacts of SLCPs; agriculture and ecosystem impacts of SLCPs; and SLCP policy.

On kerosene-fueled wick lamps and SLCPs, Kuylenstierna observed that no other major black carbon source has such a combination of readily available, affordable alternatives. He noted concerns about the future trajectory of HFCs, with a rapid increase of 7% a year reported between 2010 and 2012. He said there is still a lot of uncertainty about methane emissions, particularly from the oil and gas sector, with emission under-estimations of up to150%.

On health and SLCPs, Kuylenstierna observed that WHO estimates in 2014 attribute 4.3 million and 3.7 million deaths annually to indoor and outdoor pollution, highlighting new WHO indoor air quality emission guidelines. On SLCP policy, he pointed out that only a few studies in the peer-reviewed literature explicitly examined the effect of measures or policies designed to reduce SLCP emissions.

On planned activities for 2015, SAP proposed holding a science and policy dialogue, highlighting a number of possible topics for discussion including: status of SLCPs science since 2011; and current policy-relevant gaps in SLCP science and strategies for filling them.

Kuylenstierna introduced the 2015 SAP Work Plan (WG/FEB2015/08) focused on: keeping the Coalition informed regarding emerging science; providing expert advice and responding to questions from the Working Group and Initiatives; and assisting the Coalition to communicate effectively and accurately about SLCPs and CCAC activities.

DISCUSSION: Many participants welcomed the proposal to convene a science and policy dialogue. Other comments related to: the need for a comprehensive review of the science on HFCs and the problem of the installed HFC base which is increasing year by year; and the engagement of a science officer for the Secretariat.

One participant pointed out that the16 measures to reduce SLCPs should not define the Coalition, with another noting that reducing the use of kerosene is not one of the measures. A participant called for publishing SAP reports in peer-reviewed journals and another highlighted the possibility of tapping into the roster of experts to develop briefs and answer specific questions. Participants then approved the 2015 Work Plan (WGFEB2015/08).

UPDATES ON INITIATIVES WITH NEW FUNDING REQUEST

Co-Chair Bjurstrom introduced this agenda item (WG/FEB2015/15), in which lead partners for the six funding proposals presented achievements to date, lessons learned and the new requests. The Co-Chair asked the presenters to address comments and questions from the Steering Committee on the proposals. Uppal presented the overall Agricultural Initiative, noting the main goals, including to: reduce methane and black carbon emissions; scale up successful pilot programmes; explore the rationale for burning practices; and design new strategies to appropriately set up mitigation targets in agriculture. He emphasized efforts to link the Initiative to long-term strategies related to the 5-year Strategic Plan, focusing on demonstrating impact exercises.

Henning Steinfeld, Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), presented the Enteric Fermentation funding request (WF/FEB2015/09), highlighting methane emissions through rumen. He underscored that due to different production conditions, the Initiative must address local implementation taking into consideration economic analyses and potential barriers. He noted the importance of focusing on how emissions intensity is related to agricultural productivity.

Kevin Hicks, SEI, presented the Regional Assessment Initiative-Asia Assessment funding request (WG/FEB2015/13), highlighting the lead partners: SEI, UNEP, International Union for Air Pollution and Environment Protection Associations, ICIMOD and Mexico. Noting the goal of providing a robust policy-relevant foundation for action on SLCPs, he stated that the science should be better tailored at the regional level and recalled opportunities to advance the SLCPs agenda in Asia, due to current media interest in air pollution and political awareness.

On the lessons learned from the ongoing Latin American assessment, he noted that US$500 million is for the 2013-2015 period and highlighted the importance of: involving key stakeholders at the local/regional level; coordinating with regional organizations; and linking SLCPs assessment to other processes, such as in the Arctic region. He said Africa and the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) are potential regions for future work. 

Drew Kodjak, International Council on Clean Transportation, presented two funding requests under the Diesel Initiative-Soot Free Urban Bus Fleets (WG/FEB2015/10) and the Global Green Freight Action Plan (WG/FEB2015/11). He highlighted the opportunity to clean up all types of diesel engines and vehicles, notably in China, Mexico, Indonesia, Africa and Latin America.

Kodjak explained that the overarching goal of the Initiative is to expand the European regulatory pathway, considered to date the most efficient model for diesel phase-out. He stressed that nearly 2 million lives could be saved over the next 20 years through the widespread adoption of world class emission standards on heavy-duty vehicles.

On Green Freight, Kodjak noted the voluntary character of the Initiative with increasing levels of private sector participation; and the importance of providing technological assistance for demonstrating impact. He also underscored the need to green the supply chain and disseminate best practices, as well as harmonize data and metrics around regions.

Kuylenstierna presented the SNAP Initiative funding request to include Morocco and Peru in institutional strengthening activities and for an outreach workshop in West Asia (WG/FEB2015/14). He observed that there is a lack of awareness of SLCPs, and that the Initiative can help members to prioritize action following successful activities conducted in Mexico, Bangladesh, Colombia, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria.

Lauren Stowe, US, presented the HFCs Initiative-Capacity building funding request (WG/FEB2015/12). She highlighted the main achievements during the last three years, including: convening three technological workshops for multi-stakeholders; publishing case studies on technologies in the Cold Food Chain Sector; assisting to conclude HFC Country Inventories; and the Climate Summit Action Plan, in which Partners rally support for an HFC amendment to the Montreal Protocol, public procurement and cold chain council.

Stowe explained that the funding request aims to improve HFC analysis’ investments to determine consumption trends and to continue organizing events on HFCs phase-down alternatives.

Many participants expressed support for the initiatives. Some Partners requested clarification on issues, such as how the HFCs Initiative could learn from other initiatives. Some urged taking account of ongoing work by other organizations, such as UNEP, especially on diesel, in order to avoid duplication.

ALLOCATION TO NEW FUNDING REQUESTS

On Wednesday afternoon, the CCAC Working Group approved the following funding requests:

• Funding allocation of US$756,354 under the Agriculture approved initiative. The decision recommends fully funding phase 1 of the Initiative.
• Funding allocation of US$899,960 under the Heavy-Duty Diesel approved initiative – Soot Free Urban Bus Fleets.
• Funding allocation of US$499,350 under the Heavy-Duty Diesel approved initiative – Diesel-Global Green Freight Action Plan.
• Funding allocation of US$265,000 under the HFCs approved initiative – Capacity Building.
• Funding allocation of US$525,100 for the Regional Assessment approved initiative – Asia Assessment.
• Funding allocation of US$675,656 under the approved SNAP initiative – Adding Morocco and Peru for institutional strengthening and an outreach workshop in West Asia.

MIDTERM REVIEW, ROAD TO PARIS

MIDTERM REVIEW: On Wednesday afternoon, Valdes introduced an update on the Midterm Review and the Co-Chair proposed a decision, which participants adopted.

Final Outcome: The Working Group took note of the ongoing process and entrusted the oversight and endorsement of the inception report to the Task Force on the 5-Year Strategic Plan. The draft final report will be ready for review by 30 April. The decision states that the report will be shared with the Working Group in advance of the HLA in May 2015.

ROAD TO PARIS: The draft decision was presented on Wednesday afternoon and participants were invited to share their views. One participant advocated a clear strategy on outreach and visibility and the need for the CCAC contribution to the Action Agenda for Paris to be finalized. Others called for convening SLCP events in the lead up to Paris to draw attention to the multiple benefits of the Coalition’s work. Another participant drew attention to legal issues surrounding the inclusion of SLCPs in the INDCs, as SLCPs are not GHGs, drawing attention to the UNFCCC’s objective to reduce GHGs. 

Outcome: The CCAC will launch the 5-year Strategic Plan (with an implementation plan) at the HLA during COP 21. The CCAC will also explore progress on the initiatives launched at the 2014 UN Climate Summit, including on the Global Green Freight Action Plan; Oil and Gas Methane Partnership; HFC phasedown/cold chain/public procurement; Municipal Solid Waste; and the Agriculture Initiative. These or other initiatives will be presented, when possible, as a package to be offered to cities, notably as part of the Road to Paris.

On INDCs, Partners are encouraged to: include SLCPs respecting the guidelines of the Lima Call for Action and UNFCCC Article 2 (objective), and to comment on the draft guidance note on SLCPs related to INDCs in the SNAP Initiative.

The decision requests the Communication Group to identify new and additional outreach strategies in 2015, with specific support from France, Peru, the UNFCCC and the UNSG Climate Office.

HOUSEKEEPING

Helena Molin Valdes, Head of the CCAC Secretariat, introduced the item on Trust Fund Overview (WG FEB/2015/15), observing that the CCAC Trust Fund is in good health for 2015 with US$10,733,671 available for Initiatives as of February 2015, and an additional sum of US$6,105,431 available for 2015-17. She noted that US$26,472 has been allocated to all of the 11 Initiatives, with the biggest receivers being SNAP, Diesel and Municipal Solid Waste. She noted that 82% of funds have been allocated.

Molin Valdes acknowledged the delay in disbursing funds when funding requests have been agreed, pointing out that some requests were not accompanied by all the required information. She reassured partners that the Secretariat and UNEP are looking into improving the processes. Co-chair Bjurstrom requested Partners to give her the mandate to take up the issue with the UNEP Executive Director and to report back to the Working Group.

On Trust Fund overview, Molin Valdes highlighted the need for resource mobilization efforts to fund activities at scale in 2016 and beyond. She also listed priorities for 2014-2015, including: advocacy and outreach; maintaining a high level of commitment and capacity within the CCAC and Partners; finance; and scaling up initiatives and measuring impact.

Molin Valdes stressed that addressing the issue of slow disbursement of funds would be a priority. She presented the current Secretariat team and advanced recruitment of a Communication Officer and a Science Officer.

Martina Otto, CCAC Secretariat, highlighted “quick fixes” identified by the CCAC Steering Committee to improve the funding request process, such as the revision of the funding proposal template and the addition of two reviewers from CCAC Partners to support the Secretariat in analyzing proposals. She also stressed the need to address procurement in the near future. 

Molin Valdes announced that the next CCAC Working Group will be held on 19 May, and the next HLA on 19-20 May.

Co-Chair Bjurstrøm thanked participants for their contribution and ICIMOD for hosting the meeting, and closed the meeting at 5:45pm.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

CCAC High-Level Assembly: The CCAC High-Level Assembly will evaluate the CCAC’s progress, provide input on the direction of the CCAC’s future work and learn about the latest policy and scientific developments related to SLCPs.  dates: 19-20 May 2015  location: Geneva, Switzerland   contact: CCAC Secretariat  phone: +33-1-44-37-14-50  fax: +33-1-44-37-14-74  email: ccac_secretariat@unep.org www: http://www.ccacoalition.org/

17th Session of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Congress: The 17th session of the WMO Congress will discuss, inter alia, the strategic plan for 2016-2019, the post-2015 development agenda, aeronautical meteorology, disaster risk reduction and gender mainstreaming. dates: 25 May to 12 June 2015  location: Geneva, Switzerland  contact: WMO Secretariat  phone: +41-22-7308111  fax: +41-22-7308181  email: wmo@wmo.int  www: https://sites.google.com/a/wmo.int/cg-17/

42nd Sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies: The 42nd sessions of the Subsidiary Bodies to the UNFCCC and the ninth part of the second session of the ADP (ADP 2-9) are expected to take place in June 2015.  dates: 1-11 June 2015  location: Bonn, Germany  contact: UNFCCC Secretariat  phone: +49-228-815-1000  fax: +49-228-815-1999  email: secretariat@unfccc.int www: http://www.unfccc.int  

High-level Event on Climate Change: The President of the UN General Assembly will convene this high-level event, with the aim of giving momentum and adding impetus to efforts to reach a global agreement in 2015 under the UNFCCC.  date: 29 June 2015  location: UN Headquarters, New York  contact: Office of the President of the UN General Assembly  www: http://www.un.org/pga/calendar/

Our Common Future Under Climate Change: Organized by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), International Council for Science (ICSU) and Future Earth, in collaboration with a partnership of French organizations, this science-focused conference will examine the latest research around climate change. The event will touch upon: the state of knowledge on climate change; responding to climate change challenges; and collective action and transformative solutions.  dates: 7-10 July 2015  location: Paris, France  contact: Conference Secretariat  email: science@commonfuture-paris2015.org  www: http://www.commonfuture-paris2015.org/

Second SE4ALL Forum: The second annual SE4ALL Forum will continue the momentum from the launch of the UN Decade of SE4ALL (2014-2024) in June 2014. The SE4ALL initiative aims to, by 2030, ensure universal energy access to modern energy services, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency and double the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.  dates: 17-21 May 2015  location: New York City, US  contact: Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Global Facilitation Team, SE4ALL  email: forum@se4all.org www: http://www.se4all.org/

35th Meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group of the Montreal Protocol (OEWG35): OEWG35 will meet in July 2015.  dates: 13-17 July 2015  location: Geneva, Switzerland  contact: Ozone Secretariat  phone: +254-20-762-3851  fax: +254-20-762-0335  email: ozoneinfo@unep.org www: http://conf.montreal-protocol.org/

ADP 2-10: The tenth part of the second session of the ADP is expected to convene in August/September 2015.  dates: 31 August to 4 September 2015  location: Bonn, Germany  contact: UNFCCC Secretariat  phone: +49-228-815-1000  fax: +49-228-815-1999  email: secretariat@unfccc.int www: http://www.unfccc.int

CCAC Working Group Meeting: The CCAC Working Group will continue its work in guiding the CCAC’s cooperative actions.  dates: 2-3 September 2015  location: TBA  contact: CCAC Secretariat  phone: +33-1-44-37-14-50  fax: +33-1-44-37-14-74  email: ccac_secretariat@unep.org www: http://www.ccacoalition.org/

UN Summit to Adopt the Post-2015 Development Agenda: The summit is expected to adopt the post-2015 development agenda, including: a declaration; a set of Sustainable Development Goals, targets, and indicators; their means of implementation and a new Global Partnership for Development; and a framework for follow-up and review of implementation.  dates: 25-27 September 2015  location: UN Headquarters, New York  contact: UN Division for Sustainable Development  fax: + 1-212-963-4260   email: dsd@un.org www: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/post2015/summit

42nd Session of the IPCC: The 42nd session of the IPCC is expected to convene in October 2015.  dates: 6-10 October 2015 [TBC]  location: Dubrovnik, Croatia  contact: IPCC Secretariat  phone: +41-22-730-8208/54/84  fax: +41-22-730-8025/13  email: IPCC-Sec@wmo.int www: http://www.ipcc.ch

ADP 2-11: The eleventh part of the second session of the ADP is expected to convene in October 2015.  dates: 19-23 October 2015  location: Bonn, Germany  contact: UNFCCC Secretariat  phone: +49-228-815-1000  fax: +49-228-815-1999  email: secretariat@unfccc.int www: http://www.unfccc.int

27th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol: MOP27 is scheduled to consider a number of issues, including nominations for critical- and essential-use exemptions.  dates: 1-5 November 2015   location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates   contact: Ozone Secretariat  phone: +254-20-762-3851  fax: +254-20-762-0335  email: ozoneinfo@unep.org www: http://conf.montreal-protocol.org/default.aspx

UNFCCC COP 21: The 21st session of the COP to the UNFCCC and associated meetings will take place in Paris.  dates: 30 November to 11 December 2015  location: Paris, France  contact: UNFCCC Secretariat  phone: +49-228-815-1000  fax: +49-228-815-1999  email: secretariat@unfccc.int www: http://www.unfccc.int

GLOSSARY