DD. What is your niche and role in the global sustainable development arena?

YdB: GGGI partners with countries and development stakeholders in cities and regions to help them build economies that are more efficient and sustainable in the use of natural resources and more resilient to climate change. GGGI also works with countries to help them identify and achieve their growth goals of real inclusive and sustainable change for their people and the environment.

Our niche is that we work as advisers to government and are exclusively focused on green growth and the priorities of partner countries. All of this is done exclusively in areas where we feel we are competent. In addition, our strong focus is on working with countries to develop green growth plans that are “bankable”—projects that meet investor criteria and that will be implemented.

DD: A key GGGI focus area is the promotion of a greener economy. What does this mean and how do you support countries in developing and implementing green growth strategies? Any examples to share?

YdB: We are conducting 34 programmes in 19 countries. We begin by doing an assessment of what green growth would mean for them. We assess the risks and opportunities related to green growth and then work with countries to implement strategies in four main areas: energy, cities, water and land use.

Our programmes vary from country to country. We deliver green growth programming in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. For example, in the Philippines, we work with its government to integrate climate-resilient green growth planning through the Eco-town Framework. We developed a climate resilient growth model that will be replicated in 150 municipalities next year. In Colombia, we are supporting its government in establishing a US$ 65 million payment for a performance fund aimed at addressing deforestation in the country. In Mexico, we are working on transportation systems and in Rwanda we are working on creating rural off-farm jobs in medium-sized towns. What we do is determined by the nature of the countries that we work with and their priorities.

DD: What can be done to attract the private sector to invest in developing and emerging countries and to help them build sustainable economic growth?

YdB: A growing number of companies around the world are changing their business models in recognition of the importance of sustainability and the need to address climate change. The private sector is increasingly working to shape a society that is sustainable and is developing business models and investment models that recognize those global trends on climate, energy, food, water and scarcity.

Sufficient financial resources are available in the private sector to address climate change in developing and emerging economies; however, they are not making their way into innovation, green investments, technology and poorer countries, and this is a problem. It is critical to formulate proposals that meet the risk and reward criteria for investors and take those proposals to the financial institutions that will finance project implementation. A number of international organizations and agencies, including GGGI, are focusing on assisting countries to develop bankable projects that are investment-ready to increase access to finance for the developing world.

Ultimately, bankable project proposals need to translate environmental propositions into a common language for investors and a policy-friendly environment needs to be created in a country that is conducive to green growth investments. The path to sustainability lies in working with governments, civil society and business on their priorities—and speaking a language that they understand.

DD: China, the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter, is working on how to cap its greenhouse gas emissions to hold back climate change. What insights do you have about its motivation?

YdB: China’s recent pledge to cut emissions signals that Beijing recognizes the current economic model is not sustainable. The commitment that the Chinese government has shown is important for climate change because it signals a desire to take economic growth in a different direction. An agreement will undoubtedly be reached in the Paris conference because the world desperately needs to see an advance in the climate process.

China is taking action across the board on air quality, climate, water quality, soil quality, gridlock in cities and other environmental issues. Its current Five-Year Plan very clearly recognizes the importance of transforming the country’s economy to make it greener, sustainable, efficient and energy extensive.

China would like to follow the path that Japan and other developed countries have by improving product quality in the food chain; in the context of that, energy efficiency is a major factor. China has serious issues around energy security, especially with regard to the extent that it can continue to rely so heavily on coal for electric power and industrial production.

China and the United States of America account for more than two fifths of greenhouse gas emissions, and the actions they take will influence how much ambition other countries show.

DD: As the former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, what are your views on the upcoming Conference of the Parties in Paris at the end of the 2015?

YdB: There are more clear and realistic expectations on what the Paris conference should deliver and less emphasis on a legally binding treaty. Placing reasonable expectations on the Paris conference will likely increase the chance of reaching a fruitful outcome.

In Paris, countries are highly likely to make choices to act on climate change based on their national interest. The current economic model does not consider the well-being of humankind; thus greater emphasis needs to be placed on finding a different model of economic growth that can demonstrate commitment to economically, environmentally and socially responsible paths.

In the run-up to the Paris conference, there is a need to strengthen the political will on climate change and find realistic ways to resolve them through dialogue.

A successful agreement in Paris would need four key elements. The first is for all countries, whether rich or poor, large or small, to commit to clear action on climate change. The second is to ensure that they all pledge to incorporate their commitments into national law. The third is to regularly review their cutting of emissions, while the fourth is to agree on robust financing in support of developing countries’ efforts on commitments.

The Paris agreement will not fully bring us to achieving the two degree target, but it will put us on track to begin the process to reach that goal. Compared to five to 10 years ago, we are putting the debate much more in the context of an economic model that works to address global challenges. This is important because the primary objective for many developing countries is economic growth and poverty eradication.