Exploding the myths of sectoral approaches (and renaming them sectoral approaches, agreements and measures)

This research paper examines the practical realities of sectoral approaches (SAs) to climate action, arguing that effective measures must be built from the bottom up, starting with domestic policies rather than top-down international agreements.

• The author suggests renaming 'sectoral approaches' to 'Sectoral Approaches, Agreements and Measures' (SAAMs) because the original term is viewed as pejorative by some key stakeholders.
• Analysis of the steel sector in China, India, and Japan indicates that practical SAAMs must be based on existing domestic policies and measures before an international component is considered, as these countries prioritize national sovereignty and priorities over a common international solution.
• The paper argues against 'top down' international agreements, noting that starting with domestic schemes is more effective, although the addition of an international dimension is still advantageous for addressing trade competitiveness, leakage, and international climate negotiations.

APA

Wooders,, P. (2011). Exploding the myths of sectoral approaches (and renaming them sectoral approaches, agreements and measures). International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/exploding-myths-sectoral-approaches-and-renaming-them-sectoral-approaches

Chicago

Wooders,, Peter. Exploding the myths of sectoral approaches (and renaming them sectoral approaches, agreements and measures). International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2011. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/exploding-myths-sectoral-approaches-and-renaming-them-sectoral-approaches.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Wooders, |first1=Peter |title=Exploding the myths of sectoral approaches (and renaming them sectoral approaches, agreements and measures) |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=18 May 2011 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/exploding-myths-sectoral-approaches-and-renaming-them-sectoral-approaches |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{wooders2011exploding, author = {Wooders,, Peter}, title = {{Exploding the myths of sectoral approaches (and renaming them sectoral approaches, agreements and measures)}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2011}, month = may, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/exploding-myths-sectoral-approaches-and-renaming-them-sectoral-approaches}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }