Topics

The main theme for GCET20 will be “Economic Policies for Low-Carbon Development”. The role of economic policy instruments for the transition to a low-carbon economy is widely recognized. Several instruments of this kind have been adopted around the world and can contribute to shifting private investment decisions and consumer behaviour towards cleaner and more resource-efficient production and consumption patterns.

However, in order to enhance the effectiveness of these instruments and increase their political acceptance, a consistent effort is required in order to align policies in other domains with low-carbon development priorities. Reforms in sectors such as finance, trade, land use, mobility and innovation are needed for this purpose.

In addition to papers dealing with fiscal, legal and environmental policy instruments, GCET20 invites papers addressing how broader economic and regulatory policy in fields such as infrastructure, social cohesion, urban design, agriculture and health can be harmonized with the globally agreed decarbonization targets in order to ensure climate-resilient economic development.

Other topics in which papers on market-based policies are welcome include the following:

  • Environmentally harmful subsidies
  • Air pollution
  • Sustainable transport systems and vehicles
  • Energy production and consumption
  • Sustainable finance
  • Environmental impacts of urbanisation
  • Land policies
  • Regulation of shipping and aviation emissions
  • Water policies
  • Waste management
  • Biodiversity and nature protection
  • Behavioural issues
  • Sustainable food chains