Reduction

Over the past decade, recognised conceptual frameworks & best practices for climate action have emerged, oriented towards setting science-based targets for emissions reduction, and using recommendations from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) latest report⁹ and from the GHG Protocol. Adopting the following set of principles allows humanitarian organisations to be part of the global effort to genuinely address the climate emergency and limit global warming below 2C, as close as possible to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Harmonisation leading to more effective reduction plans

Adopting and implementing a common set of principles allows emissions reduction strategies to be more consistent and effective. It means that organisations can:

• Adopt standardised frameworks for measuring and reducing GHG emissions.
• Align their practices with international standards and best practices (GHG protocol, IPCC, etc.).
• Benefit from the related methodological guidance, adapted to the specific challenges of the sector.
• Assess the volume and nature of GHG emissions, thereby providing solid grounds for emissions reduction plans.
• Improve data quality, and engage in coordinated data collection and monitoring efforts
• Operationalise the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations (Commitment #2 on impact reduction and #5 on collaboration).

A compass for acceleration

Effective emissions reduction requires a multi-pronged approach. Promoting the use of guiding principles will help to spread best practice among humanitarian organisations. This will maximise the volume of emissions avoided and will pave the way for coordinated monitoring and reporting.