Tag Archives: Climate change

Conference Paper 7: EU HYDROGEN POLICY: What Path for a Just Energy Transition in North Africa?

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Abstract

With the European Green Deal, the EU has embarked on an journey to become climate-neutral by 2050. As a pivotal component of this strategy, green hydrogen is set to reach 10 million tonnes of production-import by 2030: an ambitious target that is difficult to achieve without contributions from third countries. To this end, the EU has increasingly engaged with its North African partners, which represent a great potential for cooperation opportunities thanks to their abundance in renewable energy resources, notably solar and wind. The convergence with the EU’s demand for clean energy thus offers a compelling backdrop for bilateral collaboration, positioning North African as a major hydrogen partner. Despite many positives that a hydrogen market in North Africa can have, its development process is not risk-free. Challenges range from energy poverty, water scarcity, and land-use conflicts, to socio-political factors, such as poor governance structures, insufficient stakeholder engagement, and the absence of clear policy frameworks. These limitations suggest that further research is needed in the study of EU hydrogen policy in North Africa. It is against this backdrop that our work wants to offer a critical inquiry on the matter, highlighting its multiple facets and interdisciplinary dimension. By exploring the concept of energy justice as an analytical perspective, we evaluate EU hydrogen policy in Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia. The intent is to shed a light on its opportunities and risks, expose instances of energy injustices, and put forth suggestions to alleviate them. Hopefully, this would enhance the effectiveness of EU hydrogen policy in fostering a more equitable and just energy transition in these regions.

 

Download the conference paper

The abstract is also available in French and Arabic

 

TNS/ FEMISE Policy Brief no.8: A window of opportunity for the South Med region to grow a thriving biotech economy through entrepreneurship

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Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) constitute about 95% of total enterprises in the South Med region and are considered the driving forces of economic growth, job creation and green and inclusive growth. Entrepreneurs, particularity start-ups, still face numerous challenges when it comes to establishing, promoting and running their businesses. Providing them with support through innovative initiatives and enhancing the ecosystem where they operate will contribute to their development. In their turn, entrepreneurs will contribute to achieving several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It is in this context that the Next Society (TNS) project and FEMISE decided to launch this initiative to produce “The Next Society Policy Briefs Series”. This series of briefs aims to better understand the challenges faced by entrepreneurs (through the lens of the entrepreneurs themselves) and to provide tailor-made operational policy recommendations. These briefs are based on collaborative work and exchange of knowledge and experience between the researcher(s)/author(s) and the entrepreneur(s), many of which have benefited from TNS project, ensuring their relevance and impact.

The eighth TNS/ FEMISE Policy Brief, entitled ” A window of opportunity for the South Med region to grow a thriving biotech economy through entrepreneurship“, by Abd El Hamid Sherief, American University in Cairo (AUC), is available here

Summary:

South-Mediterranean countries are in need of increased economic diversification as a way to create jobs and increase resilience to the volatile global economy. One path towards such diversification is to enhance the entrepreneurial potential in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) like green and blue biotechnology and their water-energy-food applications. Globally, agricultural biotechnology (technologies used to modify living organisms: plants, animals, and microorganisms), was valuated at 50.05 billion USD in 2019 with expectations of reaching 72.2 billion USD in 2024. Also, blue biotechnology (biotech applications related to marine ecology and resources) within the European Union (EU) region has witnessed investments of 336 million Euros in the period between 2014 and 2020 and as South Mediterranean countries enjoy a substantial coastal line; similar economic potential can be harnessed. These two subcategories of biotechnologies can potentially provide economic opportunities to South-Mediterranean countries especially if circular economy entrepreneurship was encouraged and administrative procedures were streamlined.

This policy brief aims to show how the biotech sector, in its waste valorization and bio-blue economy aspects, could thrive in the South-Med region if supported with appropriate policies that are science-informed and empowering to entrepreneurial innovation allowing for a more enabling startup ecosystem. The brief shows that while global competition may affect the ability of South Mediterranean countries to pursue ambitious biotech industrialisation in highly technical medical fields, agricultural biotech and blue bio-economy entrepreneurship could be easier to scale up; especially with rising global interest in regenerative / low impact water-energy-food nexus solutions and carbon fixation. The brief provides insights of concern to policy makers, based on the entrepreneurial experiences of three early-stage blue and agri- biotech startups. Academic-industrial integration, administrative reform and synergetic links with the emerging IT industry in South-Med region, are highlighted, among other parameters, as policies in need of implementation. In addition, harnessing the power of North-South and regional collaboration and the drive towards environmentally friendly businesses, could help encourage the emergence of more bio-entrepreneurs in South-Med countries.

Watch this video by the author of the Brief and the entrepreneurs who are sharing their experiences,  highlighting the challenges and providing recommendations and lessons learnt.

*This Policy Brief and this Video are produced as part of the series of TNS/FEMISE Policy Briefs on “Entrepreneurship in South Mediterranean Countries” that is undertaken in partnership between FEMISE and ANIMA Investment Network.

*”This policy brief and this Video have been produced with the financial support of the European Union. The contents of these products are the sole responsibility of the authors and entreprenerus and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.”

FEMISE MED BRIEF no19 : “Reforming Fossil fuel Subsidies: Challenges and Opportunities for Mediterranean countries”

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Stéphane Pouffary & Guillaume de Laboulaye

The FEMISE Policy Brief series MED BRIEF aspires to provide Forward Thinking for the EuroMediterranean region. The briefs contain succinct, policy-oriented analysis of relevant EuroMed issues, presenting the views of FEMISE researchers and collaborators to policy-makers.

The MED BRIEF “Reforming Fossil fuel Subsidies: Challenges and Opportunities for the South and East Mediterranean countries”, is available here (in french).

Also available in Arabic by clicking here.


Abstract: Fossil fuel subsidies have been used for decades to support economic activities, but above all, officially, to enable poorest households to access low-cost energy services. That being the case, regardless of the country, this reality remains highly questionable given that most of these subsidies benefit the wealthiest households who consume much more energy than lower and middle-income households. Moreover, these subsidies are incompatible with a low-carbon society and they contribute to maintaining unsustainable systems from an environmental, economic and social point of view, creating an energy dependence on exporting countries. This policy brief focuses on the issues and challenges of reforming fossil fuel subsidies in Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries. It reminds that, far from their initial objective, these subsidies contribute on the one hand to slow down the achievement of national climate commitments and, on the other hand, to increase social and economic imbalances.

The list of FEMISE MED BRIEFS is available here.

The policy brief has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union within the context of the FEMISE program. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of the authors and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union

Mediterranean Youth Climate Network, FEMISE and IM conclude a partnership for the Environment and Youth in the Mediterranean

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Mediterranean Youth Climate Network (MYCN), FEMISE and Institut de la Méditerranée conclude a strategic partnership in favour of the Environment and Youth in the Mediterranean

Press release – March 22 2019

Mediterranean Youth Climate Network (MYCN), FEMISE and Institut de la Méditerranée conclude a strategic partnership in favour of the Environment and Youth in the Mediterranean

MYCN, Institut de la Méditerranée and FEMISE announce their collaboration in the framework of a strategic partnership. The three institutions are committed actors in their efforts to contribute to inclusive and sustainable development models, to promote environmental and youth-inclusion values at the Mediterranean and international levels. They are aware of the need to pool means in order to act for strengthening the impact and outreach of messages, as well as to enrich knowledge.

The works of the FEMISE think-tank and of Institut de la Méditerranée show that new models are needed in the Mediterranean to bring about economic, social and environmental change and to show the whole society the potential of young Mediterranean people as solution-makers. For its part, MYCN is a Mediterranean Youth Network for Climate, a place conceived for the sharing of ideas and the implementation of concrete actions. It is also a place for the capitalization of the know-how of young people around the Mediterranean, placing them at the forefront of climate action, which is a major priority for the region.

Therefore, this partnership aims to create a multidisciplinary and dynamic virtuous circle in the Mediterranean, allowing for impactful proposals and actions to emerge. It will focus on themes ranging from the fight against Climate Change, Water-related issues and the promotion of Sustainable Development, to Responsible Entrepreneurship dynamics carried by the youth and the role of young people in Research and Innovation. Amongst other things, the partners will deploy their cooperation efforts to:

  • elaborate and develop cooperation projects for young people in the euro-mediterranean region,
  • create, animate and promote a set-up to allow for a Mediterranean ecosystem of young people with environmental impact to emerge,
  • organize joint events and publications and carry out awareness-raising in the countries around the Mediterranean.

For MYCN, FEMISE and Institut de la Méditerranée, it’s not just about talking regarding the youth, but about working with them and including them for inclusive and sustainable solutions in the Mediterranean!

For more information, please contact :

MYCN : Hajar Khamlichi, President, Mediterranean Youth Climate Network, hajarkhamlichi32@gmail.com www.facebook.com/MYCNetwork/      

IM / FEMISE :
Dr. Constantin Tsakas, General Manager of Institut de la Méditerranée, General Secretary of FEMISE c.tsakas@femise.org ++ 33 (0)4 91 31 51 95
www.femise.org

FEMISE and Institut de la Méditerranée at COP24 (Katowice, Poland) !

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12/12/2018

Socio-Economic intricacies related to Climate Change Towards an EU-Med research agenda and actions (Proceedings of COP24 Workshop)

On the 12th of December 2018, the second side-event co-organized by Union for the Mediterranean, FEMISE, Institut de la Méditerranée, and Energies2050 took place during Cop24 at Katowice, Poland. Entitled “Socio-Economic intricacies related to Climate Change towards an EU-Med research agenda and actions“, this round table was particularly rich in discussions around the role of research in Climate Action in general and on the role of collaboration between stakeholders in order to instigate social change.

Indeed, Jorge Borrego, UfM Senior Deputy Secretary General, Energy Climate Action, Higher Education and Research stated that “a continuous and coordinated action between stakeholders and experts is the key to optimize the fight against climate change”. In order to ask all the relevant questions and provide innovative and forward thinking solutions to local and regional structural obstacles, the Deputy Secretary General highlighted the need to bring together the different approaches to the issues of sustainable development, in general and climate change initiatives, in particular. Jorge Borrego added that the UfM’s approach to climate action is to work with the 5 key actors of climate change negotiations in the South Med, namely the people, the governments and subnational authorities, the private sector actors, the research institutes and experts, and the local, regional and Euro-Med NGOs. As Jorge Borrego said: “It is essential to talk with people and not only about them”.

COP24, Katowice, Pologne, pavillon ENERGIES2050

One of the latest collaborations of UfM is with MEDECC, a Marseille-based network of experts to support decision-making. Joël Guiot, MEDECC expert, participated to the workshop where he presented the role of MEDECC as an essential scientific platform for informing all relevant stakeholders of the newest updates concerning climate change. In order to prepare for improved assessments and a comprehensive synthesis of global change knowledge in the Mediterranean region, he stressed the need to have networks of scientists working towards a regional science-policy interface for climatic and other environmental changes across the Mediterranean. Joël Guiot also announced the latest UfM-funded report that MEDECC is preparing which aims both at identifying gaps in the current research on climate change and its impacts in the Mediterranean and to provide concrete solutions to locals and decision makers in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean Countries.

Jorge Borrego (UfM), Constantin Tsakas (IM, FEMISE)

On the other hand, all panelists stressed on the importance of establishing reliable monitoring and reporting mechanisms. The South Med region lacks data on environmental issues making this a priority in the region. Constantin Tsakas, General Manager of Institut de la Méditerranée and General Secretary of FEMISE, highlighted the need for a Mediterranean data observatory that would gather robust data on environmental issues in the South Med region, which could be made available publically allowing to remove gaps and to enhance research and policy-making. He also highlighted the fact that environmental questions must be treated in a transversal thematic approach. Researchers and policy makers should consider environmental issues, climate change and the transition towards renewable energies not only as isolated priorities but mostly as transversal issues that influence and are influenced by sectors such as agriculture, energy, urbanism, etc.

Joël Guiot (MEDECC), Stéphane Pouffary (ENERGIES2050, Jorge Borrego (UfM)

Meanwhile, Stéphane Pouffary, Executive Director of ENERGIES 2050 stressed on the importance of knowledge sharing and of building concrete collaboration mechanisms between the territories of the Euro-Med region. He presented the 2018 edition of the ENERGIES2050/FEMISE/Institut de la Mediterranee report entitled “The challenges of climate change in the Mediterranean”. This report is a flagship report discussing climate change matters and the different implications of global warming and climate deregulation in the region. “Scientists need to demonstrate opportunities by transforming constraints into potential investments and this role is possible because of the existence of a review process that is transparent and consistent” stated Stéphane Pouffary. He also stressed on the need for reliable data to provide policy makers with relevant recommendations that answer the needs of locals.

Constantin Tsakas (IM, FEMISE), Karolina Zubel (CASE), Abeer Elshenawy (American University in Cairo)

This panel also included sector-specific experts among which Karolina Zubel, Energy and Climate policies Analyst at polish think-tank CASE (FEMISE member), presenting the EUROPACE project that CASE coordinates. This initiative is a financing mechanism that aims to unlock the potential for deployment of energy saving and generation technologies to European households. In practice, EuroPACE is a form of on-tax financing building upon an existing relationship municipalities have with their citizens – the property tax system. On-tax financing is a type of financing mechanism used to collect the repayment for money that was lent for investments in building improvements that meet a ‘valid public purpose’. She added that the need for buildings that are more sustainable is shared on both the north and south of the Mediterranean and that their renovation needs to be more accessible and affordable. The potential for replication of EUROPACE in the South Med is considerable. In Morocco, for instance, the legal framework includes two potential tracks for implementation of EUROPACE including both local taxes and potential for closure measures. Moreover, the municipalities being active stakeholders of the climate action makes implementation channels adequate for local level replication.

Abeer Elshennawy, FEMISE researcher from the American University of Cairo concluded on the implications of an EU-Med research agenda on Climate Change showing the potentials of including the environmental issues into bilateral and multilateral trade agreements both for economic growth and climate action. Agriculture and Trade were the two main sectors that were stressed as particularly important for climate action in the South Med region, in general and in the Egyptian context, in particular. In order to provide concrete solutions for the current challenges we need to collaborate both with actors of the Middle East North Africa region and the European partners, stressed Abeer Elshennawy.

Panelists at the COP24 workshop by Union for the Mediterranean, IM, FEMISE and ENERGIES2050

The Deputy Secretary General of UfM agreed on the importance of Trade Integration as a priority theme in the South Med region, for climate action and in general to foster more partnership. He stressed how a 2012 UfM report on Trade Integration, carried out by FEMISE researchers Patricia Augier and Jean-Louis Reiffers, showed that 90% of trade within the EU was trade between EU countries, 9% corresponded to trade between the EU and the 15 partner countries, while trade between UfM partner countries represented only 1% of the total.

In conclusion, all panelists agreed on the importance of including all initiatives for climate action in a dynamic dialogue between stakeholders that is evolutive and gives a voice to policy stakeholders.

Make sure to also check our “IM-FEMISE COP24 Video Interviews”, conducted on the occasion of the events at Pavillon ENERGIES 2050 (11/12/2018 and 12/12/2018), organized by Institut de la Méditerranée (IM) , FEMISE, ENERGIES 2050 and the Union for the Mediterranean.

11/12/2018

The involvement of sub-national Euro-Mediterranean governments in the fight against climate change (Proceedings of COP24 Workshop)

COP24, Katowice, Pologne, pavillon ENERGIES2050

On December 11 2018, during the 24th annual conference (COP24) on the fight against climate change (Katowice, Poland), a side event was organized jointly by the Union for the Mediterranean, Institut de la Méditerranée, FEMISE and ENERGIES2050 on the theme of “The involvement of sub-national Euro-Mediterranean governments in the fight against climate change”

This workshop brought together a panel of climate specialists, economists and political representatives to discuss the new report “Euro-Med sub-national governments in the fight against climate change: a framework for action, an example of the SUD Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region and opportunities for cooperation on a Mediterranean scale “. This study proposes a photograph of the context, the potential and some examples of actions of the Mediterranean territories in the face of climate change.

Constantin Tsakas (General Manager IM, General Secretary FEMISE), Jorge Borrego (Deputy Secretary General UfM), Magnus Berntsson (President of the European Assembly of Regions)

As mentioned in the report, the European framework allows regions to put in place effective strategies for resilience and in the fight against climate change, agreed Magnus Berntsson, President of the European Assembly of Regions. Meanwhile, according to Jorge Borrego, UfM Deputy Secretary – Energy and Climate Action, it is really at the regional level that climate action can succeed. Regions are the real drivers of action to bring about change and ensure the sustainability of initiatives that mediate between public authorities and local people. The priorities for Territorial Cooperation on Climate and Energy in the South Med region therefore lie in the creation of an environment allowing the proliferation of climate initiatives within a joint and coordinated action between actors at different levels and in different sectors.

Stéphane Pouffary (ENERGIES2050) and Constantin TSAKAS (IM, FEMISE) presenting the IM/FEMISE/ENERGIES2050 study

“The SUD PACA region can serve as an example for other Mediterranean territories in order to capitalize on initiatives and share the experience of this region for a more effective fight”. Dr. Constantin Tsakas (General Manager of Institut de la Méditerranée, General Secretary of FEMISE), one of the publication editors of the study, described the usefulness of going back on the lessons that the case of the SUD region puts forward. A platform at the service of territories, offering the possibility to capitalize, to exchange, to train, to allow a dialogue with the world of regional statistics and to offer technical assistance, could be supported at the regional level. In addition, on the EU-Med level, private sector involvement could provide interesting answers. Among the proposed actions, the creation of an “ERASMUS of social and environmental entrepreneurship” to cultivate entrepreneurial skills with social and environmental impact especially with regards to young people.

Particular emphasis was placed on sharing and collaboration between the different stakeholders in climate action and resilience. Stéphane Pouffary, Director ENERGIES 2050 calls for “going beyond the fight against climate change to have a coordinated and positive struggle for well-being and sustainable development”. Moreover, as Magnus Berntsson pointed out, sustainable development and SDGs can not be detached from the NDCs and commitments of the Paris agreement. To treat them separately would be reductive and non-efficient. Thus, networking in the South of the Mediterranean would not only provide a better approach to the SDGs but would also have a positive impact on national climate commitments, a point shared by all panelists.

Panelists at the COP24 workshop by IM, FEMISE, Union for the Mediterranean and ENERGIES2050

To promote these climate initiatives and highlight the conditions for collaboration between the various stakeholders, it is essential to create a comprehensive legal incentive framework that supports private and public initiatives in their fight against climate change and capacity building of local societies. Jean-Charles Lardic, Director of Planning, City of Marseille, stressed the importance of providing a legal framework for Euro-Med cooperation, as the southern shore of the Mediterranean would greatly benefit from a rapprochement on the legal issues and legal framework for climate action.

The clarification of the legal frameworks for climate action in the South Med region would also make the region more attractive to foreign donors, thus providing more transparency and insurance for investments. Carlos de Freitas, Director of Programs, Global Fund for Cities Development, emphasized that to enable sustainable financing in the Mediterranean, expertise on climate issues needs to be strengthened at the state, general and territorial levels in particular.

Abeer ElShenway (American University in Cairo, FEMISE), Hajar Khamlichi (Mediterranean Youth Climate Network) and Arnault Graves (Union for the Mediterranean)

In addition, the role of young people from the South Mediterranean region was highlighted during the debates that ended the workshop. The intervention of Hajar Khamlichi, President of the Mediterranean Youth Climate Network, emphasized that young people carry innovative solutions and projects with socio-ecological sensitivity that would create a real virtuous circle for a structural change from within the local ecosystems. Hence the need to support them in their social entrepreneurship project, a topic that was discussed during the presentation of possible solutions suggested by the report and presented by Guillaume De Laboulaye, ENERGIES 2050 expert and FEMISE member.

The report is available at: https://www.femise.org/publications/rapport_thema/rapport-les-gouvernements-infranationaux-euro-med-dans-la-lutte-contre-le-changement-climatique/

11/12/2018

COP24 : 3 questions to…Dr. Constantin Tsakas, General Manager of Institut de la Méditerranée – General Secretary of FEMISE

  1. Who are Institut de la Méditerranée and FEMISE?

Institut de la Méditerranée (IM, Marseille) is an institute of economics, founded in 1994 by the PACA Region, the General Council Bouches-du-Rhône, the City of Marseille City and the CCIMP. Its initial objective: to make Marseille a major center of reflection on the future of the Euro-Mediterranean zone by collaborating with Europe and the Southern Mediterranean countries. Therefore, IM produces research and actions to promote the development of the Mediterranean territories and to advance the Euro-Mediterranean territorial cooperation. This is also how IM and ERF (Economic Research Forum, Cairo) are co-founders and coordinators of FEMISE, a historic think-tank based in Marseille that brings together more than 100 research institutes from the North and South of the Mediterranean. FEMISE, funded in large part by the European Commission (DGNEAR) has a research agenda that revolves around four thematic axes: Trade Integration, Private Sector Development, Climate and Energy and finally Inclusiveness.

With our approach, which we consider as “Science for Policy” & “Science for Business”, we want to move towards inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Through our research and multi-stakeholder dialogue, we are raising the awareness of state actors in the North and especially the South to the need to develop affordable and green energy by 2030 (SDG 7). In addition, our actions contribute to raising awareness on and acting for the implementation of other SDGs, in particular SDG9 “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure” which is a key vector of economic growth and development. That is why we actively participate in THE NEXT SOCIETY project to support innovation in the Mediterranean. In addition, our actions respond to the issues of SDG10 “Inequalities Reduced”. Here, FEMISE and IM have undertaken an ambitious effort for the emergence of Social Entrepreneurship (ES) ecosystems, by associating the EU-MED cooperation communities with the main actors of social impact and support for entrepreneurship. We recently gathered some of these actors during a workshop, “Social Change Makers”, at the summit EMERGINGVALLEY2018 (Marseille, November 20, 2018).

  1. You stress that climate change is generating increased socio-economic complexifications in the Euro-Mediterranean region. What is the situation in the region and what answers do you hope to bring?

In the Mediterranean, climate change involves many risks for ecosystems and for the well-being of populations. The Mediterranean territories of Europe are the most vulnerable on the continent and the Mediterranean territories of the South and East of the basin are at the forefront at the world level. Therefore, we believe that it is first and foremost crucial to update and consolidate scientific knowledge on climate and environmental disturbances in the Mediterranean basin and to make them accessible to decision-makers, key stakeholders and citizens. That is why we are co-organizing a workshop with the Union for the Mediterranean and ENERGIES2050 (12 December 2018) which will allow to exchange between academics, practitioners and institutional representatives on ways to enrich the research program and the Euro-Med actions on climate change. By joining forces with the UfM, the reach of the messages for an impact on sustainable development in the Mediterranean can only be reinforced.

It should also be noted that the main challenges we encounter in the Mediterranean are i. the frequent absence of reliable data related to sustainable development and ii. limited interest in climate issues by the majority of public authorities in the South Bank. Thus in our strategy we wish to intensify our efforts on three axes:

  • By continuing to fund research on Sustainable Development (SD) and Inclusive Strategies to be followed in the Mediterranean and on issues related to Climate Change,
  • Contributing to the establishment of National Advocacy Panels in the South to act directly with policy makers,
  • Contributing to the development of a SD Data Observatory on the Mediterranean.

We favor an inclusive multi-stakeholder approach and call on all concerned to contribute to this common effort. Sharing of resources and common knowledge is essential. 

  1. With regard to knowledge sharing, you are presenting the study “Euro-Med Subnational Governments in the Fight Against Climate Change” at a second COP24 workshop. How does the SUD Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, illustrated in your report, offer examples for the EU-Med?

Indeed, another workshop, in collaboration with the same partners, will take place on December 11 and will present the study that the IM has carried in partnership with FEMISE and ENERGIES2050 on “The sub-national governments Euro-Med in the fight against climate change: Framework for action, example of the SUD Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region and opportunities for cooperation on a Mediterranean scale “.

What we observe is that, globally, the action of communities, in France in general and in the SUD Region in particular, benefits from an incentive and coherent legal framework, which is supported by regional information systems provided, but also by the possibility of mobilizing many levers of European, national and regional funding. The communities of the SUD PACA Region have engaged in the implementation of integrated climate strategies in the form of PCET (Climate Territorial Energy Plans) and then PCAET (Climate Climate Air Energy Plans). Even if things still need improvement, the point of view that we defend in the study is that the SUD Region can therefore make a real contribution on the climate / territory issue in the cooperation strategy with the southern and Eastern Mediterranean territories.

Our reflections underline that the SUD PACA Region could bring valuable lessons and feedbacks, notably by bringing together the results of scientific research, decision-makers and the production of information and knowledge on local development / climate issues, which remains to be built in many countries. Moreover, a platform at the service of the territories in this area offering the possibility to capitalize, to exchange, to train, to allow a dialogue with the world of regional statistics and to offer technical assistance could be supported at the regional level, particularly through nascent initiatives such as the Mediterranean House of Climate.

Our study also emphasizes, more generally, on how the involvement of the private sector in EU-Med cooperation could provide interesting answers. Proposals for actions to be undertaken in the field of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation could include the creation of an “ERASMUS of social and environmental entrepreneurship” to cultivate entrepreneurial skills with social and environmental impact particularly with regard to the youth. Many other lines of thought are advanced in this study which was made available on December 7, 2018 on the FEMISE website.

Article in collaboration with ENERGIES2050 : http://energies2050.org/

09/12/2018

FEMISE and INSTITUT DE LA MEDITERRANEE (IM) partners in a third COP24 workshop! (December 13, Katowice, Poland)

FEMISE and INSTITUT DE LA MEDITERRANEE (IM) are delighted to join the workshop “Legal Transition, a dynamic of change initiated by local actors to help meet climate challenges in a vision of sustainable development based on a “humanistic vision””, organized by the city of Marseille and Energies 2050. Are also partners Barreau de Marseille, the Friends of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Green Cross France and Territories.

After giving a brief insight into the prospective and humanistic vision of the sustainable city of tomorrow, the objective of the workshop is to explore the question of Legal Transition. The workshop will allow presenting and debating the first workings of the Mediterranean Commission for Prospective Reflection on the Legal Transition which undertook to draw-up an overview of the legal evolutions considered necessary by local actors. The workings draw from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and from the need to give territories more freedom to develop horizontal approaches and create new synergies.

Dr Constantin Tsakas, General of Institut de la Méditerranée and General Secretary of FEMISE will speak on the theme of “New inclusive and sustainable models of local development, which require revisiting legal frameworks”.

The program of the workshop is available (in french) by clicking here.

07/12/2018 (UPDATE)

Report “Euro-Med sub-national governments in the fight against climate change”

INSTITUT DE LA MEDITERRANEE (IM), FEMISE and association ENERGIES2050, announce the publication of the final version of the report on “Euro-Med sub-national governments in the fight against climate change: Framework for action, example of Région SUD Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and opportunities for cooperation at the Mediterranean level “

This report, articulated in three chapters, offers a photograph of the initiatives and dynamics undertaken by Région SUD (France) in the fight against the effects of climate change and also fits within the framework of the great Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.

The report (in french) is available for download by clicking here.

 

07/12/2018

FEMISE and UfM collaborate on two COP24 workshops ! (11 & 12 December, Katowice, Poland)

FEMISE and Institut de la Méditerranée are thrilled to announce their collaboration with the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and ENERGIES2050 (member of FEMISE) on two COP24 workshops (Katowice, Poland) !

The programmes for the two workshops (December 11th and 12th) are available   here (11/12)   and   here (12/12).

WORKSHOP  1 « The involvement of sub-national Euro-Mediterranean governments in the fight against climate change » (11/11/20118) : In the face of climate change, Europe’s Mediterranean areas are among the most vulnerable in the continent, and the southern and eastern Mediterranean territories of the basin are also at the forefront. The impacts of climate change are already costly, both economically and socially, and call into question the attractiveness of territories while challenging the European objectives for regional cohesion and inclusive growth in the countries of the South Bank.

This round table live-broadcast will be the opportunity to formally present the IM / FEMISE / ENERGIES 2050 study on “The involvement of sub-national Euro-Mediterranean governments in the fight against climate change: a framework for action, an example of Region SUD-Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur and opportunities for cooperation on the Mediterranean scale “. After a presentation of the issues and challenges but also opportunities to act, multi-stakeholder discussions (with representatives of the UfM, the President of the Assembly of European Regions, FEMISE experts, etc.) will allow an in-depth dialogue on Euro-Med cooperation dynamics. It will also be necessary to situate local climate governance in the broader context of Europe and the Europe-Mediterranean-Africa axis.

WORKSHOP 2 “Socio-Economic intricacies related to Climate Change Towards an EU-Med research agenda and actions” (12/11/20118) : In the Mediterranean, climate change implies numerous risks for ecosystems and for human well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to update and consolidate the best scientific knowledge about climate and environmental perturbations in the Mediterranean basin and to make it accessible to policy-makers, key stakeholders and citizens. The objective of this Broadcasted RoundTable is to exchange between academics, practitioners and institutional representatives on ways to enrich the EU-Med research agenda and actions on climate change.

Report “Euro-Med sub-national governments in the fight against climate change”

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FEMISE is pleased to announce the publication of the report on “Euro-Med sub-national governments in the fight against climate change: a framework for action, an example of the SUD Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region and opportunities for cooperation at the Mediterranean scale.

The report (in french) is available for download by clicking here.

 

Press Release

December 7, 2018 – Report release

By INSTITUT DE LA MEDITERRANEE and its partners, FEMISE and ENERGIES2050

INSTITUT DE LA MEDITERRANEE (IM)[1] and its partners, FEMISE and association ENERGIES2050, announce the publication of the final version of the report on “Euro-Med sub-national governments in the fight against climate change: Framework for action, example of Région SUD Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and opportunities for cooperation at the Mediterranean level “

This report, articulated in three chapters, offers a photograph of the initiatives and dynamics undertaken by Région SUD (France) in the fight against the effects of climate change and also fits within the framework of the great Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.

The first chapter deals with the “Framework for action of the Mediterranean territories of Europe in the face of climate change“. It underlines that subnational governments face many challenges in implementing an ambitious and integrated climate action. Issues of access to finance, capacity to design strategies adapted to territorial issues, relying on local data, action monitoring (MRV) and the need for support and framing from higher echelons of governance are crucial.

The second chapter deals with “The territorial response to climate issues in the Mediterranean: the example of the Région SUD“. The report notes that the action of local authorities, in France in general and in the Région SUD in particular, benefits from an incentive and coherent legal framework, which is supported by regional information systems provided. In accordance with the policies adopted at the national level, the communities of Région SUD have engaged in the implementation of integrated climate strategies in the form of PCET (Climate Territorial Energy Plans) and then PCAET (Climate Air Energy Territorial Plans). Beyond this process, there is a proliferation of initiatives aimed in particular at better involving all actors in climate action. However, the transparency of the results of these actions remains relatively weak.

The third chapter covers the theme of “Cooperations, territories and climate at the scale of the Mediterranean basin and beyond” and offers many tracks for reflection for the future. One of the first reflections revolves on placing the climate / territory issue at the center of the Euro-Mediterranean cooperation strategy. Région SUD could bring valuable feedbacks. In addition, a platform at the service of territories in this area offering the possibility to capitalize, to exchange, to train, to allow a dialogue with the world of regional statistics and to offer technical assistance could be supported at the regional level, in particular through emerging initiatives such as the Mediterranean House of Climate.

The growing involvement of the private sector could also generate relevant initiatives. Proposals for action on Euro-Mediterranean cooperation could include the creation of an “ERASMUS of social and environmental entrepreneurship” and a Mediterranean Initiative for Social and Environmental Finance, aligning business creation and capital flows with the objectives of reducing local social and environmental externalities.

This report is rooted in IM’s willingness to mobilize its network and partners to contribute to debates on a shared commitment to climate issues. It is also part of the follow-up on the background work on climate and territorial issues that has been carried out for years by ENERGIES 2050, particularly in the context of the development and implementation of low-carbon territorial strategies. In view of the follow-up given to the international event “Mediterranean of the Future”, organized by Région SUD (21 November 2017, in Marseille), IM, FEMISE and ENERGIES 2050 believe in the unifying capacity of our territory on these issues. This report also builds on the momentum generated by the workshop “Climate change in a Mediterranean in transition” (May 15, 2018, Marseille, co-organized with the Departmental Council of Bouches-du-Rhône), which allowed to illustrate territorial solutions for climate challenges in the Euro-Mediterranean region. The effective support of the Departmental Council of Bouches-du-Rhône has reinforced a real multi-stakeholder movement that has only strengthened this relationship. Exchanges with the services of the City of Marseille, particularly on issues of sustainable development and engineering of local governance, were also valuable.

This report is intended to become a regular publication.

It is available by clicking here.

It is also available on the website of ENERGIES2050.

For more information, please contact:

IM / FEMISE: Dr. Constantin Tsakas, General Manager of Institut de la Méditerranée, General Secretary of FEMISE c.tsakas@femise.org – + 33 (0)4 91 31 51 95 www.femise.org

ENERGIES 2050: Stéphane POUFFARY, General Manager of Association ENERGIES 2050 – stephane.pouffary@energies2050.org – +33 (0)6 80 31 91 89 www.energies2050.org

This report was funded by IM, developed with the financial support of the European Union under the EU-FEMISE contract on “Support to Economic Research, Studies and Dialogues of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership”. The content of the publication is the sole responsibility of the authors.

[1] Founded in 1994 by the Regional Council Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur (PACA), the General Council of Bouches-du-Rhone, the City of Marseille, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Marseille Provence

Med Change Makers e02 : Simona RAMOS, Climate-Induced Migration: Issues and Solutions

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FEMISE recently launched its new series of interviews called « Med Change Makers ».

« Med Change Makers » are text and video-based interviews that allow dynamic FEMISE researchers to illustrate how their research addresses a policy-relevant question and contributes to the policy-making process in the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Med Change Makers e02 : Simona RAMOS, Climate-Induced Migration: Issues and Solutions

Interview with Simona RAMOS, Aix-Marseille Université (France), Institut de la Méditerranée and FEMISE

Simona RAMOS, Aix-Marseille Université (France), Institut de la Méditerranée and FEMISE

The latest edition of the ENERGIES2050 / Institut de la Méditerranée / FEMISE report “The challenges of climate change in the Mediterranean” provides insight into the specific place of the Mediterranean basin in the new International Climate Agenda.

Simona Ramos (Aix-Marseille University (France), Policy Researcher at Institut de la Méditerranée / FEMISE) contributed to the report by studying the link between “Migration and climate-change in the countries of the southern Mediterranean”.

In this interview, Simona Ramos offers avenues for political reflection to deal with the continuing effects of climate-induced migration.

  1. Regarding implementation efforts of the Paris Agreement which country/countries in the South Med region are examples to follow and why?

Countries in the South Med region do differ in their progress towards the implementation of the Paris Agreement. Morocco and Israel are considerably ahead in terms of policies and actions. At the core of Morocco’s current emissions reduction efforts stands the National Energy Strategy, which aims to extend the share of renewable electricity capacity to 42% by 2020 and to 52% by 2030. Morocco has demonstrated policy-in-action, with massive investment on solar energy debuting with the construction of the giant Noor solar complex (using concentrated solar power) near Ouarzazate. On the other hand, Algeria, Tunisia and Palestine, seem to be willing to take more valiant measures for mitigation and adaptation to climate change although they also face serious constraints. For example, in terms of legislation, Tunisia became one of the few countries to recognize climate change in its Constitution, even though climate related policies in the country have still a long way to improve.

  1. You suggest that there has not been enough cooperation among South-South countries. Why is this so important and what are your suggestions in this regard?

Indeed, one of the key problems that South Med countries are facing is the lack of mutual collaboration in the implementation of their climate-based policies. A solid South‐South collaboration could foster significant improvement in the implementation of South Med policy implementation in terms of climate change. Cooperation can assist in mutual capacity building in the realm of research and development. Also, technological and know-how transfer can be fostered through Legislative and Institutional frameworks (ex. by developing technology transfer frameworks and enabling environments to integrate technology transfer policies at the national levels). The potential of South-South cooperation is vast and as such should be seriously taken into consideration.

  1. How do climate processes affect human migration? Has anything been done at the national policy level in this regard within SMCs?

Climate processes seriously affect human migration. Nevertheless, it can be argued that this topic doesn’t receive proper attention as contrary to climatic events, climatic processes occur in a gradual and cumulative way, and as such establishing a strict causal relation is difficult. Nevertheless, the effect of climate change on populations can operate in multiple ways. Water, food and land availability can be seriously affected and populations can be forced to migrate from affected areas. The South Med region has been among the most climatically affected regions worldwide, with sea level rise and desertification occurring on an ongoing basis. With regards to policy, what has been done so far has to do more with adaptation and mitigation measures (often as part of countries’ NDCs or NCs). Nevertheless, it can be argued that these measures do not necessarily tackle and/or fully address climate induced (forced) human migration.

  1. You state that current policy measures fail to fully address the ongoing effects of climate induced migration. Why and what are your policy suggestions to address the ongoing effects of climate induced migration in the South Mediterranean countries?

Although it can be strongly argued that current policy measures and climate based strategies are crucial with regards to climate change improvement, they are not expected to fully address the spectrum of climate change consequences, such as the one of “climatic processes-induced migration”. This is due to several reasons. Mitigation, adaptation as well as capacity building and technology transfer strategies take time to be implemented, which means that the millions of presently affected people are not likely to immediately benefit from these measures. Also, in order for these strategies to be effective, a global consensus is needed. Unfortunately, this is not always the case as recent history has shown.

One of the policy recommendations in this regard would be to incorporate climate-induced migration under the international legal framework, as an adaptation strategy rather than as a failure to adapt. In this case, having a legal status for ‘climatic migrants” would properly address and protect people crossing bothers. Other suggestions include using “planned re-alocation”, an approach that has often been incorporated in cases of natural disasters. Many have favored this approach because it usually takes place within the borders of the country, allowing for higher flexibility and avoiding the complexity of requiring international agreements.

  1. How can re-allocation measures be used to address people affected by climate induced migration?

Planned re-allocation strategies can be complex and difficult to implement especially if a country lacks institutional, technological and financial capacity.

  • At first, there should be an early identification of populations exposed to disasters and other impacts of climate change or affected by mitigation and adaptation projects associated with climate change. A National Mapping of such populations needs to be systematized and publicly shared to maximize awareness-raising.
  • Planning for relocation should be integrated within the national strategies and requires the creation of an enabling environment, including a legal basis for undertaking planned relocation, capacity-building, institutionalization, and a whole-of-government approach.
  • The sustainability of planned relocation should be assured through adequate attention to site selection, livelihoods, integration (identity and culture), and host communities, among other factors.
  • Independent, short and long-term, quantitative and qualitative monitoring and evaluation systems should be created to assess the impacts and outcomes of planned relocation.
  1. What is the Green Wall Project and what are its implications and potential for South Mediterranean countries?

Planned relocation should be an option of last resort as it is a complex and expensive process. It is necessary to enable improvement in the living conditions of areas affected by climate change. One of the most prominent projects in this regard is the Great Green Wall, an African led initiative to green the desert (by growing more plants and trees) with a goal of providing food, jobs and a future for millions of people who live in regions that are affected by climate change.

The inability to make a living from the land can be an important push factor for migration. Greening areas that are currently scarcely populated and not able to fully sustain human necessities could bring multiple benefits as i. people already living in those areas wouldn’t be forced to move and ii. these areas could also serve as potential place for reallocation for people in neighboring affected zones. Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia are already partners within this project and could serve as an example to other SMCs.

Interviewed by Constantin Tsakas

Report “The Challenges of Climate Change in the Mediterranean” (2018)

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FEMISE is pleased to announce the publication of the final version of the 2018 edition of the report on “The challenges of climate change in the Mediterranean: the Mediterranean in the new International Climate Agenda”, in the “Guides for Action” series. The report is a ENERGIES2050 – Institut de la Méditerranée – FEMISE coproduction.

 

The report (in french)  is available for download by clicking here

 

This report, coordinated by Stéphane Pouffary (ENERGIES 2050), Guillaume de Laboulaye (ENERGIES 2050) and Constantin Tsakas (Institut de la Méditerranée, FEMISE), presents in an updated way the realities of climate change in the countries around the Mediterranean basin and the actions implemented by stakeholders to respond to the challenges of the fight against climate change. The Mediterranean is one of our planets’ “hotspots” and the impacts of climate change are very pronounced and particularly visible on countries of the South and East shores. International mobilization on the climate issue shows there is a real awareness whether for the signatory States of the UNFCCC or for the non-state actors and subnational governments that are strongly mobilized.

However, the ambition of collective and individual commitments is unanimously recognized as very insufficient in view of the realities and challenges to which all  countries and territories concerned are and will be confronted. Moreover, beyond commitments, implementation and action remain insufficient, sporadic and fragmented. The Mediterranean is no exception and more than ever there is a need for setting up a common agenda for action as the pace of international negotiations is not the same as the speed with which changes and alterations take place.

The report will be presented at a dedicated session of the Workshop on “Climate Change in the Mediterranean and Economic Attractiveness of local Territories”, Marseille, May 15th 2018. 

A first draft of the report had been presented on the occasion of the 23rd Conference of the Parties (CoP23) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Bonn, Germany from 6 to 17 November 2017. This report is intended to become a regular publication and to be accessible to the entire community of actors involved in these issues. The idea of this action being i. to produce politically relevant research and ii. to encourage the emergence of an ecosystem of EU-Med actors (macro, meso and micro) to respond effectively to the posed challenges.

For a Policy Brief (Med Brief) issued from the report click here.

For a “Med Change Makers” interview (video and text) on the case of Lebanon click here.

For an overview of the presentation of the report at COP23 at the Pavillon of France, click here.

To rediscover the past FEMISE publications on “Environment, Energy, Climate Change” please visit here.

For a journalistic article (french) in AfricaPress.Paris on the presence of IM and FEMISE at COP23 click here.

Workshop on “Climate Change in the Mediterranean and Economic Attractiveness of local Territories”

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UPDATE: View the summary of the event below:

The Mediterranean is one of our planets’ “hotspots” and the consequences of climate change will always be felt stronger than elsewhere. There are necessities for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and issues to be dealt with regarding water, desertification and adaptation needs of riparian countries. In addition to the necessary impetus at the state level, the measures that will respond to realities must also be declined at the level of territories to multiply means of action.

The workshop, organized by Institut de la Méditerranée and the Departmental Council of the Bouches du Rhône, in partnership with FEMISE and ENERGIES2050, addresses the actors for whom these issues have a resonance, the political actors of the territory as well as non-state actors (private operators, civil society organizations, universities …). While considering the recent and current economic situation, this workshop highlights the development opportunities to be seized. It illustrates the momentum created by local actors and makes a positive contribution to debates on climate issues in the Mediterranean in the light of current realities and challenges.

This workshop will also be an opportunity to present the ENERGIES2050 – Mediterranean Institute – FEMISE report on:

 “The challenges of climate change in the Mediterranean (2018)” (available here in french)

 

– The Concept Note of the Workshop is available here (in french).

– The program of the day is available here.

IM and FEMISE are participating with funding under the EU-FEMISE project “Support to Economic Research, Studies and Dialogues of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership”. The opinions expressed in this conference are the sole responsibility of the authors.

Med Change Makers e01 : JULIE HARB, Climate Change and the Lebanese Economy

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FEMISE is happy to announce the launch of its new series of interviews called « Med Change Makers ».

« Med Change Makers » are text and video-based interviews that allow dynamic FEMISE researchers to illustrate how their research addresses a policy-relevant question and contributes to the policy-making process in the Euro-Mediterranean region.

 

 

Climate Change and the Lebanese Economy

Interview with JULIE HARB, Université St Joseph (Liban), Institut de la Méditerranée et FEMISE

Julie Harb (Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth, Institut de la Méditerranée, FEMISE)

The latest edition of the ENERGIES2050 / Institut de la Méditerranée / FEMISE report “The challenges of climate change in the Mediterranean” (available in May) provides insight into the specific place of the Mediterranean basin in the new International Climate Agenda.

Julie Harb (Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Policy Researcher at Institut de la Méditerranée / FEMISE) is one of the young researchers who contributed to the report. Julie Harb stresses the need for more public efforts for environmental protection and the need for a change in attitudes towards climate change.

1) With the Paris Agreement, countries committed themselves through NDCs (nationally determined contributions). All countries in the southern Mediterranean, with the exception of Lebanon, have ratified the Paris Agreement. How can this be explained?

Unfortunately, in its political agenda, Lebanon does not give a high priority to the issue of climate change and to the protection of the environment although the country begins to feel the effects of climate change. Other issues, such as the parliamentary elections, are perceived as more important. For example, ratifying the Paris Agreement would impose on Lebanon the application of the provisions of the treaty, which would influence public policies and protection mechanisms. As the authorities do not see this as a priority, the agreement is perceived as a “burden” in terms of legislation but also in terms of spending. Similarly, at the executive level, there are some initiatives such as the creation of a National Environmental Council that includes 7 ministries and 7 non-public entities that are expected to prepare plans and policies, to support, to integrate and to monitor all the policies of the ministry and all conventions and treaties. A National Coordination Unit on Climate Change (UCCC) has been set up to coordinate a total of 40 representatives who deal directly or indirectly with climate change.

2) What forces and efforts are underway for the protection of the environment and to limit the impact of climate change in Lebanon? What sectoral examples to put forward?

It should be noted that the State has made some efforts in the past in the protection of the environment through certain legislations: this is the case for example with the law no. 444/2002 which presents the only major legislation dealing directly with climate change in Lebanon or the law 341/2001 on the reduction of air pollution by transport which indirectly mentions the protection of the environment.

On the sectoral level, a renewable energy project was set up to supply 20 MW of solar energy and should have been finalized in 2016. However, to date, this photovoltaic farm supplies only 1 MW. The Ministry of Energy and Water has issued several laws concerning this sector but unfortunately no implementation decree has been added to the text.

3) What are the main weaknesses to combat the effects of climate change in Lebanon?

Despite a large number of decisions, laws and initiatives, there are still problems with the slowness of the process that will address this issue. The presence of multitudes of organisms responsible for the protection of the environment could be the cause of this slowness. The lack of coordination increases the weight of bureaucracy and leads to fragmentation of the issue. Nevertheless, I personally find that the essence of the problem lies in the lack of willingness of officials and authorities to address this issue.

4) Do NGOs and civil society contribute to change attitudes?

In recent years, NGOs and civil society have played a very important role in raising the awareness of the Lebanese people on the issue of environmental protection while creating a culture of sustainable development, but also by changing mentalities, encouraging recycling from schools and educational institutions. However, despite the great work done by these organizations at the level of the society, the latter can not sufficiently influence public policies and political decisions. More advocacy work would be needed.

5) What do you think are the priority actions to address and how?

The resolution of the waste issue, which started in 2015 and has not been able to be resolved effectively to date, should be put in first place in the environmental protection agenda by the authorities. As a Lebanese citizen, I find that this resolution requires a precise long-term plan prepared upstream, which is not the case today. A second priority would be that of cleaning the sea: indeed, in the face of the waste crisis, the state has decided to create waste zones next to the sea, which means that during storms, this waste has been dispersed in the sea, affecting the marine ecosystem and the quality of life of the populations.

In addition, Lebanese NGOs that lack support should establish more partnerships with international organizations acting on climate change that could adapt their solutions locally and increase the resilience of the Lebanese economy.

 

Interviewed by Constantin Tsakas