Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions Research Articles

Mainstreaming the Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) into long-term development plans; Its impact on sustainable development in Non-Annex I Party states

Though the importance of the Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA) in mitigating Global emissions have been covered extensively by the literature, however, there has been little effort by researchers to find out the connections between the successful implementation of the NAMAs of respective Parties and sustainable development in the long run. This paper, based on the results from expert interviews via Skype and telephone with the NAMA focal persons of Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Georgia seeks to fill this gap in the literature by finding out how NAMAs, when implemented can lead to the attainment of overall economic growth and sustainable development in the long run. The paper covers seven NAMAs, with three seeking support for preparation and the other four seeking support for implementation as shown in table 1 below. The findings of this paper have shown significant connections between the NAMAs of the countries under study and overall economic growth based on their impact on the performance of other sectors of their respective economies when successfully implemented. This will contribute significantly to the achievement of sustainable development goals by poorer countries. There is, therefore, the need for developed countries to intensify their support in the areas of capacity building, financial, and technical support to poorer countries to enable them successfully implement their NAMAs as recommended by the Cancun agreement.

Possible Role of NPP in Long Term Low Carbon Development Strategy – Case Study Croatia

The term low – emission development strategies (LEDS) was developed on the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2008. LEDS is used to describe a longterm national economic development plans or strategies that include low emissions and economic growth resistant to climate change. The concept of Low Carbon Development Strategies (LCDS) has been introduced by the Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC as a common but differentiated approach to meet the overall emissions reduction objectives: “All countries shall prepare Low Emission Development Strategies …nationally-driven and represent[ing] the aims and objectives of individual Parties in accordance with national circumstances and capacities” (Cancun Agreement). Low Carbon Development Strategies (LCDS) in this way become an overarching framework to design and achieve Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) reflecting the Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) of all countries. For Long-Term National Strategy and Action Plan for Low-Carbon Development the main objective of this programme is the development of a long-term national strategy and action plan for low-carbon development to enable country to fulfil its commitment to carbon obligations. Low-carbon development strategy will become the fundamental for the development of the energy sector with low rate of carbon, but also for the entire economy. European Union is the leader in the effort to reduce emissions especially in the energy sector – sector with the highest rate of emission. With the goal of reducing emissions, necessary measures are accentuated for energy in the EU Countries, as well as in Croatia. The possibilities for realization of Croatian low-carbon development and particularly possible role and barriers for Nuclear power plants for Low carbon emissions development in the electricity sector until 2050 will be presented in this paper.

Perspective: The gap between intent and climate action in agriculture

Following the UNFCCC Paris Agreement, most nations made commitments within their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to adaptation and mitigation in agriculture. However, these commitments need to be assessed in relation with ground truth, including bio-physical and socio-economic limits to climate action. We propose a new framework for monitoring climate action by countries/regions, based on four dimensions—intent, need, scope and readiness for implementing adaptation and mitigation in agriculture. While “intent” reflects intended climate action by countries such as those mentioned in NDCs or NAPs (National Adaptation Plans) and NAMAs (Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions), “need” highlights vulnerability of a country's agriculture to climate change and historical GHG emissions. The third dimension, “scope”, is related to the biophysical opportunities and limits to adapt or to mitigate. Finally, the “readiness” dimension considers a country's current ability to implement various adaptation/mitigation actions and policies. The framework is illustrated with a global analysis, using selected indicators for each of these dimensions. Results indicate that 61 countries globally (including key food producers) should consider corrective action in their adaptation priorities. The framework presented in this paper can serve as a monitoring and evaluation mechanism for NDC implementation and tracking progress.

Setbacks to the Implementation of the Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions: Case Studies of the Namas of Ethiopia, Georgia and Indonesia

Abstract The lack of implementation of the Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) of the non-Annexe I Parties registered in the NAMA Registry of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is a worrying situation in the sense that it is limiting the contributions these NAMA projects would have made towards mitigating global climate change. There is however little research on the reasons behind the lack of implementation of these NAMAs projects and this is the knowledge gap that this paper seeks to fill based on a critical overview of the NAMAs of Ethiopia, Indonesia and Georgia. The source of data for this paper is mainly from the focal persons for the NAMAs of the countries under study, which was obtained via telephone and Skype interviews with the respondents. Our findings show that lack of funding, complicated financial mechanisms, lack of technical expertise, fringe conditions to donor support and policy issues according to the findings of this study are the main hindrances to the implementation of NAMAs. International organisations, donor partners, developed countries and local governments alike are therefore encouraged to channel some of the funds meant for fighting global climate change into sponsoring the NAMAs of poorer countries, as this will see to the successful implementations of these NAMAs and their subsequent impacts on mitigating global climate change. The paper is also timely considering the scarcity of literature on NAMAs related issues.

Carbon Storage Potential of Silvopastoral Systems of Colombia

Nine Latin American countries plan to use silvopastoral practices—incorporating trees into grazing lands—to mitigate climate change. However, the cumulative potential of scaling up silvopastoral systems at national levels is not well quantified. Here, we combined previously published tree cover data based on 250 m resolution MODIS satellite remote sensing imagery for 2000–2017 with ecofloristic zone carbon stock estimates to calculate historical and potential future tree biomass carbon storage in Colombian grasslands. Between 2000 and 2017, tree cover across all Colombian grasslands increased from 15% to 18%, with total biomass carbon (TBC) stocks increasing from 0.41 to 0.48 Pg. The range in 2017 carbon stock values in grasslands based on ecofloristic zones (5 to 122 Mg ha−1) suggests a potential for further increase. Increasing all carbon stocks to the current median and 75th percentile levels for the respective eco-floristic zone would increase TBC stocks by about 0.06 and 0.15 Pg, respectively. Incorporated into national C accounting, such Tier 2 estimates can set realistic targets for silvopastoral systems in nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs) implementation plans in Colombia and other Latin American countries with similar contexts.

Multi-criteria assessment of energy sector nationally appropriate mitigation actions in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has shown its commitment for greenhouse gas mitigation by publishing nationally determined contributions. Key share of mitigation targets is from the energy sector, amounting to about 40 Mt CO2e during 2020-2030. 52 mitigation options (MOs), referred to as nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs), were identified with a total mitigation potential of 75 Mt CO2e. Globally, the commonly used methodology for prioritization of NAMAs is the marginal abatement cost (MAC) analysis. However, this approach has received criticism over the effectiveness due to its inability to consider other important aspects such as barriers, enablers and co-benefits. The present study proposes a multi-criteria assessment (MCA) methodology involving more comprehensive characteristics of MOs and use of sustainability criteria/indicators to broaden the applicability of MAC analysis. The proposed methodology involves a stage-wise evaluation in three levels. Firstly, MOs identified are pre-screened based on technology maturity and information availability as indicators for chance of success in implementation. Among 52 MOs, 38 qualified for the next assessment level. These MOs are then undergone screening, where MAC and mitigation potential are combined with a scoring system together with a prescribed benchmark value as a qualifying criterion. Accordingly, 31 MOs are qualified, which represent a total mitigation potential of 62 Mt CO2e.Finally, at third level, indicators in relation to barriers, enablers and co-benefits are used to derive an overall score of MCA. The results of MAC and MCA analyses are used in conjunction to prioritize MOs under three appealing levels as 07 highly, 14 moderately and 10 least, with a total mitigation potentials of about 17.1, 32.4 and 12.8 Mt CO2e, respectively. Accordingly, the 21 high and moderate appealing MOs could contribute to the NDC targets. It is concluded that MCA methodology proposed is a sound approach in prioritizing MOs.

Assessing the impacts of nationally appropriate mitigation actions through energy system simulation: a Colombian case

All countries, including developing ones, have set climate change and energy security as clear target goals. They have developed programs and policies to reach their energy security, emission reduction, and environmental mitigation goals. Colombia has notably developed programs to promote renewable energies and efficiency. However, there is still a need to quantify the impact that these policies could have in the future. The aim of this paper is to quantify the emissions prevented by the implementation of two proposed Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs), for which we built Colombia’s energy system model in order to understand its effects on GHG emissions. The first NAMA replaces old refrigerators that continue using CFC compounds with efficient refrigerators that use HCFC compounds. The second NAMA seeks to secure new energy supplies through renewable sources for areas not connected to the grid. We also created a scenario that integrates both NAMAs to understand their combined effects on GHG emissions. The simulation shows that both NAMAs will allow to prevent the emission of 4.71 million tons of CO2 equivalent by 2040, and that the faster they are implemented, the more GHG emissions will be avoided. The model is a framework available for further research in climate change mitigation and energy efficiency policies.

Making trees count: Measurement and reporting of agroforestry in UNFCCC national communications of non-Annex I countries

Agroforestry—the integration of trees with crops and livestock—generates many benefits directly relevant to the UNFCCC’s Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture, including: (i) building resilience, (ii) increasing soil carbon and improving soil health, (iii) providing fodder and shade for sustainable livestock production and (iv) diversifying human diets and economic opportunities. Despite its significance to the climate agenda, agroforestry may not be included in measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) systems under the UNFCCC. Here we report on a first appraisal of how agroforestry is treated in national MRV systems under the UNFCCC. We examined national communications (NCs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of 147 countries, REDD + strategies and plans of 73 countries, and 283 Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs), as well as conducted interviews with representatives of 12 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We found that there is a significant gap between national ambition and national ability to measure and report on agroforestry. Forty percent of the countries assessed explicitly propose agroforestry as a solution in their NDCs, with agroforestry being embraced most widely in Africa (71%) and less broadly in the Americas (34%), Asia (21%) and Oceania (7%). Seven countries proposed 10 agroforestry-based NAMAs. Of 73 developing countries that have REDD + strategies, about 50% identified agroforestry as a way to combat forest decline. Despite these intentions, however, agroforestry is not visible in many MRV systems. For example, although 66% of the countries reported non-forest trees in the national inventory, only 11% gave a quantitative estimate of number of trees or areal extent. Interviews revealed institutional, technical and financial challenges preventing comprehensive, transparent inclusion of agroforestry in MRV systems. The absence has serious implications. If such trees are not counted in inventories or climate change programs, then a major carbon sink is not being accounted for. Only if agroforestry resources are measured, reported and verified will they gain access to finance and other support. We discuss four recommendations to better match ability to ambition.

Comparing Climate Policy Processes in India, Brazil, and South Africa: Domestic Engagements With International Climate Policy Frameworks

Using policy cycle model as a heuristic, this article studies Indian, Brazilian, and South African engagement with Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) by (a) comparing NAMA policy process and (b) identifying factors driving or limiting the framework’s domestic application. India largely remained uninterested in NAMAs, Brazil aligned its domestic climate policy and NAMAs, while South Africa had a more nuanced engagement when formulating NAMAs. Four factors influenced these countries’ NAMA engagements: the level and necessity of international support, the availability of domestic policy provisions to tackle climate change, the domestic institutional capacity to coordinate interministerial functioning, and the role of individuals in the institutional apparatus. As an international climate policy framework, studying NAMA engagement provides learnings for nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement for designing the instrument, ensuring clarity on support provisions for ratcheting up ambitions, and enhancing institutional capacity, to expedite transition from policy formulation to implementation and beyond.

Sector and Technology Prioritization in the Context of Sustainable Development

Prioritization of sectors and sub-sectors is essential for providing suitable technology interventions at (sub) sectoral level and help to formulate environmental policy and regulations. In this context this study illustrates sector and sub-sector prioritization using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach and prioritize the portfolio of low emissions technologies at (sub) sector level by using cost-benefit analysis tool approach. The findings of this study suggest that updated GHG inventory and stakeholder engagement process are vital for sector and technology prioritization. The outcome of the process will help to formulate Low Emissions Development Strategies (LEDs) and Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) at the national level.

Could baseline establishment be counterproductive for emissions reduction? Insights from Vietnam’s building sector

ABSTRACTThis article provides insights into the role of institutions involved in climate governance working towards a future low-carbon society at the national level, within the global climate change governance architecture. Specifically, it contributes to understanding the fragmented governance of energy efficiency policy in developing countries by focussing on Vietnam’s building sector, identifying key institutions related to underlying discourses, national and international power relations, resource distribution and coalitions. It uses the case of baseline setting in developing Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) to illustrate institutional dynamics, nationally and transnationally, as well as to question whether demands for baseline setting achieve the ideal trade-off between actual GHG emissions reduction and institutionalized demands for accountability. The analysis reveals that, in addition to domestic efforts and challenges, the international agenda greatly influences the energy efficiency policy arena. The article presents lessons to be learnt about policy processes from the specific Vietnamese case, reflecting on the role of international actors and discourses in it. Finally, it argues for the abolition of baselines in favour of adequate monitoring and evaluation, from the perspective that requirement for deviation from fictitious baselines is unproductive and only serves an international techno-managerial discourse.POLICY RELEVANCEBaseline establishment is commonly considered an initial step in developing NAMAs, in order to facilitate the demonstration of a deviation from such baselines. The requirement to produce baselines is traditionally not questioned by policy practitioners. Thus, significant development resources are allocated to the establishment of baselines and the bridging of data gaps, often without consideration as to whether baselines are a necessary instrument for NAMA implementation. We suggest omitting the lengthy and resource-consuming practice of establishing baselines and recommend proceeding forthwith to the planning and implementation of mitigation and energy efficiency policies. As conditions vary significantly in different contexts, it would be more appropriate to measure the initial situation, establishing the ‘base point’, and monitor development from that point. The present article might serve as motivation for policymakers to question traditional approaches to policy development and consider alternatives to maximize the cost efficacy of NAMA programmes and facilitate their implementation.

Policy-based Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Tracking and Institutional Framework Development Under Thailand's Namas in Energy Sector

The first Thailand’s long term greenhouse gas mitigation roadmap, so called Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs), was pledged during COP-20. By using 2005 as a base year, this voluntary based NAMAs aimed to reduce national GHG emissions in the range of 7 to 20 % (or 24 to 75 million t of CO2) below the energy and transport sectors BAU by 2020. This paper described the establishment of multi-ministry institutional framework of GHG emission reduction monitoring structure, for the main purpose of approve and verify the emission reduction results from mitigation policies and measures as stated in NAMAs. The tracking was started from the selection of GHG reduction policies and measures by using multi-level criteria setting. The measuring, reporting, and verification (MRV) methodology and process including the applicable coefficients and emission factors are also investigated and developed by the working group under this framework. From the results, we found that there are five national energy and transport policies and measures have been selected; i.e. (i) renewable energy for electricity from natural energy resources, (ii) renewable energy for electricity from bioenergy resources, (iii) biodiesel consumption in transport sector. (iv) ethanol consumption in transport sector, and (v) supply side energy efficiency improvement in coal fired power plant. We applied the disclosed verified national energy data to calculate the GHG emission reduction and the result shows that 14.34 Mt CO2e (or 3.90% of roadmap target) have been reduced from all five policies and measures in the year 2013. We can conclude that the MRV processes including monitoring of renewable energy and energy efficiency improvement activities are very important for GHG mitigation tracking. However, the fully accepted and well-establishment of the multi- ministry institutional framework structure are the key for long-term tracking success.

Socio-economic factors influencing household dependence on forests and its implication for forest-based climate change interventions

In most African countries, forest-based climate change intervention initiatives such as nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs) and national adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs) are widely accepted. This is mainly due to the fact that they are relevant in addressing multiple challenges associated with rural development, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, and sustainable forest management. However, there are concerns about the implications of strategic and practical steps taken in this context on forest-dependent communities. Thus, there is need to reconcile local socio-economic vulnerabilities and forest-based climate change intervention initiatives. In the current study, socio-economic factors influencing households’ dependence on forest resources and associated implications on climate change interventions were investigated. Proportionate stratified random sampling was used to select 366 households from forest-based rural communities in Vhembe District of South Africa. A structured questionnaire was administered to household heads in 21 villages. The Pearson’s chi-square test was used to analyse the factors that influence household dependence on forest. The effects of household socio-economic characteristics on households’ forest dependence influencing factor were determined using the binary logit model. Up to 97% of the respondents depended on the forest resources predominantly because of low costs associated with using them. It was observed that socio-economic characteristics of households such as farm husbandry skills, years of residence (53–65) in the community and age of respondents (≤38–65) significantly (P < 0.05) influenced use of the forest resources. Thus, effectiveness and sustainability of forest-based climate change intervention initiatives can be promoted if the socio-economic conditions prevailing within households in areas next to forests are improved.

Responding to NAMAs and preparing for INDCs/NDCs

PurposeIn this paper, the international progress of Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs), Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change are reviewed. The content of Taiwan’s NAMAs and INDCs are also investigated, especially with reference to actions for the electricity sector. To better understand the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction contribution from the electricity sector, this paper aims to examine challenges and solutions for implementing a carbon trading mechanism in Taiwan’s monopolistic electricity market under the newly passed Greenhouse Gases Emissions Reduction and Management Act (GHG ERMA).Design/methodology/approachCarbon reduction strategies for the electricity sector are discussed by examining and explaining Taiwan’s official documents and the law of GHG ERMA.FindingsThis study finds that market mechanisms should be utilized to allocate appropriate costs and incentives for GHG reductions to transform Taiwan into a low-carbon society.Originality/valueThis study identifies strategies for the electricity sector to reduce GHG emissions, especially the operation of a carbon-trading scheme under a non-liberalized electricity market.

Low Carbon Governance in Indonesia and India: A Comparative Analysis with Recommendations

The Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015 by the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) marked a milestone in that many developing countries submitted their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs) could serve as one foundation to achieve their NDCs. Much of the literature on NAMAs has focused on discussions on the basic concept, and its variance from past initiatives. The lack of attention to the governance aspect is a sizable blind spot since cities will require new institutional arrangements as well as implementing capacities to realize projected reductions. This is particularly pronounced at the sub-national level where knowledge of NAMAs remains relatively limited. The paper indeed finds that the significant variation between India and Indonesia's low carbon development is indeed attributable to these governance arrangements. Low carbon actions in India's cities exhibit a higher degree of institutionalization because of a relatively longer history of delegating national government responsibilities to subnational governments. In the case of Indonesia, city efforts started more recently and are primarily standalone or small pilot projects with minimum coordination with the national or within the subnational government.

TRAGEDY OF CLIMATE AGREEMENTS IN POST-KYOTO PHASE: COPENHAGEN AND BEYOND

Climate change is a global environmental problem that is caused due to human-induced increasing levels of the Greenhouse Gases (GHGs). The consequences of climate change are so severe that no country is immune from it. The problem of climate change has created a profound dilemma. There is no global treaty on climate change that can effectively reduce GHGs emission, fix the responsibilities and recompense damages caused to the environment. However, the contentious issue is: To what extent the developed countries should assist the poor countries in meeting the cost of adaptation? The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has emphasized on assisting poor and the most vulnerable developing countries. During the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, various countries adopted Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) to stabilize their emissions of the GHGs. The key intention behind this collective action was to limit the level of temperature below 2oC over pre-industrial level in coming years. But mere pledges are not enough. In fact, more effective measures are needed to cope with rising global temperature. Moreover, significant changes are required in existing climate change policies and programmes. The United Nations (UN) emphasized the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibility at the Kyoto, Bali, and Copenhagen conferences but the biggest contributors have refused to accept and abide by this principle. At the same time, things are not quite simple as limitation on CO2 mean limitations on economic growth. This has made climate negotiations a very contentious political issue as a result of which the very object of the UN to limit GHG emissions have turned into a tug of war. There is no serious political will to support climate change endeavours. Hundreds of measures have been negotiated in this direction, yet, most of these face problem of implementation. We should act efficiently and quickly to adapt to adverse consequences as projected by the Intergovernmental panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The effective mitigation measures must be taken, worldwide, to tackle climate change urgently. The time is running out. The climate change is the greatest challenge that requires immediate solution. The present paper critically analyses progress made in the field of climate change in the post-Kyoto period and provides to what extent treaties, like, Copenhagen Accord has been successful in dealing with climate change. The work of paper is primarily based on analytical and empirical approach. The significance of the study lies in the fact that climate change is a burning phenomena that the world community facing today. In fact, its solution is required. In this paper authors argue that no country in an isolated manner can cope with the problem of climatic change. In fact, global efforts based on cooperation of all states are very important.

An assessment of the potential for spurring transformational change through Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs)

Fulfilling the UN Paris Agreement on climate change requires societal change at transformational scales, with associated challenges that are intensified in developing countries. In this context, Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) – a key instrument in support of developing countries’ climate actions – are promoted for their high theoretical transformative potential. However, little is known of how NAMAs are related to transformation in practice. This article studies how developing countries intend to use the instrument to implement climate actions and whether these intentions are related to how transformation can be spurred at landscape, regime, and niche levels. 144 developing countries’ Intended Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement are examined alongside 17 representative NAMA proposals. Although there is scope to improve consideration of the instrument’s theoretically high transformative potential in actual design, current practices indicate that spurring transformational change is already a high priority of NAMA designers.

Strategy in Reducing the Pace of the Greenhouse Gas Emission from the Electricity Sector in Southeast Sulawesi

Climate change in Indonesia is receiving a lot of concern as the nation is the top ten world largest emitter of the greenhouse gases. To relieve the concern, Indonesia had proposed to cut the gas emissions by 26 percent by 2020 from business-as-usual (BAU) levels and proposed a 41 percent emission reduction below BAU target conditional to international support for Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs). This study deals with the strategy in reducing the acceleration of the greenhouse gas emission from the power sector in Southeast Sulawesi, a developing province in Indonesia with its high electricity demand in recent years. It calculates of the annual greenhouse emission from the electricity generation mix in this province, using the projected annual electricity generation and projected power plants installed under the power supply business plan (RPUTL) of the state electricity company (PLN Indonesia) and the lifecycle carbon dioxide emission equivalent. Some scenarios are proposed, by varying the power generation mix in the case of inclusion and exclusion the projected clean renewable powers in the year of 2020 and 2022. The result shows that in 2020, by the inclusion of the projected clean renewable powers in the power generation mix (around 5 percent), it can reduce the annual greenhouse gas emission almost 6 percent. In 2022, by maintaining the amount of the power generation from fossil sources as those in 2020 and maximizing the use of the clean powers in the electricity generation mix (around 20 percent), under the power provision plan, it can reduce the emission by 26 percent.

The transformational potential of Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions in Tanzania: assessing the concept’s cultural legitimacy among stakeholders in the solar energy sector

ABSTRACTWhile energy-sector emissions remain the biggest source of climate change, many least-developed countries still invest in fossil-fuel development paths. These countries generally have high levels of fossil-fuel technology lock-in and low capacities to change, making the shift to sustainable energy difficult. Tanzania, a telling example, is projected to triple fossil-fuel power production in the next decade. This article assesses the potential to use internationally supported Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) to develop solar energy in Tanzania and contribute to transformational change of the electricity supply system. By assessing the cultural legitimacy of NAMAs among key stakeholders in the solar energy sector, we analyse the conditions for successful uptake of the concept in (1) national political thought and institutional frameworks and (2) the solar energy niche. Interview data are analysed from a multi-level perspective on transition, focusing on its cultural dimension. Several framings undermining legitimacy are articulated, such as attaching low-actor credibility to responsible agencies and the concept’s poor fit with political priorities. Actors that discern opportunities for NAMAs could, however, draw on a framing of high commensurability between experienced social needs and opportunities to use NAMAs to address them through climate-compatible development. This legitimises NAMAs and could challenge opposing framings.

Aligning Climate Policy with National Interest: Disengagements with Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions in South Africa

Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) were proposed as a policy framework that could provide middle ground for meeting both the development and mitigation objectives in developing countries. While South Africa engaged actively with the NAMA terminology in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiations, its engagement at the domestic level has been rather lacklustre. This presents an interesting paradox. The paper studies the interplay of international norms embodied in NAMAs with South Africa's domestic policy process. Disengagement and contestation around NAMAs in South Africa is played out at three stages: decision-making stage where the symptoms surrounding this contestation first emerge; policy formulation stage where NAMAs have to not only align with the National Development Plan but also compete with a predilection for domestically familiar terminology of flagships under the national climate policy; and finally the broader agenda-setting stage of policy process, where NAMAs have to prove useful in not only pursuing the developmental state agenda but also in tackling the underlying material factors that represent country's economic dependency on fossil fuels. NAMAs faced combined resistance from ideas and interests in various degrees at all these stages resulting in their disengagement.