*[Enwl-eng] Here is the latest news from the High-Level Champions!
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enwl at enw.net.ru
Tue Oct 22 01:10:24 MSK 2024
Email from UNFCCC
UN Climate Change – Global Climate Action
21 October 2024
High-Level Champions'
Newsletter
View as webpage
Forging Alliances for Nature: High-Level
Champion Unites Non-State Actors in Cali for COP 16
The 16th Conference of the Parties to the
Convention on Biological Diversity begins today, 21 October, in Cali,
Colombia, and runs until 1 November.
Cali, Colombia hosts the 16th Conference of
the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Photo: Wikimedia
Commons.
H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, the UN Climate
Change High-Level Champion for COP 28, is attending the Conference to
showcase the vital role of non-State actors in advancing practical solutions
to protect biodiversity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and secure peoples’
well-being.
Building on COP 15 when countries agreed to
reverse the decline of biodiversity around the world by 2030 via the
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), at COP 16, in
collaboration with over 1,000 partners on the ground, Ms. Al Mubarak will
showcase progress across a number of sectors including finance for oceans
and coral reefs.
H. E. Razan Al Mubarak said:
“The twin crises of climate change and
biodiversity loss are deeply interconnected, demanding a unified approach to
address them. Nature is invaluable not only for its crucial role in
decarbonization but also for its inherent worth. It sustains diverse life
forms, underpins our well-being, and enriches our world in countless ways,
independently of the services it provides to humanity. We must heed the
wisdom and stewardship of local communities and Indigenous Peoples who
protect these ecosystems, recognizing that these natural systems deserve our
utmost respect and preservation for their own sake as well as for the
benefits they provide.”
At COP 16, the High-Level Champion will
highlight that non-State actors, including Indigenous Peoples, are key to
driving actions to transform food systems and protect, restore and conserve
nature, supporting the implementation of National Biodiversity Strategies
Actions and Plans, Nationally Determined Contributions and National
Adaptation Plans. The replenishment phase for the Coral Reef Breakthrough
and additional funding for the Ocean Breakthrough will also be announced,
contributing to a resilient and net zero planet by increasing investments by
non-State actors in nature-based solutions to close the annual $542 billion
per year financing gap.
Redirecting financial flows from
nature-negative to nature-positive activities will be central in the
discussions. Scaling finance for Indigenous Peoples on climate and nature
protection and ensuring that finance reaches small farmers and local
communities will also be highlighted by the High-Level Champion.
H.E. Razan Al Mubarak will also invite
Indigenous Peoples partners to join the Race to Resilience campaign.
Furthermore, the High-Level Champion for COP28 will engage with mayors and
representatives of subnational governments to support cities in implementing
nature-positive actions under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity
Framework.
On the road to COP 30, the High-Level
Champions, taking in consideration their mandate from COP 21 in Paris to
enhance climate action, are also exploring opportunities, where appropriate,
to support non-State actors to strengthen collaboration and accelerate the
implementation of the Rio Conventions, in alignment with the Paris Agreement
and the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Navigating COP 16: Insights from Manuel
Pulgar-Vidal on Unifying Action for Climate and Nature
With the global Biodiversity Conference, COP
16, getting underway, we recently spoke with Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, Global
Leader of Climate & Energy at WWF, Chair of the IUCN Climate Crisis
Commission and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Action Agenda
Champion for Nature and People. With over 35 years of experience in
environmental law and policy, Manuel served as Peru’s Minister of the
Environment (2011–2016) and presided over COP 20 in Lima, in 2014.
As COP 20 President Manuel played a key role
in laying the groundwork for the successful negotiations at COP21, which
resulted in the historic Paris Agreement in 2015. He is also considered by
many as the ‘father’ of the UNFCCC Action Agenda, which was introduced at
COP 20.
We discussed the origins of the action agenda,
Manuel’s hopes for COP 16, the synergies between climate and nature, and the
potential to engage all stakeholders in the decisive decade.
What are the most critical steps countries and
stakeholders should take to meet the global goal to halt and reverse
biodiversity loss by 2030?
In late 2022, the Kunming-Montreal Global
Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was established at the Biodiversity COP 15,
marking a pivotal moment with clear vision and targets for global action.
While this agreement is a significant milestone, it cannot stand alone;
urgent action is required to achieve the GBF goals within the next five
years—an incredibly short timeframe from a planetary perspective.
First, we must acknowledge the intrinsic link
between the GBF's objectives and the economy; sustainable economic
development must align with nature conservation. The Paris Agreement of 2015
provided a vital framework for addressing the climate crisis and has
generated substantial political awareness and investment. However, nature
loss— which is critical to maintaining humanity within safe planetary
limits— has currently received less attention, which is why COP 16 is so
important.
The interrelationship between climate change
and biodiversity loss demands a dual approach; addressing both crises
simultaneously will enhance our effectiveness. Non-State actors, including
businesses, mayors, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, and investors, play a
crucial role in implementing the GBF by bridging the gap between government
initiatives and grassroots actions. By aligning these various sectors with
the GBF's goals, we can move beyond mere policy development to implement
tangible actions.
Additionally, effective resource allocation is
essential. Mechanisms must be designed to ensure public budgets prioritize
nature protection, integrating biodiversity objectives across key sectors
like agriculture, infrastructure, and health. This approach will embed
biodiversity conservation into broader national development plans, rather
than confining it to environmental budgets.
Harnessing these elements can create a
powerful gravitational force, drawing all actors toward nature and climate
action to achieve the goals of the GBF and the Paris Agreement.
What key outcomes do you hope to see at COP
16?
The outcomes of COP 16 will vary across
different levels, which I envision as five concentric ‘rings’ operating in
parallel. Each ring serves as a forum to elevate the voices of diverse
constituencies and influence shared goals.
The innermost ‘ring’ focuses on negotiations
aimed at finalizing key sections of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
A primary objective is to mainstream biodiversity targets, ensuring nature
is prioritized across all sectors, including food, energy, and finance.
Another critical area is mobilizing finance for implementation, particularly
through Target 19, which seeks to secure USD 20 billion per year in public
finance by 2025. Technical discussions will also cover the establishment of
fair access and benefit-sharing (ABS) systems related to genetic resources,
essential for research and conservation. I hope COP 16 translates the GBF
commitments into actionable plans, and the involvement of non-State actors
is vital to achieving these plans.
The concept of ‘net zero’ has gained
significant traction, with 88% of the global population now represented by
national net zero commitments. We must create similar momentum around
‘nature positive,’ which encapsulates the GBF’s objectives to halt and
reverse nature loss by 2030, providing a third of the necessary climate
mitigation, with a full recovery targeted by 2050.
Achieving a nature-positive approach by 2030
requires integrating nature into strategic planning, establishing clear
targets, and developing benchmarks. Through these efforts, non-State actors
can send strong signals to investors, leaders, and the world’s most
vulnerable populations that we are unified in our objectives.
The Action Agenda in the climate realm has
demonstrated its ability to mobilize governments, businesses, and civil
society, cascading national goals through societal layers. Although the
Action Agenda for Biodiversity is still developing, it can gain significant
traction at COP 16 by making the role of non-State actors more visible.
Finally, it’s important to recognize that the
GBF is not a static document; it is a dynamic instrument that must evolve to
align with our developmental, economic, and social objectives. For non-State
actors, the COP offers a platform to produce and develop new mandates,
collaborative strategies, and essential information for negotiators and
parties, making their participation crucial.
The full interview with Manual Pulgar-Vidal
can be found here.
Nature Positive Gains Momentum for Climate
Action - Report
Credit: NASA / Unsplash
Efforts to protect nature are gaining momentum
within the private sector, finds the ‘Nature Positive for Climate Action’
report published by the Champions today, 21 October.
The report finds that since the launch of
Nature Positive for Climate Action, spearheaded by H.E. Razan Al Mubarak and
Manuel Pulgar-Vidal - more than 400 non-State actors are driving
nature-based solutions on the ground, having implemented at least one
action. Also, over 250 non-State actors have taken action to transform food
systems and signed the Transforming Food Systems for People, Nature and
Climate call to action.
The report gives a snapshot across all
non-State actors (businesses, financial institutions, cities, regions,
universities and healthcare) efforts to set nature targets, invest in
nature-based solutions and embed nature into transition plans. From Brazil,
to the U.S., to small island developing states, this compilation of stories
shows us that nature is at the heart of the transition to a net zero,
resilient and equitable future.
Renewable Energy Surge and Carbon Solutions
Headline CEM15/MI-9
Recently, key government officials,
representatives from international organizations and the private sector,
along with academic researchers, gathered in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, for the
15th annual Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) and the 9th annual Mission
Innovation Ministerial.
The gathering was buoyed by the news that
globally, additions to energy capacity are rapidly shifting toward
renewables, which along with electric vehicles, and battery technology, have
exceeded all expectations. Zero-emission technologies made up more than 90%
of the new capacity added around the world last year. The CEM 2024 Factbook
reveals that, collectively, CEM members, which include Brazil, China and
Indonesia, are performing even better, with renewables now representing over
95% of CEM members’ collective net capacity additions, up from 46% only 15
years ago.
Breakthrough Agenda Elevated in Brazil
Panellists at the launch of the Breakthrough
Agenda Report co-authored by the High-Level Champions and the IEA.
The third annual Breakthrough Agenda Report,
was recently launched by the High-Level Champions and the International
Energy Agency (IEA) - tracking progress towards the goal to make clean
technologies and sustainable practices more affordable, accessible and
attractive than their alternatives by 2030 in the power, road transport,
hydrogen, steel, cement and the buildings sectors. The Breakthrough Agenda
report recommendations were presented in a high-level event at CEM15 / MI-9
attended by ministers and senior dignitaries.
Key outcomes of CEM15 / MI-9 included:
● A Call to Action for Power Systems
Solutions - outlining concrete actions and goals to support investments in a
sustainable, secure and resilient power sector infrastructure and system,
including progress towards the global goals of tripling of renewable energy
and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
● The launch of the ‘Gt by 2030’ Campaign,
a joint effort of the CEM Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage Initiative
and MI’s Carbon Dioxide Removal Mission, supporting the acceleration of
carbon management solutions to gigatonne scale by 2030.
● New commitments to support a just and
inclusive transition - via the G20 Energy Transitions and Women Empowerment
working groups and a new ‘Implementing Inclusivity’ framework, which
strengthened inclusivity and representation.
● Brazil released the Future Fuels Action
Plan to advance the innovation and deployment of sustainable future fuels
and announced its intention to make sustainable fuels – and CEM / MI
collaboration through the Action Plan – a priority at COP 30.
Overall, the gathering of high-level political
leaders and technical experts in Brazil showed that the aims of the COP 28
UAE Consensus - to triple global renewables and double energy efficiency by
2030, is hard, but achievable. Diverting energy investment to scale the
right mix of technologies to decarbonize the global power system is
critical. According to Bloomberg NEF, over USD 215 trillion is needed to
reach net zero power systems by 2050.
Climate Week NYC Mobilises Finance and Action
for Climate and Nature
Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash.
From mobilising more than USD 100 billion for
annual grid upgrades; to rallying finance for Indigenous-led nature
protection; to new campaigns catalysing climate innovation and
future-proofing SMEs - Climate Week New York 2024 was a nexus for action on
climate and nature.
A short video summary can be found here.
The Utilities for Net-Zero Alliance (UNEZA),
an initiative launched at COP 28 under the guidance of IRENA and the
High-Level Champions, announced a joint intent to invest USD 116 billion
annually until 2030 in grids and renewables.
UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP
29, Nigar Arpadarai, launched two key campaigns: ‘Climate Proofing Small and
Medium Enterprises (SMEs)’ and ‘Impact Makers.’ Impact Makers will spotlight
individuals and projects that are offering innovative solutions across key
areas such as energy, transport, industry, land use, and water. Climate
Proofing SMEs involves a host of partners working together to support SMEs
to access the resources they need to take meaningful climate action.
Emphasising SMEs’ key role in job creation, Ms Arpadarai said:
“SMEs are vital to the global economy and must
be included in the climate transition. There are so many great people, green
disruptors that are making change and we need to showcase and inspire them.”
The opportunity and imperative for action and
investment on nature were the headline messages of two reports launched at
CWNYC:
● ‘Scaling nature finance now: The
opportunity for investors in Brazil and beyond’, which shows the growing
pipeline of bankable and investable opportunities in Brazil and other large
biodiversity-rich economies.
● The summary report ‘Whole-of-society
rallies to support strong national climate plans’, amplifying a wide range
of real voices from various areas of society and the real economy
highlighting the critical importance of countries’ next round of Nationally
Determined Contributions (NDCs or national climate plans) as powerful tools
to attract investment.
The Champions co-hosted a session on
“Indigenous Peoples direct access to finance from COP 28 to COP 30” along
with Indigenous leaders, reinforcing the role of local communities in
protecting nature, identifying ways to boost direct access to climate
finance for Indigenous Peoples and planning next steps towards COP 30, in
Brazil. Speaking on this topic, H.E. Ms Al Mubarak remarked:
“Billions of dollars have been promised to
support Indigenous communities, but funding is not flowing fast or far
enough. It’s encouraging, however, to see a growing coalition of
organizations committed to enhancing financial flows to Indigenous Peoples.”
During CWNYC, Simon Stiell, the UN Climate
Change Executive Secretary, delivered a keynote address at the Sustainable
Investment Forum emphasizing the need for urgent, large-scale investment in
global decarbonization. He highlighted the importance of overcoming
challenges in climate finance, addressing disparities between developed and
developing countries, and fostering collaboration between the private sector
and national governments to seize opportunities in clean energy and build
resilient economies.
With COP 29 in Baku on the horizon, the strong
leadership of non-State actors is key to continuing to mobilise robust
climate action. Progress from businesses, investors, cities, government
leaders and civil society showcased in New York underscored that, while
climate goals are global, solutions need to be local to ensure the
transition is just, inclusive and relevant to regional needs and contexts.
A full summary of activities of the High-Level
Champions at New York Climate Week can be found here.
Race to Resilience update:
The Race to Resilience welcomes 39th partner:
Acción Andina
Acción Andina, the largest ecosystem
restoration initiative in South America, has partnered with the Race to
Resilience to support its aim to restore one million hectares of native
forest.
As the flagship initiative of Global Forest
Generation (GFG), Acción Andina focuses on restoring high Andean ecosystems,
which are crucial for climate resilience, water security, and preserving
local culture.
In partnership with the Peru-based nonprofit
ECOAN, GFG provides strategic support, resources, and tools to grassroots
partners, enabling the scaling of Nature-based Solutions, uniting local
leaders to regenerate critical ecosystems and build resilient communities.
Acción Andina achieves its goals by empowering
local conservation leaders and communities to:
a.. Establish native plant nurseries for
large-scale reforestation.
b.. Assist communities in protecting
existing forests.
c.. Invest in local conservation leaders to
ensure sustained impact.
This approach fosters a local restoration
economy, diversifies incomes, preserves traditional livelihoods, and secures
vital water resources, essential for both food security and the continent's
water supply.
Race to Zero Update:
Over the last four years, Race to Zero has
continued to advance the frontiers of net zero action. During New York
Climate Week, the campaign continued this tradition by launching a thought
leadership report on the opportunity to catalyse climate action and the role
of professional service providers in realising a net zero future.
Race to Zero Partner, Exponential Roadmap
Initiative, launched the 'Professional Services Matrix', a simple tool to
assess and align clients against climate criteria, such as whether companies
are accelerating deforestation or fossil fuel expansion, or climate
solutions.
Race to Zero Partner, Pledge to Net Zero, also
published a practical tool for the environmental and engineering sectors to
take effective action towards Net Zero.
Finally, Race to Zero welcomed its newest
Accelerator Creatives for Climate - a global collective of agencies working
to divest the power of influence, marketing and persuasion from driving
pollution.
Integrity Takes Root in the Race to Zero
The recently published 2024 Net Zero Stocktake
has shown that net zero integrity is taking root fastest in the Race to Zero
campaign. Net Zero Tracker’s annual assessment of the intent and integrity
of global climate commitments shows that targets set by the 655 Race to Zero
members within the analysis perform significantly better on minimum
integrity criteria, compared with non-members.
The number of companies, cities, and regions
with net zero targets has increased, up 23%, 8% and 28%, respectively, since
the previous Net Zero Stocktake, yet on measures of integrity, there has
been limited improvement in strategies published by these non-State entities
over the past eighteen months.
Graph from the 2024 Net Zero Stocktake showing
the quantity and type of climate targets across global non-State entities.
Credit: Net Zero Tracker / John Lang.
The Stocktake does however, show that Race to
Zero members form the core of a small, but vital group of cities, regions
and companies whose net zero commitments meet the minimum procedural
requirements set out by the UN High-Level Expert Group on the Net-Zero
Emissions Commitments of Non-State Entities.
The findings echo the Race to Zero’s own
progress reporting. Across the Campaign, which is the world’s largest
umbrella campaign of net zero alliances, there has been a positive increase
in the implementation of credible net zero action and impact on the real
economy. According to InfluenceMap analysis, Race to Zero members are two
and a half times more likely to support science-aligned climate policy.
Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level
Champion for COP 28, commented:
"Halving global emissions by 2030 and reaching
a resilient net-zero future by 2050 requires an all-of-society approach to
delivering net-zero targets. I welcome the findings of the Net Zero
Stocktake that show an increase in target setting, improvements in integrity
and am pleased to see that Race to Zero members perform better on key areas
of good practice.”
“However, we cannot rest - we must continue to
work as a climate community on mobilising commitments, increasing action and
embedding rigour. We need to scale up policies and regulations, enhance
systems of accountability, and ensure that nature and inclusion are centred
in a just transition. Race to Zero will continue to play a leading role in
this global effort."
Strikingly, the Stocktake shows that more than
40% of major non-State actors, including subnational actors, still have no
emissions reduction targets - ‘net zero’ or otherwise, prompting a call for
the highest-emitting entities outside of the Race to Zero - to join.
Race to Resilience Update:
Race to Resilience Welcomes Three New Regions
to Boost Climate Resilience in India, Senegal, and Brazil
Partner: Regions4 (Race to Resilience Partner)
Implementer: Assam State, India; Louga, Senegal; Pernambuco, Brazil
In the rural villages of Assam, India, where
erratic weather and flooding reshape daily life, local communities unite to
safeguard their future. In Louga, Senegal’s arid lands, young farmers are
embracing regenerative agriculture, creating jobs and stability amidst
climate challenges. Meanwhile, along Pernambuco’s coastline in Brazil,
efforts are underway to defend towns from rising sea levels and protect
fragile ecosystems.
These three regions are stepping up their
resilience efforts, finding innovative ways to shield their people and land
from climate impacts. To solidify their commitment to building resilience,
Assam, Louga, and Pernambuco have now joined the Race to Resilience partner
RegionsAdapt, led by Regions4. Through this initiative, these areas will
gain critical support in assessing climate vulnerabilities, planning
responses, and building resilience while reporting progress to the global
community.
Climate Resilient Projects
● Assam: With 15 of India’s 25 most
climate-vulnerable districts in Assam, the Chief Minister’s Climate
Resilient Village Fellowship Programme launched in 2022, engages youth in
implementing solutions in 100 vulnerable villages.
● Louga: A ‘mini farm’ project provides
employment opportunities and promotes agro-pastoral activities in a region
facing rising temperatures.
● Pernambuco: Coastal restoration, marine
conservation, and inland sustainable farming projects aim to protect
communities and ecosystems from climate threats.
More information on how these initiatives are
building resilience and protecting people across India, Senegal, and Braz,
can be found here.
In case you missed it
● The COP 29 High-Level Champions /
Marrakech Partnership (MP) programme was released on 16 October mirroring
the COP 29 Presidency thematic days, in close collaboration with the
incoming Presidency. As in previous years, the MP focal points have been
leading the various groups to develop Action Events that will set the scene
in each thematic day highlighting progress and solutions in their area of
expertise and how they support the implementation of ambitious climate
plans. The events will be followed by Implementation Labs that have been
developed by leading organizations in different sectors to engage a wide
variety of stakeholders and policy makers. The High-Level Champions will
also be convening special events addressing priority areas and complementing
the MP programme. Relevant concept notes will be updated on the event page
soon.
● High-Level Champion for COP 29, Ms.
Nigar Arpadarai, participated in events at the pre-COP meeting on 10-11
October in Baku, Azerbaijan. Ms. Arpadarai delivered a keynote at the
Roadmap to Mission 1.5 Troika High-Level Dialogue on enhancing international
cooperation hosted by the “Troika” of UNFCCC COP Presidencies (the UAE,
Azerbaijan, Brazil). Ms. Arpadarai highlighted that “non-State actors are
leading the charge and proving that ambitious climate action is possible”
and that “they should be viewed as key delivery partners for NDCs.” She also
engaged in a panel discussion on the role of human development in climate
action emphasizing that “only by investing in people we can prepare the next
generation to be competitive & resilient in the world that comes.” In
addition, the High-Level Champion was part of a panel discussion on
Galvanizing Global Support for Universal Climate Transparency speaking about
the importance of NPS in climate transparency.
● A regional investors forum session
co-hosted by the High-Level Champions was held at the recent Hamburg
Sustainability Conference on 9 October in Germany to foster collaboration
between project developers and public and private financiers. At the
conference, Ms. Arpadarai stressed the pivotal contributions of green
start-ups in advancing climate objectives. She underscored the necessity for
enhanced collaboration among policymakers, financiers, project developers,
and technical assistance providers to mobilize capital for climate projects.
The Regional Platforms on Climate Projects under the guidance of the
High-Level Champions have successfully curated over 400 investable climate
projects globally, attracting nearly 2 billion USD in funding. This
monumental effort underscores the thriving business opportunities in green
projects and sets a promising stage for further discussions at COP 29.
● Ahead of the Annual Meetings of the
International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group starting this week, Mr.
Simon Stiell, the UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, participated in a
virtual event hosted by the Brookings Institution’s Global Economy and
Development program on 17 October to discuss the challenges of addressing
global climate risks and the current opportunities to substantially increase
climate finance across the developing world.
● New data from an alliance of 131
companies — with a combined revenue of USD 4 trillion across 12 industries
and 27 countries — shows it's not only possible to achieve the emissions
cuts the world needs, but also very good for business bottom lines. Between
2019 and 2022, these companies collectively reduced emissions by 10%,
equivalent to the annual emissions of France. At the same time, their
combined revenue grew by 18%, outperforming global GDP growth. Read more
from the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders here.
Mark Your Calendar
● United Nations Convention on Biological
Diversity COP 16, 21 October - 1 November, Cali, Colombia
● The 13th Meeting of the Conference of
the Parties to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer
(COP 13) and the 36th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol 28
October - 1 November, Bangkok (Krung Thep), Thailand
● United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change COP 29, 11-22 November, Baku, Azerbaijan
● G20 Summit 2024, 18-19 November, Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil
● UNEP Intergovernmental Negotiating
Committee on Plastic Pollution 25 November - 1 December, South Korea
● United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification COP 16, 2-13 December, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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From: Global Climate Action
Sent: Monday, October 21, 2024 3:21 PM
Subject: Vladimir, here is the latest news from the
High-Level Champions!
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