Sectoral Approaches:

Voluntary sectoral approaches are not new; they have been established in various industry sectors across different nationalities and for different objectives, including for environmental and climate related purposes. National governments have also implemented mandatory policies to address climate change based on sectoral criteria and approaches. Sectoral approaches have the potential to address a variety of climate related challenges, including: mitigation, adaptation, research, education, capacity building, technological innovation and cooperation. Sectoral approaches are one significant element in a portfolio of actions to address climate change, but should not be considered in isolation. To avoid inefficiency and unintended effects, sectoral approaches should be understood in an integrated policy context that considers implications for closely related areas such as energy and development as well as implications for competition within and between sectors.