Climate Technology Centre & Network launches its third Programme of Work to enhance climate resilience through digitalisation and innovation

Digitalisation is part of the new work programme of the Climate Technology Centre & Network, which focuses on investigating how digital technologies and circular design can be efficient tools to decarbonise the economy.

The Climate Technology Centre & Network (CTCN), a network of institutions hosted by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and responsible for helping developing countries access environmentally sound technologies for climate change mitigation and adaptation, has launched its third Programme of Work for 2023–2027 at COP27. The new work programme focuses on the transformative potential of national systems of innovation (NSI) and digitalisation as enablers of technology transfer and development in five transformative systems: water-energy-food nexus, buildings and infrastructure, sustainable mobility, energy systems, and business and industry. It will explore how digital technologies and circular design can contribute to reducing global carbon emissions.

As examples, the document cites the role of data and digitalisation in early warning systems and nature-based solutions and digital technologies to support off-grid energy systems, including blockchain technologies for urban transport and building. 

Along with this new programme, CTCN also launched the first joint work programme in collaboration with the Technology Executive Committee (TEC) to strengthen and accelerate efforts on transformative climate technology development and transfer. Digitalisation is among the activities included in the joint programme, which will focus on the role of distributed ledgers and green technology databases as support tools and resources for innovation cooperation.