Policy formulation and evaluation Combining society, economy and environment - A Green Economy Perspective Dr. Andrea M. Bassi Deputy Director, Millennium Institute Johannesburg, May 2010
Millennium Institute Established in 1983, MI is a not for profit organization based in Arlington VA, USA. Our goals are: –To develop and disseminate advanced analytical tools to support strategic planning on critical issues; –To build capacity in countries to use our tools to help address critical issues; –To develop a network of partners to inspire, endow, and implement more integrated planning towards a sustainable future.
Green economy and municipalities -Green economy definition: -Resource efficiency -Low carbon development -Economic growth and job creation -Municipalities as entities embedded in a broader context: -Drivers of innovation -Dependent/impacted by national policies
Coherent Planning
Clean energy options…
… create positive effects…
… on the drivers of economic growth…
… but require to retain talents…
… while stimulating investment…
… for industry and tourism, among others…
… adding commercial services…
… to finally result in demographic changes…
… and higher needs to sustain economic growth…
… and Profit from Coherent Long Term Planning!
Key lessons Long term approach; Integrated (cross-sectoral) policy assessment; Reaching goals becomes more and more challenging (e.g. productivity and growth); Seek synergies, avoid roadblocks.
Why Take a Systemic View?
To Avoid Unexpected Results!
Architecture 18
Energy Interdependencies
Integrated long term policy An example, transport: –Bus rapid transit, light rail, metro rail, bike paths and pedestrian walkways result in: Reduced congestion (not green congestion), lower maintenance and operation costs of the transport network. Lower pollution and health costs. Add synergies with water, energy and waste –E.g. higher density areas, following transit oriented development, reduce capital cost and increase productivity.
Integrated long term policy (2) A second example, jobs: –Tradeoffs exist (e.g. renewables vs. coal) –Opportunities are many (e.g. energy efficiency) Seek coherent strategies: –Manufacturing renewable energy technologies creates a high number of additional jobs; –Distributing and installing them offsets potential losses.
Policy goals and implementation Risk management: objectives and costs –Public initiative (e.g. mandates) Predictable cost for both public and private sector; Cost can be shared, result assured. –Public stimulus (e.g. subsidies) Unpredictable cost (unless a cap is defined); Cost is shared, but progress is uncertain.
Conclusions Combine sectoral proposals and studies into an integrated framework of analysis –Share knowledge, focus on synergies; Incorporate and quantify social, economic and environmental dimensions of the municipal context –Prioritization through feedback analysis; Take a longer term perspective: productivity and efficiency are good ways to reach a higher quality of life in cities –Long term perspective.
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