Opportunity
To limit global warming to 1.5°C requires unprecedented transformation across all sectors and regions. However, many developing countries lack the tools and data to explore and communicate their decarbonisation options.
The 2050 Calculator is a revolutionary tool that helps address this gap. It is an Excel-based model with an interactive web interface that allows users to create and compare different pathways to net zero. It covers all sectors of the economy, including energy, transport, industry, buildings, land use, and waste. It is also open source and transparent, which builds trust and credibility among stakeholders.
The UK Government developed the first 2050 Calculator in 2010, and appointed Mott MacDonald in 2019 to lead a consortium (with Imperial College London, Climact and Ricardo) to deliver a £3M programme to support eight developing countries – Colombia, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam – to create or update their own versions of the Calculator, with the aim of identifying options to reduce emissions at a rate compatible with the Paris Agreement.
Solution
Our solution involved three main components: building local capacity, engaging stakeholders, and promoting the Calculators.
Building local capacity: We partnered with local teams within government ministries, universities, or consultancies to develop the Calculators. Our consortium trained teams on how to build the Excel model and convert it into a web interface, using an innovative Python-based tool developed by Imperial College. We also provided technical support and quality assurance throughout the process. Mott MacDonald colleagues acted as country managers to support each Calculator, leveraging their local knowledge, language skills, and networks.
Engaging stakeholders: We facilitated workshops, webinars, and meetings with a wide range of stakeholders, including policy makers, academics, NGOs, and the private sector, to gather data, feedback, and buy-in for the Calculators. We also worked closely with government officials to encourage the use of the Calculators to develop and communicate low carbon policies, such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), sectoral strategies, and long-term visions.
Promoting the Calculators: We used various channels to raise awareness and interest in the Calculators, both within and beyond the programme countries. We presented the programme at COP26 and COP27, held two successful international conferences in London, each with over 100 attendees from 10 countries, and published articles, blogs, and social media posts. We also supported the public launch events of the Calculators in each country, which attracted media attention and senior-level participation.
Outcome
The programme has delivered significant outcomes for people and planet, including:
- Creating and launching eight Calculators, covering 25% of global population and 10% of global emissions.
- Supporting the development of low carbon policies in each country, such as NDCs, net zero targets, and sectoral plans.
- Building local capacity and ownership of the Calculators, encouraging their sustainability and maintenance beyond the programme.
- Strengthening UK climate partnerships with developing countries, enhancing relationships and mutual learning.
- Creating a global Calculator community, fostering South-South collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- Demonstrating industry leadership and excellence in climate change mitigation and sustainable development.