CCS Releases Long Term, Low Emission Development Strategy and Implementation Framework for Lao PDR and World Bank
The final report delivery for the Lao PDR government representatives in Vientiane.
September 16, 2024. In partnership with the World Bank, the Center for Climate Strategies (CCS) and its local partners, Earth Systems and Care International, are pleased to announce the results of a major climate change policy initiative conducted with the Government of Lao PDR: “Technical Recommendations for Lao People’s Democratic Republic Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy.”
Over the past two years, CCS and its partners supported the World Bank in providing the technical assistance and advisory services to the Government of Lao PDR in its effort to develop the country’s LTS through a stakeholder-based, analytical process led by the Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment, Department of Climate Change (DCC-MONRE). CCS’s support included coordinated stakeholder engagement, data collection, scenario analysis, and development of policy recommendations and implementation framework to lay out a pathway towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
The LTS recommendations detail the key transformations of the Lao PDR’s economy resulting from the implementation of 43 low-emission development actions across economic sectors on the condition that macroeconomic and fiscal stability is restored, and workforce development and education are prioritized within the country. From decarbonizing electricity supply for export to expanding climate-smart agriculture practices, the LTS recommendations were carefully crafted considering Lao PDR’s specific context. This includes the need for the Government of Lao PDR to enhance its long-term planning (especially for the power sector including regional power trade); to close institutional, regulatory, financial, and capacity gaps; and to improve access to innovative forms of financing.
Results show that the LTS scenario for Lao PDR can enable achievement of the 2050 Net Zero target, while generating net economic savings (after upfront investments), national macro-economic stimulus, and reduced exposure to climate vulnerabilities across economic sectors through specific, measurable actions to decarbonize electricity generation, electrify end-uses, reduce energy consumption, expand climate-smart agriculture, increase carbon sequestration, and expand sustainable waste management. The LTS recommendations serve as the technical foundation for the development of Lao PDR’s official LTS demonstrating the country’s contribution to achieving the Paris Agreement objectives. The LTS is expected to guide the development of the national social and economic development plans, as well as the updates to the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).