african carbon trust-the role of policy in creating green...

A PRESENTATION ON

The Role of Policy in creating Green JobsThe Role of Policy in creating Green Jobsin SA’s renewable energy sector

FOR THE SA CITIES NETWORK

By

Alexis Scholtz

Project ManagerProject Manager

Cape Town, 8 Oct 2009

Never before has humanity faced such a challenging outlook for energy and our planetfor energy and our planet.

This can be summed up in five words:

more energy, less carbon dioxidethe rough guide to climate change

Lockett & Milton

CONTEXT

What challenges do we face?

• We can not proceed on a business-as-usual basis • Current economic activity has lead to a depletion of natural resources and its

outputs have hampered our ecosystem’s ability to self regulate itselfCli t h ill h ti i t j b i t i t f il f l• Climate change will have a negative impact on jobs in certain sectors as fossil fuel dependency decreases

• Governments, as well as the private sector must play a key role in changing from dirty to clean energydirty to clean energy

• Changes in the decisions, practices and behaviors of millions of managers, workers and consumers are needed

• The developed world has embarked on a rapid ‘scaling up’ of green technologiesp p g p g g• Low-income countries face a second technology gap• Energy poverty in South Africa will deepen• Will see more societal conflict in the competition to secure scarce natural resourcesp• Face compliance and regulatory risk

WHAT IS THE GREEN ECONOMY

‘A green economy is an economy that values nature and people andA green economy is an economy that values nature and people and creates decent, well-paying jobs’

UNEP, 2008

‘It is an economy that protects the environment and creates jobs that cannot be outsourced overseas...they would require the local workforce to do the work such as retrofitting buildings installing solar panels andto do the work such as retrofitting buildings, installing solar panels and building wind turbines’

Green Building Handbook for South Africa

.

DEFINITION OF GREEN JOBS

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines green jobs as:

‘as work in agricultural, manufacturing, research and development (R&D),

administrative, and service activities that contribute substantially to ad st at e, a d se ce act t es t at co t bute substa t a y to

preserving or restoring environmental quality’




administrative, and service activities that contribute substantially to ad st at e, a d se ce act t es t at co t bute substa t a y to

preserving or restoring environmental quality. Specifically, but not

exclusively, this includes jobs that help to protect ecosystems and

biodiversity; reduce energy, materials, and water consumption




administrative and service activities that contribute substantially toadministrative, and service activities that contribute substantially to

preserving or restoring environmental quality. Specifically, but not

exclusively, this includes jobs that help to protect ecosystems and

biodiversity; reduce energy, materials, and water consumption through

high efficiency strategies; de-carbonize the economy; and minimize or

altogether avoid generation of all forms of waste and pollution’

GREEN AND DECENT JOBS

Decent work principlesff d t• offer adequate wages

• safe working conditions• job security• reasonable career prospects• worker rights

Decent Work has four pillars:p• the creation of more and better jobs, • the extension of social protection, • respect for fundamental principles and rights at work, and

th ti f i l di l• the promotion of social dialogue

‘People’s livelihoods and sense of dignity are bound up tightly with their jobs’People s livelihoods and sense of dignity are bound up tightly with their jobsIOL, Green Jobs

HOW TO BENCHMARK GREEN JOBSJOBSDefinitive, clear and guiding policy:

• Define what South Africa regards as a green job o challenge of addressing poverty alleviation and economic

development which promotes sustainability and equitable distributiondevelopment which promotes sustainability and equitable distribution of resources

• Targets that will drive green industry transformation• Targets that will drive green industry transformation

• Data collection and reporting

• Monitoring and evaluation

TYPES OF GREEN JOBSab

le Energy Efficiency

Non

‐Ren

ewa Waste Management

Consulting

Environmental Resource Management

Built Environment

Nab

le

Wind

Solar

Bio‐mass

Rene

wa Bio mass

Bio‐fuels

Solar

Geo‐thermal

Wave

IndirectDirect

TYPES OF GREEN JOBSab

le Energy Efficiency

Non

‐Ren

ewa Waste Management

Consulting

Environmental Resource Management

a wind turbine

ries)

wind farm

Nab

le

Wind

Solar

Bio‐mass sion

of steel to

create

(sup

plier indu

str

erate and maintain a

Rene

wa Bio mass

Bio‐fuels

Solar

Geo‐thermal

Wave

Provis

Ope

IndirectDirect

Consider the following headlines taken from Cape‐based newspapers.

3 Weeks of News Headlines

June July25th 2nd 9th 16th17th

Sea is too warm for the shoals - 2009-06-17

The run every winter is when millions of the fish, in schools up to 20km long, move north with a cool current of water. Moving with them, dolphins feast on "baitballs" of sardines which they herd from the main body of fish Gannets plunge from the sky nabbing fish metres underherd from the main body of fish. Gannets plunge from the sky, nabbing fish metres under water, while sharks attack the baitballs from below.

As it is, the sardines are a little late as the water, at about 21°C, is too warm. The sardines prefer a temperature of about 19°C.



Thick snow traps bus passengers - 2009-06-26

Numerous roads and passes around the Eastern Cape were closed due to snow and ice on the roads on Friday. Kumbaca said the Boesmanshoek pass on the R397 was closed due to thick snow The Wapadsberg pass between Graaff Reinet and Cradock and the Lootsbergthick snow.The Wapadsberg pass between Graaff-Reinet and Cradock and the Lootsberg pass between Graaff-Reinet and Middleburg were closed due to thick ice on the roads' surfaces.


June July25th 2nd 9th 16th1st

Mother City could face water shortage by 2012 -2009-07-01

How long will Cape Town's water supplies last? It depends on which level of government you



Firefighters battle Simonsberg blaze - 2009-07-08

Firefighters were battling a fire on the slopes of the Simonsberg mountains, above the Boschendal estate just outside Stellenbosch, on Wednesday night.

A north easterl ind along ith the moist re content in the egetation had ens red theA north-easterly wind, along with the moisture content in the vegetation, had ensured the spread of the fire was limited from its initial six square kilometres, said Josias.


June July25th 2nd 9th 16th

Weather forecasters warn of drought risk - 2009-07-09

South Africa could be in for a drought, with a "fairly high probability" of El Nino conditions in the next six months.There was a 50 percent chance of an El Nino event in the next six months at least SAWS said based on information from the International Research Institutemonths at least, SAWS said, based on information from the International Research Institute for Climate and Society, the Climate Prediction Centre, both in the United States, and its own model.



Bad weather causes havoc in Cape Town - 2009-07-13

Hundreds of residents, most in informal settlements, had to be evacuated as heavy showers caused chaos throughout Cape Town, flooding homes and roads as rivers and streams burst its banksits banks.



Cape of storms lives up to its name - 2009-07-14

Hundreds of shack dwellers in parts of the city spent yesterday dredging up water and mud from their homes while others were grateful they had been spared from torrential rains.



Break in rain gives saturated Cape relief - 2009-07-14

"About 63 informal settlements have been affected,”"About 20 000 people are being given shelter and hot meals by relief agencies. At the moment roadways are being cleared of debris and storm water drains are being unblocked ”and storm water drains are being unblocked.



Mossel Bay also restricts water use - 2009-07-14

MOSSEL Bay has joined the other major Garden Route centres in imposing water restrictions as the drought in the Southern Cape continues unabated.

The council yesterday imposed restrictions with immediate effect because of “concern about the levels of its reservoirs and the low rainfall so far this winter”, said municipal spokesman Harry Hill.


June July25th 2nd 9th 16th

Touw River pollution could sink water sport –2009-07-16

RESIDENTS of Hoekwil near Wilderness have raised serious concerns about water contamination in the Touw River which could result in illness and a possible ban on watercontamination in the Touw River, which could result in illness and a possible ban on water sports on the estuary.

We know that these extreme events are caused by changes to our climate as a

lt f i d CO2 i iresult of increased CO2 emissions.

But where is the evidence?But, where is the evidence?

THIS IS WHAT GOVERNMENT IS SAYINGGOVERNMENT IS SAYING

The Western Cape Provincial

• an increase in the annual average temperature of at least

Government’s policy on climate change says that the province will experience:

an increase in the annual average temperature of at least 1 °C by 2050

• possible increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme events

• an increase in conditions conducive to wildfires (higher• an increase in conditions conducive to wildfires (higher temperatures and increased wind velocity)

• reduced rainfall in the western parts of the Western Cape

• decreased water resources

• reduced soil moisture from an increase in temperature coupled with a decrease in average precipitation

• temperature impacts on crop activities – crop burn, drought, pests and microbes resulting in yield reductions, d l f l li lih dand loss of rural livelihoods.

ROLE OF POLICY

Government policies remain indispensable. • Provision of funding of green projectsProvision of funding of green projects• Overall goal- and standard-setting beyond the time horizons typical in

the private sector• Providing infrastructure that private enterprises can’t or won’t create;Providing infrastructure that private enterprises can t or won t create;• Creating and maintaining a level playing field for all actors.

Policies should focus on:

• ecosystems conservation• clean, efficient technology• renewable energy• chemical and waste management• biodiversity based business as well as sustainable cities • buildings, construction and transportg , p

POLICY TOOLSSubsidies Phase out subsidies for environmentally harmful industries, shift a

portion or all of funds to renewable energy, efficiency technologies clean production methods and public transittechnologies, clean production methods, and public transit.

Tax Reform Scale up eco-taxes and replicate as widely as possible. Eco-tax revenues can be used to lighten the tax burden falling on labour while discouraging polluting and carbon intensive economicwhile discouraging polluting and carbon-intensive economic activities.

Targets and Mandates Ensure that robust regulatory tools are used to drive develop greener technologies products and services and thusdevelop greener technologies, products, and services-and thus green employment.

Energy Alternatives Adopt innovative policies to overcome barriers to renewable energy development including feed-in laws that securerenewable energy development, including feed-in laws that secure access to the electrical grid at guaranteed prices.

POLICY TOOLS (CONT)Carbon Markets Fix the current shortcomings inherent in carbon trading and

Kyoto Protocol - related innovations e.g. the Clean Development Mechanism so that they can become reliableDevelopment Mechanism so that they can become reliable and adequate funding sources for green projects and employment

Product Takeback Adopt “extended producer responsibility” laws for productsProduct Takeback Adopt extended producer responsibility laws for products

Eco-labelling Adopt eco-labels for all consumer products to ensure that consumers have access to information needed for responsible purchasing decisions (encourages manufacturersresponsible purchasing decisions (encourages manufacturers to design and market more sustainable products)

R&D Budgets Reduce support for nuclear power and fossil fuels and provide greater funding for renewable energy and efficiencyprovide greater funding for renewable energy and efficiency technologies. e.g. Rizhao

FUNCTIONS OF A LOCAL AUTHORITIESAUTHORITIESThe Constitution states in section 152

The objects of local government are:The objects of local government are: • to provide democratic and accountable government for local

communities; • to ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable• to ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable

manner; • to promote social and economic development; • to promote a safe and healthy environment; and• to promote a safe and healthy environment; and • to encourage the involvement of communities and community

organisations in the matters of local government.

A i i lit t t i ithi it fi i l d d i i t ti it tA municipality must strive, within its financial and administrative capacity, to achieve the objects set out in subsection (1)”

CONSTITUTIONAL COMPETENCIESCOMPETENCIESThe following local government functions are set out in Schedule 4 of the Constitution:

* Air pollution

* Building regulations* Child care facilities

* Municipal public works only in respect of the needs of municipalities in the discharge of their responsibilities to administer functions specifically assigned to them Child care facilities

* Electricity and gas reticulation* Firefighting services* Local tourism

functions specifically assigned to them under this Constitution or any other law

* Pontoons, ferries, jetties, piers and harbors, excluding the regulation of Local tourism

* Municipal airports* Municipal planning* Municipal health services

international and national shipping and matters related thereto

* Storm water management systems in built-up areas Municipal health services

* Municipal public transport

p* Trading regulations* Water and sanitation services limited to

potable water supply systems and d ti t t d di ldomestic waste-water and sewage disposal systems

TYPES OF GREEN JOBS

Monitoring & Evaluation, Public Transport, Carbon Capture and storage, Biofuel from waste dumps, Research and Development

Ai P ll ti Policies: Reporting policies, Standards bodies, Investment policies in R&D, Regulatory

Energy efficiency advisors - eg Indalo Yethu programme, Installation, SWH and PV manufacturers, ElectriciansPolicies: Regulatory e.g. SWH by-law, Tax incentives, Tax penalties, Carbon Credits, Education, skills training and R&D investment

Technicians manufacturers designers

Building Regulations

Air Pollution

Technicians, manufacturers, designersPolicies: regulatory, R&D Investment, incentives, skills training bodies

Fire Fighting Service

Planners, relief and rehabilitation managers and crewPolicies: communication, disaster mitigation policies, interventions that are also adaptation policies, youth development

Electricity & Gas Reticulation

Fairtrade tourism operators and consultants, green procurement jobs, communication, Policies: procurement policies, incentives - eco-tourism, regulatory eg reporting, Investment,,, Biodiversity, Resource management

M i i l Pl iPlanners, managers, teams Policies: energy efficiency targets densification resource management targets equitable access to resources and services

Local Tourism

Municipal Planning Policies: energy efficiency targets, densification, resource management targets, equitable access to resources and services

Public WorksExpanded Public Works Programme - working with energyRegulatory, Investment, R&D, Education and skills training

Sanitation and WaterWater quality coordinator, grey water reuse system technician, ecological design specialists, biolytics filter on brown water.Policies: regulatory, product standards, skills training, targets. penalties, incentives

SA GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO GREEN JOBSTO GREEN JOBS

• Government says green jobs have been given priority in the so-called Framework for South Africa’s Response to the International Economic Crisis

• Framework says develop capacity in new green technologies and industries and that this should be backed by incentives for investment in programmes that create large numbers of ‘green jobs’that create large numbers of green jobs

• National Treasury is interrogating a range of instruments that could yield the so-called “double dividend” of enhanced revenue collection and behavioural changechange

• Details are sketchy though, and no explicit policies or practical implementations have emerged. Gap for municipalities to take responsibilities, push the agenda, lobby for budget to implement the kind of policies we’ve just discussed.

RIZHAO ‐ ‘sunshine city’

• Coastal city of 3 millionS ll it ith l it i• Small city, with low per capita incomes

• Households in central city - 99% SWH• PVs power most traffic controls, street lights and public space lighting• Suburbs - 30% SWH, 6000+ use solar to cook• 60 000 greenhouses heated with PVs• SWH = 0.5 MW of grid-powered water heaters• Water heating and hot water in schools - wall hanged PVs (10 years)• Cost of a SWH = to that of electric WH ($190)• Detachable panelsDetachable panels• Save $120 a year

RIZHAO ‐ ‘sunshine city’Results:

• Reduced use of coal

• Top 10 Chinese cities for air quality

• State Environmental Protection Agency - Environmental Protection Model

City

• Foreign direct investment, environment a key attraction factor

T i t i d t b i (48%)• Tourist industry booming (48%)

• National pride - host sports events

• Changing cultural profile academics and universities/tertiary academic• Changing cultural profile - academics and universities/tertiary academic

institutions

RIZHAO ‐ ‘sunshine city’The role of policy:

1) encourages solar energy use2) Fi i ll t R&D i SWH i d t2) Financially supports R&D in SWH industry

Other factors:1) Local solar panel industries took advantage of govt policy, product

improvement2) Strong political will in city’s leadership to adopt policy

WAY FORWARD ‐ suggestions

• the policy that is missing or fails to translate into action with regards to renewables is one that relates to real service delivery with accountability

• Fast-track conversations regarding “how”

• Start having the conversationsStart having the conversations

• Think and talk about green economic transformation as opportunity

• Inter-departmental communication

• Progressive, aggressive policies

• Ramp up R&D

Tap our intellectual capital• Tap our intellectual capital

• Hire technicians and people with technical experience

• Involve stakeholders

• Education and awareness

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Contact details:

Alexis ScholtzProject ManagerProject Manager

Telephone: 021 – 465 [email protected]

Nils FlaattenManaging DirectorManaging Director

Mobile: 082 409 [email protected]

www.africancarbontrust.orgBoard of Trustees· Richard Calland (Chairperson) · Mike Freedman · Ravi Naidoo · Coleen Vogel

Non-Profit Organisation Number: 069662

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