Ecologic Institute & ECF Climate Framework Laws INFO-MATRIX

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1		About the Climate Framework Laws Info-Matrix							Contact: nick.evans@ecologic.eu matthias.duwe@ecologic.eu
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9	BACKGROUND	YOU ARE VIEWING VERSION		250313	"
10	BACKGROUND		Change log	here		How to cite
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12	The transformation to a net-zero society requires clear long-term objectives and robust policy-making. National climate framework laws can be an integral part of establishing the necessary framework and management tools for such a transformation. As of the end of 2022, 16 EU Member States have adopted a climate law. While no two climate laws are the same, the frameworks tend to draw on a set of common elements, such as targets, planning, monitoring, expert advisory bodies, and participation. The Climate Framework Laws Info-Matrix aims to collect, organise and present information on the status and details of national climate laws in Europe, currently limited to the 32 European Environment Agency member countries plus the United Kingdom. The matrix is a ‘living’ online resource open to all. The information it contains is gathered through desk research of existing literature and the texts of the laws themselves. However, the matrix will continuously undergo crowd-sourcing quality control and verification of accuracy through the input of its users. The Climate Framework Laws Info-Matrix is managed by Ecologic Institute with financial support from the European Climate Foundation (ECF).					Ecologic Institute (2024): Climate Framework Laws Info-Matrix
13						Version	250313	(N. Evans, M. Duwe, & D. Kocher, Eds.).
14						Ecologic Institute, Berlin.
15						https://www.ecologic.eu/19320
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20						How to suggest an edit or correction
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22						Users can suggest changes to the information for any law by commenting directly on the cell or field. To do so, right click on the cell and select 'comment'. While we are happy to accept anonymous comments, it will facilitate follow-up if users provide their name and affiliation in the comment. Each comment will be reviewed and information will be updated accordingly.
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24	STRUCTURE
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27	The Climate Framework Laws Info-Matrix is structured around two overview and seven content sheets, which the user can click through at the bottom of the page. The (1) Summary and (2) Maps sheets provide an overview of the landscape of climate laws in Europe. The summary also assesses the strengths and weaknesses of each law, categorising them according to a simple rubric (see note on assessment methodology). A (3) Status sheet provides basic information about the laws, including title, year adopted and revisions. Remaining information captured in the matrix is structured around core elements found in many national climate framework laws: (4) Targets This sheet presents which climate laws include national climate targets and how these are organised, e.g., climate neutrality, long-term and interim GHG reductions and removals. The sheet also looks into the scope of the targets (e.g., greenhouse gas coverage), whether a process for revising targets exists and if the approach is budget-based. Sectoral budgets, a backsliding cause and additional sectoral targets are also considered. (5) Planning This sheet contains information about long-term (i.e., 30-year or post-2030 time horizon) and short-term (i.e., 2030, 2040) strategic and action planning, included in climate laws. Additionally, it examines other planning, such as sector-specific planning or plans for adaptation. (6) Monitoring This sheet derives information from climate laws about the frequency and general description of monitoring practices, as well as responsible institution(s), provisions to increase transparency, action triggers and other monitoring or reporting activities. (7) Expert advice This sheet examines information about expert advisory bodies, inscribed in the laws. The sheet provides information about the name, composition and structure, mandate, provisions for independence, and requirements for the government to consult or respond to the advisory body. Advisory bodies that include stakeholders outside of the scientific community are included instead under stakeholder engagement under the participation element. (8) Participation This sheet looks into public and stakeholder participation, mentioned in the laws. It includes information about general provisions for public participation, the role of parliament and citizens’ assemblies. It also provides data about the name, composition and mandate of a dedicated stakeholder engagement body, if such is referred to, as well as any requirements for the government to consult or respond to this body. (9) Misc. Any additional information specific to the law.
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31					Figure: Structure of the Info-Matrix
32					Figure: Structure of the Info-Matrix
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47					FURTHER RESOURCES
48					FURTHER RESOURCES
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50					CAN Europe (2022): Climate Laws in Europe Essential for achieving climate neutrality. LIFE Unify Project. Duwe, M., & Evans, N. (2020). Climate Laws in Europe: Good Practices in Net-Zero Management. Ecologic Institute; European Climate Foundation. Grantham Institute, Climate Laws of the World Database World Bank (2020): World Bank Reference Guide to Climate Change Framework Legislation.
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