Climate policy knowledge for well-informed decision-making
Knowledge gaps remain with reference to the implications of various options regarding EU and international climate policies. Achieving effective policy outcomes depends on identifying and filling these gaps. Such was the goal of the EU-funded project POLIMP (Mobilizing and transferring knowledge on post-2012 climate policy implications). The seven-member consortium collected and synthesised relevant knowledge on the topic, presenting derived knowledge packages in an attractive form for key stakeholders The policy issues target the implications of various climate policy scenarios, effective debate, plus learning from the experiences of other countries. To achieve its aims, the project team began by identifying knowledge needs of different stakeholder groups within Europe regarding key topics of climate policy. This was followed by the compilation of knowledge packages from a multitude of information sources in order to address these needs. The team then developed an online tracking document to monitor progress of data processing. In addressing its goal, the project also developed a participatory process, including preparatory dialogue, thematic workshops and other events, questionnaire elaboration and targeted interviews with stakeholders. POLIMP then mapped and categorised stakeholders according to their knowledge and expertise. Throughout its lifetime, POLIMP organised several workshops summarised in the form of policy briefs, in addition to organising a final conference on its main topic. It produced a matrix of past, present and future climate policy scenarios, touching on key topics such as renewable energy, emissions trading, agriculture/forestry, energy efficiency, industry, adaptation and transport. Research resulted in the development of a knowledge platform, the Climate Policy Info Hub, where the knowledge packages are hosted online. This useful web-based tool serves as a knowledge base on climate change mitigation, adaptation, technology transfer, finance and market mechanisms, offering many functionalities to make knowledge transfer as easy and accessible as possible for decision-makers in policy, business and civil society. Within the project's framework, a dedicated website was developed, which includes social networks and platforms. It also contains the project's results, publications and videos as well as further material. Project articles were published in the partners' newsletters and at external conferences. POLIMP successfully identified and filled gaps in knowledge about climate policy in order to support policymaking. The work fosters communication and discussion about respective options, leading to informed and effective policy decisions.
Keywords
Climate policy, POLIMP, renewable energy, emissions trading, climate change
