Options for multilateral initiatives to close the global 2030 climate ambition and action gap : policy field energy transition

To achieve the turnaround towards carbon neutrality, countries need to take much more ambitious action in this decade. One of the key fields of action is the transition of the energy sector –from fossil to renewable fuels, while drastically reducing energy consumption. This paperdiscusses options how such action can be enhanced through multilateral cooperation. To do so, it first provides an overview of the landscape of the most relevant international initiatives (partnerships, platforms, alliances and networks) that work on issues related to energy transition, particularly on promoting energy efficiency, the uptake of renewable energies, access to energy or the phase-out of fossil fuels. Out of these, five initiatives are analysed in greater detail and described in terms of their role and expected impact. Finally, the paper describes five potential initiatives for enhanced international cooperation on energy transition, particularly in the framework of the G20: an initiative to coordinate efforts for a green recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, an initiative to reduce the supply of fossil fuels, a club of national and sub-national governments that commit to a fully renewable energy supply, a dedicated institution to foster energy efficiency and energy conservation, and an alliance specifically aimed at the non-usual suspects.