PLANNING FOR A NET-ZERO FUTURE: Guidance on how to develop a Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS)
Sources: United Nations Development Programme
Date: April 2024
This document offers practical and concise, step-by-step guidance on designing Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS). LT-LEDS play a crucial role in mitigating and adapting to climate change while aligning with development objectives. The Paris Agreement calls upon its 195 signatory countries to strive for limiting the global temperature increase to 1.5°C. Achieving this goal hinges on the rapid reduction of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) in the short term through ambitious National Determined Contributions (NDCs), ultimately culminating in reaching climate neutrality, often referred to as net-zero emissions, by 2050. LT-LEDS are crucial in guiding this transition across various economic sectors and societal behaviours, ensuring that immediate climate actions are consistent with long-term goals.
Recognizing the challenges in developing LT-LEDS—stemming from their voluntary nature, limited guidance and a dearth of examples from developing countries—this guide emerges as an essential resource. It encapsulates key lessons from early experiences and showcases prominent country examples, particularly from developing countries. It is designed to assist both newcomers in initiating LT-LEDS and those with established strategies, acknowledging the diversity in government capacity, economic contexts and political dynamics.
Structured to provide clarity and ease of use, the guide commences with an overview of LT-LEDS functions (Section 1) and culminates with lessons learned (Section 5). It details the procedural steps for preparation (Section 2) and implementation (Section 4), along with the substantive content of these strategies (Section 3), enhanced by practical country examples. For more comprehensive information, Annex 1 offers an annotated overview of relevant LT-LEDS literature and Annex 2 explores in depth several key transition levers.