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LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
Dear CTCN community and friends,
As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), it is with a profound sense of gratitude and pride that I present to you CTCN’s 10th Anniversary Report, a testament to our collective achievements and the transformative impact we have made both on the global stage and at the community level.
I joined CTCN at its inception, and I have seen it grow from an idea on paper to a concrete global asset for climate action. Its technical assistance and knowledge transfer has reached 113 countries, impacted the lives of over 200 million people, and managed more than USD 100 million.
I have witnessed how technology can save the lives of people from floods and droughts, secure food on the table, and empower communities.
The case for investing in climate technology has never been more compelling, and this report provides even stronger supporting evidence.
From pioneering new financing mechanisms to leveraging cutting-edge technologies, from forging strategic partnerships to driving systemic change, this report encapsulates the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines our community, highlighting the remarkable progress we have achieved. The dramatic increase of technical assistance requests and how they are now more integrated in long-term national strategic visions is a testimony of this paradigm shift.
We have solid data, a proven business model and a growing portfolio of technologies, and the agility to meet developing countries where they are, alongside the support and collaboration of world-leading organizations. The call is on the international community, donor countries, philanthropic organizations and the private sector to mobilize resources to meet the climate technology needs of developing countries and exceed expectations in delivering system-transformative solutions.
CTCN is at the right time and the right place to plant the seed of radical system transformation, through climate technology for decarbonization and community resilience.
This report paints a realistic portrait of how changing the systems that change the climate works. The triggers, the accelerating actions, the obstacles, the pace, the breadth of action, it looks at all the compounding elements strengthening national systems of innovation and the adoption of climate technology.
Most importantly, this report takes readers through a journey of system transformation. From how CTCN strengthened national systems through technology roadmaps and policy changes in Africa, or designed a new sustainable business model for the herders’ community in Mongolia, to how Sudan and Eswatini are using drone technology to map the soil and devise adaptation strategies. It shows the results of new forms of partnerships and how CTCN is engaging with Business & industry to design new roadmaps in the cement sector, and its early success in the Republic of the Congo, and how a circular economy is setting new climate ambitions in Costa Rica. It delves into the ecosystem changes needed to bring e-mobility to the Asia-Pacific region and attract the investment needed to bring the first e-buses to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
The report capitalizes on synergies and on how, through a multi-country GCF project, seven African countries were able to leapfrog to energy efficient mechanisms, and how CTCN introduced a pay-as-you-irrigate model in Mozambique or a new solar powered water pumping system in Liberia, relieving communities from the pressure of food insecurity. Yes, climate technology is saving lives.
The report also shows how CTCN is addressing inequalities and vulnerabilities, or more concretely, securing school buildings and infrastructure in Saint Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda so that children can go to school despite the impacts of climate change.
As we reflect on the past decade and look to the future, it is clear that our work is far from finished.
In the past 10 years climate technology has made quantum leap, and digitalization is spearheading new solutions leveraging big data, machine learning and AI, to mention but a few of the tools on the CTCN radar. Yet, despite technology being more accessible and comparatively cheaper than ever before, the resources needed to make this technology available to developing countries struggle to catch up.
Until we reconcile these two speeds, and bring knowledge and technology where it is most needed, we will not be able to make the systemic changes required to not exceed the 1.5°C limit. This report makes the strongest case for investing more and faster in climate technology to provide CTCN with the resources needed to respond to all requests for technical assistance – not just 60 per cent – and to take the most promising solutions to the next level through strategic partnerships and financing.
I am proud of all that we have accomplished together. Over the past decade, a network of partners, businesses and donor governments have supported CTCN through strategic financial, in-kind and pro-bono contributions. These partners have demonstrated unwavering commitment and dedication to advancing climate action through technology transfer, capacity-building and collaboration.
As we cross the 10-year mark together, there is an important message that CTCN wants to convey, echoing the words of UNEP’s Executive Director: we can still limit global warming to 1.5°C, but this requires unprecedented system transformations. Although Gap Reports inform us that we are moving in the wrong direction, we have the technology to make the dramatic U-turn needed to get us to net-zero by 2050.
The window of opportunity is narrowing at a dramatic pace. I urge the international community to follow through on the global commitments and join forces to bridge the existing resource gap. With additional resources, CTCN can multiply the return on investment of climate technologies and design with the communities most in need innovative solutions for climate action and sustainable development.
Thank you once again, together we can and we will make a difference.
Rajiv Garg
CTCN Interim Director
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