National climate laws

Question 1

What are some elements that would be good to have in a national framework climate legislation? (from the world bank)

Answer 1

• long-term targets: Climate change framework legislation should establish long-term targets that set the strategic direction of a country’s efforts to decarbonize and adapt to climate change, it signals direction and extent of structural change needed
• intermediate and sectoral targets: the intermediate targets will determine the trajectory toward long-term goals and allow to periodically increase the level of ambition in emission reductions, and such a framework should provide guidance on
  the contribution of key sectors to decarbonization and
  adaptation targets
• risk and vulnerability assessments: should require the government to publish information on climate-related physical risks and vulnerabilities, allow for periodic updates of risk and vulnerability assessments ine line with new evidence and science
• climate change strategies and plans: should require public institutions to prepare climate change strategies and plans to achieve long-term, intermediate, and sectoral targets
• policy instruments: authorizing public institutions to use
  policy instruments—information, regulation, taxation, and
  public spending—in support of national climate change
  goals
• independent expert advice: should establish the government’s
  use of independent expert advice on climate change
  policy
• coordination mechanism: authorize a body to coordinate the government’s response to climate change
• stakeholder engagement: should open for a mechanism to engage with the private sector, civil society organizations and the public
• subnational government: may require subnational governments to set targets, prepare plans and strategies, and report on implementation (ex. municipalities)
• financing implementation: should require the national government to address climate change risks and policy objectives in the preparation of its public financial management instruments
• measurement, reporting, and verification: should generate the information needed to track progress toward national climate change targets, support the
  national policy-making process, and monitor compliance
  with international commitments
• oversight: should provide for parliamentary oversight of executive actions and inaction on climate

Question 2

How does national laws and policies address climate change?

Answer 2

• almost all countries have at least one law or policy dealing with climate change, including
  
  • legislative acts passed by parliament, and
  • executive orders or policies issued by governments
• few examples of express constitutional provisions addressing climate change
  
  • many countries have granted consitutional status to the right to a clean or healthy environment
• more than 30 countries + the EU have adopted framework legislation to tackle climate change
  
  • ‘an overarching, multisectoral regulatory instrument that lays down general principles and defines the institutional framework for climate change policy and implementation’
  • integration of climate considerations into policy- and decision making

Question 3

What are examples of topics national climate laws cover?

Answer 3

• mitigation
• adaptation
• climate finance
• climate justice