Preventing illegal logging, tracking energy production, and correctly allocating emissions under the polluter pays principle – all of this is possible with blockchain technology. The new Navigating Report 2021 from the Climate Ledger Initiative presents the results of climate-related pilot projects making use of blockchain and other innovative digital technologies.

The transport sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Switzerland. How can these emissions be reduced in a way that is as economically and socially acceptable as possible? There is still little information available on which to base an answer to this question, which is why it is currently the subject of research by a team from INFRAS and ETH Zurich, as part of the NRP 73 National Research Programme.

The cooperative approach under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement requires reliable and trusted bookkeeping systems in form of a registry. On behalf of the Swedish Energy Agency (SEA), INFRAS analysed the potential of blockchain based technologies – and developed a registry system together with its IT partner “Cosmos”.

Financial markets play an important role on the journey to a low-carbon future. Luxembourg has positioned itself as a pioneer for sustainable investments with the Luxembourg Sovereign Sustainability Bond. On behalf of the Luxembourg government, INFRAS developed together with 4Climate and other partners the first impact report that measured both the CO₂ emissions that were saved as well as additional environmental benefits.

In order to slow climate change, the building sector must be decarbonized globally. On behalf of GlobalABC, INFRAS identified ten key measures that could lead to success.

Developing climate compatible financial flows – this is one of the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. What is the contribution of the Swiss financial center? INFRAS summarized the current situation on behalf of the Swiss Advisory Body for Climate Research (OcCC).

How does global climate change affect enterprises in the Canton of Zurich? INFRAS completed a multi-stakeholder dialog on the opportunities and risks stemming from global climate change on international trade in Zurich within the pilot program “Adaptation to climate change” from the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN).

INFRAS project manager Madeleine Guyer explains in an interview how blockchain and distributed ledger technologies can be used for climate action and the goals the Climate Ledger Initiative is following.

In the future, both negative emission technologies and trade with international emission certificates are options for municipalities and cantons to reach their climate change mitigation targets. What is their potential, and how suitable are they for the city and for the canton of Zurich on the path to net zero emissions?