Actions on renewables and energy efficiency in developing countries could reduce emissions by 1.7 gigatonnes (Gt) annually by 2020.

That’s according to a report by 1 Gigaton Coalition which is co-ordinated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

It stated emission savings to be achieved in 2020 could be higher than estimated if challenges related to data collection and methodology are addressed.

“These improvements would enable countries to quantify their achievements and motivate them to increase their ambitions to support renewables and energy efficiency activities”, it added.

The report, which was launched at COP21, focuses on renewable and energy efficiency projects between 2005 and 2012 and the impacts they have now.

Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director said: “The potential of increasing renewable energy and energy efficiency in developing countries to tackling climate change cannot be underestimated but not only do these energy projects move us toward closing the emissions gap, they are also vital for many countries’ social and economic development.”