The book provides policymakers, researchers, and other interested audiences with knowledge on how to quantify and integrate and advance co-benefits in their decisions, particularly in cities. It begins with an introductory chapter that provides an overview of the concept of co-benefits, followed by a section that details quantitative approaches to estimate co-benefits, particularly in cities. A third section presents a series of case studies from the energy sector in Northeast and Southeast Asia, and a final section focuses on new perspectives on co-benefits from linking climate change with biodiversity, social justice, and through new models of co-innovation. The book is particularly timely as many countries in Asia seek to achieve objectives in the national climate policies and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Format: Hardback
Length: 185 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2021
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This book offers policymakers, researchers, and other interested parties valuable insights into quantifying and integrating co-benefits into their decisions. It begins with an introductory chapter that provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of co-benefits. This is followed by a section that delves into quantitative approaches to estimate co-benefits, particularly in urban settings. A third section showcases a series of case studies from the energy sector in Northeast and Southeast Asia. Finally, a concluding section explores new perspectives on co-benefits by linking climate change with biodiversity, social justice, and through innovative co-innovation models. The book's timeliness is underscored by the fact that many countries in Asia are actively pursuing their national climate policies and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The climate emergency presents a grave threat to the health and well-being of over a billion people in Asia, prompting policymakers to adopt clean energy, energy efficiency, and other sectoral policies. These policies not only help mitigate climate change but also bring about additional benefits, such as improved air quality, better health, and socioeconomic equity. However, policymakers often lack the analytical tools and practical experience to effectively integrate co-benefits into their decision-making processes. This has led to challenges in aligning climate and sustainable development policies in Asia.

Co-Benefits in Decision-Making: A Comprehensive Guide

This book provides policymakers, researchers, and other interested audiences with knowledge on how to quantify and integrate and advance co-benefits in their decisions. It begins with an introductory chapter that provides an overview of the concept of co-benefits. This followed by a section that details quantitative approaches to estimate co-benefits, particularly in cities. A third section presents a series of case studies from the energy sector in Northeast and Southeast Asia. A final section focuses on new perspectives on co-benefits from linking climate change with biodiversity, social justice, and through new models of co-innovation. The book is particularly timely as many countries in Asia seek to achieve objectives in the national climate policies and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Climate Emergency in Asia

The climate emergency poses an increasingly severe threat to the health and well-being of more than a billion people in Asia. Policymakers in the region have sought to curb this threat by adopting clean energy, energy efficiency, and other sectoral policies. In some cases, these policies can bring additional benefits beyond mitigating climate change. These so-called "co-benefits" -- ranging from improved air quality to better health to socioeconomic equity -- could not only offset the costs of climate mitigation but also make Asia's development more sustainable. Yet all too frequently policymakers lack the analytical methods and practical experiences to incorporate co-benefits into their decisions. This has created difficulties in aligning climate and sustainable development policies in Asia.

Quantifying and Integrating Co-Benefits

This book offers policymakers, researchers, and other interested parties valuable insights into quantifying and integrating co-benefits into their decisions. It begins with an introductory chapter that provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of co-benefits. This is followed by a section that delves into quantitative approaches to estimate co-benefits, particularly in urban settings. A third section showcases a series of case studies from the energy sector in Northeast and Southeast Asia. Finally, a concluding section explores new perspectives on co-benefits by linking climate change with biodiversity, social justice, and through innovative co-innovation models. The book's timeliness is underscored by the fact that many countries in Asia are actively pursuing their national climate policies and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Co-Benefits in the Energy Sector

The energy sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and it is also a significant source of co-benefits. For example, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind can provide clean energy, reduce air pollution, and create jobs. However, the development of these sources can also have negative impacts on biodiversity, social justice, and human health. To address these challenges, policymakers have implemented policies that promote the use of renewable energy while minimizing negative impacts. These policies include feed-in tariffs, renewable energy certificates, and carbon pricing mechanisms. However, the effectiveness of these policies can vary depending on the specific context and the implementation of the policies.

Case Studies from the Energy Sector in Northeast and Southeast Asia

The book presents a series of case studies from the energy sector in Northeast and Southeast Asia. These case studies highlight the challenges and opportunities associated with the development of renewable energy sources. For example, in Vietnam, the government has implemented a feed-in tariff program to promote the use of solar energy. However, the program has faced challenges such as high installation costs and limited access to financing. In Thailand, the government has implemented a renewable energy certificate program to promote the use of wind energy. However, the program has faced challenges such as limited availability of wind resources and high costs of wind turbines. In Indonesia, the government has implemented a carbon pricing mechanism to promote the use of renewable energy. However, the mechanism has faced challenges such as low carbon prices and limited participation by businesses. These case studies demonstrate the importance of policy coordination and collaboration between different stakeholders to achieve sustainable development goals.

New Perspectives on Co-Benefits

The book also explores new perspectives on co-benefits by linking climate change with biodiversity, social justice, and through innovative co-innovation models. For example, climate change can have negative impacts on biodiversity, but it can also provide opportunities for conservation and restoration. By linking climate change with biodiversity, policymakers can develop policies that promote the conservation of biodiversity while also mitigating climate change. Social justice is another important aspect of co-benefits. By linking climate change with social justice, policymakers can develop policies that address the root causes of climate change and promote social equity. Co-innovation models can help to bring together different stakeholders to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. For example, the Climate Innovation Center in Singapore is a platform that brings together businesses, researchers, and policymakers to develop innovative solutions to climate change. By linking climate change with biodiversity, social justice, and through innovative co-innovation models, policymakers can develop policies that are more effective and sustainable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this book provides policymakers, researchers, and other interested parties with valuable insights into quantifying and integrating co-benefits into their decisions. It begins with an introductory chapter that provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of co-benefits. This is followed by a section that delves into quantitative approaches to estimate co-benefits, particularly in urban settings. A third section showcases a series of case studies from the energy sector in Northeast and Southeast Asia. Finally, a concluding section explores new perspectives on co-benefits by linking climate change with biodiversity, social justice, and through innovative co-innovation models. The book's timeliness is underscored by the fact that many countries in Asia are actively pursuing their national climate policies and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By incorporating co-benefits into their decisions, policymakers can help to achieve sustainable development goals and create a more sustainable future for all.

Weight: 465g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811601347
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021