In the area of mitigation UNEP helps countries make sound, informed energy supply choices with a focus on renewable energy options; it partners with actors in key economic sectors and other stakeholders – including city networks and consumer groups –  to improve the efficiency with which energy is used and promote energy conservation measures; it supports the development of the carbon market in both developing and least developed countries; and works to improve land use, and reduce deforestation and forest degradation as a source of greenhouse gas emissions.

For example:

• UNEP is building capacity in 25 developing countries so they can participate in the Clean Development Mechanism and global carbon markets. UNEP is also working with UNDP and the World Bank to expand coverage of these activities.
• The UNEP-facilitated Global Network on Energy for Sustainable Development engages more than 20 centres of excellence in developing and industrialized countries to provide policy solutions for clean and efficient energy sources for the world’s poor.
• UNEP renewable energy activities include supporting the development of criteria for the sustainable production of biofuels, and ensuring that these contribute to climate, energy and environmental goals.
• The Sustainable Buildings and Construction Initiative is promoting energy efficiency in different building sectors and investigating how market mechanisms can support energy efficiency investments.
• The Sustainable Transport Programme is promoting less polluting transport systems and mobility options.
• The Rural Energy Enterprise Development (REED) initiative nurtures new, clean energy enterprises in developing countries by providing enterprise development services and early stage seed finance.
• The UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre has reviewed the impact on livelihoods of reducing emissions from deforestation.