Evaluating climate program impact and scalability

Scientists from PIK have delivered a groundbreaking evaluation of climate policy measures covering the last two decades. The study unveils the first comprehensive global evaluation of 1,500 climate policy measures from 41 countries across six continents, providing a detailed impact analysis of the wide range of climate policy measures implemented. The findings reveal a sobering reality: many policy measures have failed to achieve the necessary scale of emission reductions, with only 63 instances of successful climate policies, leading to average emission reductions of 19%, identified. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the key characteristic of these successful cases appears to be the inclusion of tax and price incentives in well-designed policy mixes. An accompanying interactive website, the “Climate Policy Explorer,” offers a comprehensive overview of the results, analysis and methods, and is available here: https://lnkd.in/efTeQBPb. Paper here: https://lnkd.in/eJu5vMuy

The $300M NYC green jobs program stumbled📊 Here's what it teaches us about scaling workforce development right... New York City just shut down a massive green jobs initiative after investing $300M to train residents for clean energy careers. Despite good intentions and real potential, the program couldn't demonstrate basic metrics like how many participants found jobs. This matters because: • The IRA has unlocked billions for clean energy workforce development • Cities nationwide are launching similar programs • We need proven models to build the climate workforce Want to learn more about workforce development? Check out The Clear Clean podcast episode with program manager from Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC): https://lnkd.in/gCSBDq6m Here's what went wrong and how we fix it: 1. Measure What Matters - The program never defined success metrics - No system to track participant outcomes - Limited data on job placement 2. Build Before Scaling - Program expanded from $24M to $300M before proving the model - Rapid growth outpaced operational capacity - Infrastructure didn't match ambitions 3. Connect Training to Jobs - Unclear pathways from training to employment - Limited engagement with employers - 3-month program may be too short for career transition The clean energy industry faces a critical workforce shortage. We can't afford to repeat these mistakes as billions in federal funding flows to similar initiatives. Smart moves for program designers: • Start small, prove the model, then scale • Build employer partnerships first • Track outcomes religiously • Design for sustainability, not speed Question: What's your experience with workforce development programs? What separates the successful ones from those that struggle? #CleanEnergyJobs #WorkforceDevelopment #IRAimpact #GreenCareers

🌍 We Can’t Afford to Get Climate Policy Wrong—A Look at the Data Behind What Really Works 🌍 In the race against time to combat climate change, bold promises are everywhere. But here’s the critical question: Are the policies being implemented actually reducing emissions at the scale we need? A groundbreaking study published in Science, cuts through the noise and delivers the insights we desperately need. Evaluating 1,500 climate policies from around the world, the research identifies the 63 most effective ones—policies that have delivered tangible, significant reductions in emissions. What’s striking is that the most successful strategies often involve combinations of policies, rather than single initiatives. Think of it as the ultimate teamwork: when policies like carbon pricing, renewable energy mandates, and efficiency standards are combined thoughtfully, the impact is far greater than any one policy could achieve on its own. It’s a powerful reminder that for climate solutions the whole is indeed greater than the sum of its parts. Moreover, the study’s use of counterfactual emissions pathways is a game changer. By showing what would have happened without these policies, it provides a clear, quantifiable measure of their effectiveness. This is exactly the kind of rigorous evaluation we need to ensure that every policy counts, especially when we’re working against the clock. If we’re serious about meeting the Paris Agreement’s targets, we need to focus on what works—and this research offers a clear roadmap. Let’s champion policies that have proven to make a difference, because we don’t have time to waste on anything less. 🔗 Full study in the comments #ClimateAction #Sustainability #PolicyEffectiveness #ParisAgreement #NetZero #ClimateScience

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is not just a process but a transformative tool that empowers community-led initiatives to tackle challenges like climate change and energy management. This comprehensive guide offers an accessible yet rigorous pathway for communities aiming to design and implement their own M&E systems, ensuring that their efforts are both effective and impactful. Built upon the experiences of diverse groups, this resource blends practical tools with tested methodologies to create a robust framework for capturing evidence and driving sustainable outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of participatory approaches, guiding readers through the essential steps of defining objectives, tracking progress, and analyzing results. By aligning M&E practices with clear goals, it fosters not only accountability but also a culture of learning and improvement. Whether you are a community activist, a program manager, or an evaluator, this guide serves as a valuable companion. Dive into its pages to uncover how M&E can amplify your impact and inspire meaningful change in the journey toward a more sustainable and resilient future.