Two major reports on the first-ever global stocktake warn the world is significantly off track in meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement and urgent action is needed to combat the growing threats posed by climate change.
As delegates gather in Dubai for the 缅北禁地climate change conference, COP28, top of their agenda will be the culmination of the first-ever “” (GST) of the Paris Agreement.
Held every five years, the GST is a process for countries to assess where they are collectively making progress towards meeting the climate goals, and where they are not. Two 缅北禁地reports released ahead of COP28 will inform the political outcome of the GST.
A designed to help countries reach a decision on the global stocktake at COP28 reflects the views of governments on the main elements that could form part of the political outcome.
- the most extensive review of climate action to date - sets out actionable solutions to climate change that are ready to be implemented.
The reports will inform the next round of climate action plans (, or ‘NDCs’) under the Paris Agreement that countries should submit in 2025.
What do the reports say?
The reports offer a stark assessment of the current state of global climate action and the urgent need to increase efforts to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
While the Agreement has spurred global action on climate change and reduced future warming forecasts, there is a glaring gap in emissions reductions, with current national commitments falling short by 20.3 to 23.9 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent compared to the levels required to limit warming to 1.5 °C by 2030.
To achieve the Paris Agreement's targets, global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions need to be cut by around 43% by 2030 and 60% by 2035 from 2019 levels, aiming for net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
This calls for transformative change across all sectors, including by scaling up renewable energy, phasing out all unabated fossil fuels, ending deforestation, reducing non-CO2 emissions, and implementing both supply- and demand-side measures.
In assessing collective progress, many countries recognized that adaptation was no longer a matter of choice, but a matter of urgency in the face of intensifying climate impacts, particularly for communities least equipped to handle them. These impacts escalate with each fraction of a degree of global warming, with some effects becoming irreversible if temperatures rise beyond 1.5°颁.
The reports highlight the critical role of finance, technology, and capacity-building in enabling effective climate action. The international financial system should be transformed to support low-emission, climate-resilient development and it is important to mobilize support for climate action in developing countries.
One of the key findings of the synthesis report is the historical context of emissions, where most countries emphasize the significant contribution of developed countries to historical and current GHG emissions. This acknowledgment of disparity is seen as vital for building trust and ensuring equitable contributions towards global climate goals.
The reports reveal that non-state actors, including civil society, the private sector, and local communities, play a vital role in strengthening climate action efforts. Accurate accounting and accountability are needed to track their contributions effectively.
The reports underscore the importance of deploying cleaner technologies and innovating, particularly in supporting developing countries. Collaborative approaches in climate technology research and development are essential.
Based on the best available science, the reports reveal that many actionable solutions to fight climate change are ready to be implemented. However, the window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all is rapidly closing and the international community should act swiftly.
Report analysis assisted by AI.