Humankind urgently needs to address climate change by dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting poor and vulnerable communities to adapt to the changes that are already taking place. The energy sector is the largest single contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, so greening the energy sector is critical to averting catastrophic climate change. However, making the necessary changes in climate and energy policies is extremely politically sensitive. The Policy Practice works with governments, development partners and non-governmental organisations to better understand the politics of energy sector reform and the political economy of climate action more broadly. This includes:
- PEAs of the energy transition in several countries
- Advice to climate and energy programmes about how best to navigate complex political environments
- Studies of the politics of fossil fuel subsidy reform (download the Open Access book by TPP Director Neil McCulloch
- Exploring the political economy of corruption in the energy sector and in the forestry sector
- Research on engaging the private sector in electricity in fragile contexts
- A new short online course on the Political Economy of Climate Action
TPP is conducting participatory political economy analyses of the World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) locally led conservation work in Tanzania, Papua New Guinea and Tunisia, collaborating with locally embedded specialists. Findings will inform the initiative's second phase through a cross-country synthesis, public learning resource and dissemination webinar.
TPP Director Neil McCulloch led a political economy analysis in Indonesia for Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade together with national experts. The study examined two contentious energy issues: reforming Indonesia's costly fossil fuel subsidies, and accelerating the shift from diesel to renewable power across remote communities.
TPP Director Neil McCulloch and Tim Kelsall (ODI) with TPP Principal Samantha Wade are delivering a six-session online political economy analysis workshop to staff from the International Institute for Sustainable Development.