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A Framework for Evaluating the Impact of Climate Change on Patterns of Migration: The Case of “Environmental Refugees”
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| Presenter(s):
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| Zoe Clayson,
Abundantia Consulting,
zoeclay@abundantia.net
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| José Ramón Fernández Peña,
San Francisco State University,
jrfp@sfsu.edu
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| Abstract:
Climate changes will have a major impact on human migration patterns and international development and security. These mass displacements will also increase poverty and exacerbate associated health effects including decreases in life expectancy and increases in infant mortality and infectious diseases. Little research has been conducted related to appropriate evaluation methodologies to examine the impact of “environmental refugees” on particular societies.
This paper suggests several strategies to evaluate private and public sector efforts in this area. The lens provided by a case study from Mexico demonstrates that: 1) policy evaluation tools are essential to assist governments in adapting to climate risks and incorporating climate change measures into development assistance; 2) government capacity building is the key to reducing climate change related to migration; and 3) a regional approach to climate impact assessment and policy making is valuable.
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From Net Energy Impacts to Carbon Offset Additivity: The Transfer of Evaluation Lessons Learned
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| Presenter(s):
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| Bobbi Tannenbaum,
KEMA Inc,
bobbi.tannenbaum@us.kema.com
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| Betty Seto,
KEMA Inc,
betty.seto@us.kema.com
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| Abstract:
Carbon offset and energy efficiency programs are similar and overlapping: Similar in that both focus on reduction. Overlapping in that energy efficiency represents the greatest potential for reducing carbon emissions. Energy efficiency programs are under substantial scrutiny and, as a result, have developed well established evaluation procedures and methods for determining net program impacts. Most evaluation is conducted by independent third-parties, who determine the amount of energy saved directly by the program. This net figure subtracts out naturally occurring energy conservation and accounts for lower than promised performances.
Carbon offset programs refer to additionality –emission reductions resulting directly from the program. The approaches for determining the additionality of carbon offset projects are relatively unsophisticated and not independent. While currently low, the level of scrutiny of carbon offset claims is increasing. Carbon offset programs can benefit from the lessons learned in the energy efficiency – lessons on the dangers of over promising, the benefits of independent evaluation, and specific approaches to addressing net or additionality issues.
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