As the first-ever global stocktake draws to a close at COP28 this year, its significance for climate action cannot be overstated. This process allows countries and stakeholders to assess progress towards the Paris Climate Change Agreement’s goals and identify where efforts fall short. Unfortunately, current efforts are not enough to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, underscoring the urgency for action.
The global stocktake is akin to taking inventory of the world’s climate action and support, highlighting gaps and paving the way for enhanced climate action strategies. It plays a critical role in shaping future climate action plans under the Paris Agreement, due for submission by 2025, by providing a foundation for policymakers and stakeholders to bolster their climate policies and commitments.
The implementation of the Paris Agreement is currently lagging, with a significant mitigation gap evident. The trajectory of global emissions is not aligned with the goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C, and adaptation measures are insufficient. The stocktake advocates for a systemic transformation that integrates climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions into a whole-society and whole-economy approach. It also highlights the disparity between the needs of developing countries and the support they receive, calling for substantial financial mobilization for climate action and climate-resilient development.
This decade is crucial for climate action. The Paris Agreement aims to keep the global average temperature increase well below 2°C, ideally limiting it to 1.5°C. To achieve this, greenhouse gas emissions must peak before 2025 and decrease by 43% by 2030. The stocktake’s findings serve as a stark reminder and a call to action. The real game changer will be the global response, especially the commitment of countries to the Paris Agreement, which can lead to heightened ambition and accelerated action.
As COP28 concludes, discussions during the first week of the conference will summarize key political messages and outline strategies to enhance climate action, aiding governments in crafting more ambitious national climate action plans for 2025.
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Read more about this at the United Nations website.
