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: Paperback / softback
Length: 185 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2022
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 implement 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).

The Benefits of Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency

Clean energy and energy efficiency policies can bring about significant co-benefits. For example, switching to renewable energy sources can reduce air pollution, which can improve respiratory health and reduce the incidence of respiratory diseases. Energy efficiency measures can also help reduce energy consumption, which can lead to lower energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, clean energy and energy efficiency policies can create jobs and stimulate economic growth. However, the implementation of these policies can be challenging, particularly in developing countries. This is where co-benefits can play a crucial role. By quantifying and integrating co-benefits into decision-making processes, policymakers can make informed decisions that balance the costs and benefits of climate mitigation and sustainable development. This can help ensure that the benefits of clean energy and energy efficiency are realized in a sustainable and equitable manner.

Case Studies from the Energy Sector in Northeast and Southeast Asia

The energy sector in Northeast and Southeast Asia is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. However, it also presents opportunities for co-benefits. For example, renewable energy projects can provide clean energy to communities that are currently reliant on fossil fuels. Energy efficiency measures can help reduce energy consumption in industrial and commercial buildings, which can lead to lower energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, renewable energy projects can create jobs and stimulate economic growth. However, the implementation of these projects can be challenging, particularly in developing countries. This is where co-benefits can play a crucial role. By quantifying and integrating co-benefits into decision-making processes, policymakers can make informed decisions that balance the costs and benefits of climate mitigation and sustainable development. This can help ensure that the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency are realized in a sustainable and equitable manner.

New Perspectives on Co-Benefits

Co-benefits can be linked with a wide range of issues, including climate change, biodiversity, social justice, and co-innovation. For example, climate change can lead to the loss of biodiversity, which can have negative impacts on human health and the environment. By linking climate change with biodiversity, policymakers can develop policies that promote the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources. Social justice can also be linked with co-benefits. For example, policies that promote social equity can help reduce poverty and inequality, which can have positive impacts on health and well-being. Co-innovation can also be linked with co-benefits. For example, co-innovation projects can bring together different stakeholders to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. By linking co-benefits with these issues, policymakers can develop more effective and sustainable policies that address the complex challenges facing Asia.

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 decision-making processes, policymakers can make informed decisions that balance the costs and benefits of climate mitigation and sustainable development. This can help ensure that the benefits of clean energy and energy efficiency are realized in a sustainable and equitable manner.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811601378
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021