Welcome to the Climate Change Corner, a new column dedicated to raising awareness, providing education, and inspiring action on one of the most pressing issues of our time: climate change. As the impacts of climate change become increasingly evident, it is crucial for individuals, communities, and businesses in Lesotho to stay informed and engaged. Our goal to offer valuable insight, practical advice and inspiring stories to help you understand and address issues posed by climate change.

Why Climate Change Matters Climate change is not just an environmental issue: it is a global issue that affects every aspect of our lives. From extreme weather events and rising temperatures to shifts in agricultural productivity and biodiversity loss, the consequences of climate change are far-reaching.

In Lesotho communities are already facing the impacts, making it essential for us to act now. The Climate Change Corner aims to be your trusted source of information and support, helping you navigate this complex issue. What’s in store for you: Each week, the Climate Change Corner will bring you a diverse range of content designed to inform, educate, and inspire.

This week we discuss: TECHNICAL REGULATION (TR)

WHAT IS IT?

The WTO defines a TR as a “document which lays down product characteristics or their related processes and production methods, including the applicable administrative provisions, with which compliance is mandatory”. TR are typically used to address the so-called “legitimate objectives” of government which include protecting the health and safety of citizens and the environment, among others. So, while conformity with standards is

voluntary, technical regulations are by nature compulsory.

 

Like other regulations, TRs are prepared through a legislative process that is normally defined in a country’s constitution or laws. A TR normally includes administrative provisions such as the accountability for the regulation and definition of the competent authority, guidance for the competent authority for interpretation of the regulation, conformity assessment procedures to be used (inspection, testing, certification and validation) to demonstrate compliance with the regulation, enforcement mechanisms to be used, and sanctions to be applied in the case of noncompliance.

 

HOW DOES TECHNICAL REGULATION SUPPORT CLIMATE ACTION?

Increased environmental concerns among consumers, due to rising levels of air, water and soil pollution, have led many governments to adopt regulations aimed at protecting the environment. Regulations of this type cover, for example, the recycling of paper and plastic products, and levels of motor vehicle emissions.

 

Technical regulations in the context of climate change are usually “horizontal” (they do not target a specific sector) in nature and can refer to specific standards, specifications, and requirements established by governments or international bodies to address and mitigate the impact of human activities on the climate.

 

These regulations are designed to set forth guidelines and criteria for various industries, technologies, and processes, with the aim of promoting environmentally sustainable practices and reducing GHG emissions. Technical regulations support the transition to a low-carbon economy by providing clear guidelines and harmonized practices fostering the global effort to address climate change. Some common areas where technical regulations can be implemented in the context of climate change are:

 

» Emission standards for industries, vehicles, and power plants to limit the amount of GHGs and other pollutants released into the atmosphere. These standards often specify permissible emission levels and require the use of cleaner technologies.

 

» Energy efficiency standards for appliances, vehicles, and buildings to promote the use of technologies that consume less energy. This helps reduce overall energy consumption and, consequently, GHG emissions.

 

» Renewable energy standards to encourage and facilitate the adoption of solar, wind, hydro, and other renewable technologies to replace fossil fuels.

 

» Fuel quality standards promoting cleaner and less carbon-intensive options. This may include specifications for biofuels and other alternative fuels that have lower carbon footprints compared to traditional fossil fuels.

 

» Carbon offsetting and trading standards to promote carbon offset projects and emissions trading markets, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and integrity in the accounting and verification of emission reductions or removals.

 

» Green building codes to enhance energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of structures.

 

» Waste management standards to stimulate the refurbishment and reuse of devices or systems, minimize methane emissions from landfills and promote recycling and composting as alternatives to traditional waste disposal methods.

 

» Forestry and land use standards to prevent deforestation, promote reforestation, and protect biodiversity.

 

» Monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) standards to ensure consistency and accuracy in the measurement and reporting of GHG emissions by industries and organizations in general.

 

 

In the upcoming issue, we get to know more about: ACCREDITATION