The NDC ASPECTS Project quickly set up a working structure and achieved all intended objectives and results by the end of the project:
The Sectoral Conversations were implemented with slight adjustments due to sector-specific circumstances as reported in the first periodic report. Key challenges and achievements of each Sectoral Conversation are reported in the cross-sectoral synthesis in D1.2. Overall, we find that the Sectoral Conversations approach was successful in promoting dialogue and mutual learning, leading to the identification of key challenges and opportunities for decarbonisation in each sector.
Two international bunker fuel models, for the maritime and aviation sectors, were developed and used to assess the potential contribution of the sectors to meet deep decarbonization goals, including the Paris Agreement objectives and the IMO goals. Results were reported in D2.1 and a scientific journal article.
Using two leading Integrated Assessment Models (GCAM and PROMETHEUS), the project developed enhanced global mitigation pathways including the latest national climate policies (including the effects from the recent energy crisis), NDCs and long-term targets as reported in D2.3 and three peer-reviewed scientific articles. In addition, the project assessed the implications of these new mitigation pathways for the Sustainable Development Goals as reported in D2.4.
The project developed sectoral mitigation pathways and benchmarks for key sectoral mitigation options or bundles of options, including globally traded direct reduced iron, light electric vehicles, alternative routes for the transformation of the EU building sector, and constraints of the mitigation potential of AFOLU. Results are reported in D3.1 D3.2 eight policy papers and several peer-reviewed articles.
The project analysed the determinants of ambition in updated NDCs and risk factors for successful implementation of NDCs. Results were reported in D4.1 and D4.2 one peer-reviewed article already published and one currently under peer review.
The project analysed mitigation drivers and barriers and policy options in the four target sectors in the 20 target countries, covering at least two sectors for each country. Results are reported in D4.3 and D4.4 one peer-reviewed article already published and one in the peer-review process.
The project developed sectoral deep dives and enhanced national mitigation pathways for all its target countries. Results are reported in D5.1 (data tables) and D5.2 (country fiches). The work on Tier-1 countries included engagements with relevant national stakeholders to ensure the relevance of the research.
The project mapped the global climate governance landscape for its four target sectors, and in addition assessed the potential of climate clubs, supply-side climate policy, and the Global Stocktake. This work identified governance gaps and developed recommendations on how to address those gaps to further strengthen the global enabling environment for sectoral transformations. Results are reported in D6.1 - D6.4 and in seven peer-reviewed journal articles, with four further papers currently being peer reviewed.
To promote dissemination and exploitation, the project team undertook a series of activities to engage policymakers and other stakeholders, including a submission for the Global Stocktake, a series of policy papers and a series of policy dialogues, including a large final conference in Brussels with the sister project 4i-Traction. In addition, all results were published on the project website and disseminated via social media and regular project newsletters. Modelling results were included in the online platform I2AM Paris to facilitate their further use.
