The UN has extended the deadline for countries to submit their 2035 climate plans to September, highlighting the need for high-quality commitments. So far, few nations have submitted their plans, with major emitters lagging behind. Stiell underscores the importance of these plans for the upcoming COP30 conference, urging countries to focus on substantial emissions reduction targets to meet climate goals.
The head of the UN climate change body, Simon Stiell, has emphasized the need for countries to submit high-quality climate targets for 2035 by September, extending the timeline beyond the symbolic February 10 deadline set by the Paris Agreement. To date, only a few nations have reported their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the UN, including the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and the United States, where the current administration plans to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Notably, major polluters like China, the European Union, and India have yet to announce their plans and are only expected to do so later in the year.
During a recent speech in Brazil, Mr. Stiell acknowledged that the quality of these climate plans is critical. He stated that allowing more time for the enhancement of these documents is prudent, given their significant implications for international climate policy. “Taking a bit more time to ensure these plans are first-rate makes sense,” he remarked. Stiell reinforced that these proposals are essential for the upcoming COP30 conference, where nations will review collective climate ambitions.
In light of the challenges posed by the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Accord, it is paramount to cultivate engagement from non-state entities such as businesses and cities. Academics and climate monitors, including Sofia Gonzales-Zuniga of the Climate Action Tracker, have expressed disappointment over the limited submissions preceding the February deadline. Yet, more than 170 countries have indicated intentions to submit updated plans this year, suggesting potential progress despite setbacks.
The 2035 NDCs are expected to articulate specific emissions reduction targets that encompass all economic sectors and greenhouse gases, aimed at adhering to the climate goals of limiting warming to a maximum of 1.5 degrees Celsius. However, early submissions have varied considerably in ambition, with some countries planning to expand fossil fuel production despite claiming alignment with global warming goals. Critics have denounced inadequate commitments, warning that they could jeopardize collective climate progress.
At COP28, participating countries agreed that their new NDCs must set tangible targets for emissions reduction by 2035, but some early submissions are either underwhelming or lack the necessary resolve. For instance, the UAE and Brazil indicate adherence to 1.5C goals while simultaneously planning an expansion of fossil fuel production, showcasing a glaring inconsistency. Many large emitters have been accused of softening ambitions in their proposals, posing significant risks to future climate aims.
With rising global emissions observed in recent assessments, leaders need to demonstrate accountability and ambitious intent. Current trajectories, underscored by the United Nations Environment Programme, forecast a warming trend of over 3 degrees Celsius unless decisive action is taken. Stiell acknowledges that significant gaps exist in commitments since the Paris Accord’s adoption, stating the need for more efficient negotiations and a focus on tangible outcomes rather than recycled pledges.
The urgency to address climate change is underscored by the commitments made under the Paris Agreement, a landmark international treaty adopted nearly a decade ago to combat growing global temperatures. As part of this agreement, nations are required to submit progress reports containing their plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The upcoming COP30 summit serves as a critical platform for nations to reflect on their ambitions and collectively assess strategies to meet the climate goals, particularly in light of recent geopolitical challenges and fluctuating commitments. The lack of substantial submissions ahead of the February deadline raises concerns about the effectiveness of these plans, especially from significant polluters.
In concluding, the call for countries to enhance their climate targets emphasizes a broader commitment to effective climate action. The extension of the submission deadline until September presents an opportunity for nations to develop more comprehensive plans that align with the urgent need to mitigate climate risks. As the world grapples with unprecedented warming, the consequences of inadequate action could be dire, necessitating immediate and substantial reforms in policy commitments, particularly from major carbon emitters.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
