Enhancing the G20’s Climate Change Policy Agenda with the Circular Carbon Economy Index

The circular carbon economy (CCE) is a flexible, technology-neutral, and inclusive framework for climate change mitigation, and was first endorsed by the G20 leaders in 2020. The concept enables a holistic assessment of all available energy and emissions management technologies, and can support the design of net-zero emissions pathways adapted to a country’s national circumstances, resource endowments, and competitive advantages. The CCE Index, which aims to quantify a country’s CCE progress and potential, was developed by the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in 2021. It puts forward a set of common indicators suitable for diverse country contexts. The 2022 edition of the CCE Index comprises 43 indicators under two sub-indices: performance and enablers. The CCE Index is made available for 64 G20 and non-member countries, accounting for approximately 90 percent of global GDP and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A dedicated web portala makes available country-specific index results via various simulation tools to support a country’s policymaking process for its net-zero pathways. The CCE Index can serve as a policy tool for the G20 in identifying cross-country transition gaps, setting the stage for constructive policy discussions and collaboration. This policy brief outlines how the G20 can use the CCE Index as an assessment framework to map and agree on priority actions and track implementation on the road to global net-zero emissions.