Global Climate Action Partnership
Stored: Global Climate Action Partnership
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Global Climate Action Partnership (GCAP) is an international nonprofit network rebranded from the Low Emission Development Strategies Global Partnership (LEDS GP) in 2021, dedicated to accelerating climate-resilient, low-emission development through collaboration among over 4,500 practitioners across 350+ institutions in Africa, Asia, Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Co-led by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Climate Analytics, and the U.S. Department of State, GCAP supports ambitious climate policies and solutions, exemplified by its October 2024 Global Workshop in Brazil, which convened 200+ leaders to enhance NDCs and Long-Term Strategies (LTS).
Mission
GCAP’s mission is to empower developing countries to lead climate action by providing technical support, fostering peer-to-peer learning, and mobilizing investment for low-carbon transitions, as outlined in its 2021-2025 Strategy. It drives sectoral transformations in energy, transport, agriculture, and resource efficiency through regional platforms—such as the Africa LEDS Partnership (AfLP)—and working groups, aiming to align national efforts with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal.
Parent organization
GCAP is co-led by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, which serves as a primary operational hub, providing technical expertise and hosting key programs. The Department of Energy, through its Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, acts as the top organization, funding and aligning GCAP with U.S. climate priorities, alongside partners Climate Analytics and the U.S. Department of State.
Legislation
GCAP was not established by specific legislation but evolved from LEDS GP, founded in 2011 under a U.S. Department of State initiative, with its rebranding formalized in 2021 to emphasize implementation-focused climate action, supported by DOE and international funding.
Partners
GCAP’s key partners include:
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (co-lead)
- Climate Analytics (co-lead)
- U.S. Department of State (co-lead)
- Regional platforms: Africa LEDS Partnership, Asia LEDS Partnership, LEDS LAC, Europe and Eurasia LEDS Platform
- Over 350 institutions (e.g., UN Environment Programme, SLOCAT)
Number of employees
GCAP does not specify a dedicated employee count; it leverages staff from NREL (2,900+ total), Climate Analytics, and partner organizations, with a core team likely in the dozens managing its global network of 4,500+ practitioners.
Organization structure
GCAP operates through:
- Regional Platforms coordinate country-specific efforts.
- Working Groups (Energy, Transport, Agriculture, Resource Efficiency, Finance) provide technical support.
- Communities of Practice foster peer learning and innovation.
Leader
GCAP is led by a Director, with roles distributed among co-leads; Bradley R. Rude (NREL) oversees programmatic direction as of recent updates, though specific titles may vary.
Divisions
The efforts include:
- Policy and Planning for NDC enhancement.
- Technical Assistance via working groups.
- Knowledge Sharing through workshops and reports.
List of programs
Key GCAP initiatives include:
- Africa LEDS Partnership (AfLP) Support
- Asia LEDS Partnership Leadership Group for Clean Transport
- LEDS LAC Resource Efficiency Programs
Last total enacted budget
GCAP’s specific budget is not publicly detailed; it operates within NREL’s $776 million FY 2024 budget and additional funding from the U.S. Department of State and partners, with millions annually supporting regional platforms and workshops like the 2024 Brazil event.
Staff
Staffing includes a small core team of coordinators and advisors from NREL, Climate Analytics, and the State Department, supported by NREL’s 2,900+ employees and a network of 4,500+ practitioners, with no standalone GCAP headcount.
Funding
GCAP’s funding is drawn from NREL’s $776M FY 2024 budget, U.S. Department of State grants, and international contributions, historically totaling tens of millions since 2011 under LEDS GP, though exact figures for 2025 are unspecified.
Services provided
GCAP provides climate policy support, technical assistance for NDCs and LTS, and peer learning through regional workshops (e.g., October 2024 Foz do Iguaçu event), helping countries implement low-emission strategies in energy, transport, and agriculture.
Regulations overseen
GCAP does not oversee regulations but supports compliance with the Paris Agreement by enhancing NDCs and LTS through technical guidance and collaboration.
Headquarters address
15013 Denver W Pkwy, Golden, CO 80401, USA (NREL campus)
History
GCAP was founded as LEDS GP in 2011 by the U.S. Department of State and partners, rebranded in 2021 to focus on implementation, growing from a network of 1,000 to over 4,500 practitioners by 2025. Key milestones include the 2023 COP28 side event and the 2024 Brazil Global Workshop, reinforcing its role in advancing global climate action under its 2021-2025 Strategy.
