Resourcify’s Post

One of the most important and most discussed topics in the next EP will be the setting of climate targets and their possible revision. The positions of most Slovak political parties are strongly critical of the set legislation, although they do not specify how they would change it. However, sustainability and financing the transition will be top priorities for the next European Commission.

"The road to hell is paved with good intentions." The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) on climate change was the first COP to mention the two F-words: fossil fuels. The European Union, one of the parties at the upcoming COP29, will coordinate an "unambiguous signal" to "follow up the commitment of transitioning away from fossil fuels." (1) Its proposal will be put to the vote, but one veto is enough to have it not adopted. The European Union calls on to follow Europe's example of emissions trading system (ETS) and carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). However, at least in the Netherlands, the government reimburses losses inflicted by the ETS with no small amounts of indirect subsidies. That may the reason that the European Union also encourages all countries to "phase out all direct and indirect fossil fuels subsidies as soon as possible." However, Europe never followed up to such a promise it committed to in 2013 (2). Despite the efforts of all members of the European parliament, we need to investigate alternative mechanisms and decide on them differently. That requires a design, not politics:  https://lnkd.in/e3t94XFk  (1) https://lnkd.in/e2AR2tf6 (2) resolution 1386. See Items 1, 11, and 96 in https://lnkd.in/e2md-t5Q

The Paris Agreement, a landmark international treaty aimed at combating climate change, outlines specific obligations for developed countries to support developing countries in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. These obligations are crucial for ensuring a just and equitable transition to a low-carbon future. Key Obligations of Developed Countries: Enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Developed countries are obligated to submit ambitious NDCs, which outline their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. These targets should be more stringent than previous commitments. Financial Support: Developed countries are required to provide financial support to developing countries to help them implement their NDCs and adapt to climate change impacts. This support can take the form of grants, loans, and investments in clean energy projects. Technology Transfer: Developed countries should facilitate the transfer of technology to developing countries to enable them to adopt low-carbon technologies and practices. This includes sharing knowledge, expertise, and intellectual property. Capacity Building: Developed countries are expected to provide capacity-building support to developing countries, helping them strengthen their institutions, enhance their technical skills, and improve their ability to plan and implement climate change policies. Loss and Damage: While not explicitly mentioned as a financial obligation in the Paris Agreement, developed countries are increasingly expected to contribute to addressing loss and damage suffered by developing countries due to climate change impacts. This includes providing financial assistance and technical support. Importance of These Obligations: Climate Justice: These obligations are essential for ensuring that developing countries, which have contributed the least to climate change, are not disproportionately burdened by its impacts. Global Cooperation: Meeting these obligations requires international cooperation and solidarity to address a global challenge. Sustainable Development: Supporting developing countries in their climate actions is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring a just and equitable transition to a low-carbon future. #climate_change

For the Paris Agreement to work, developed countries must reach net zero by 2050. This means overcoming complex and entrenched ways of doing business. It makes little sense to continue with more expensive and polluting technologies that are made profitable through direct and indirect subsidies. Those that suffer most are those with least power to reduce emissions. https://loom.ly/dbJcsQs

Last Friday, International Maritime Organization member states made their submissions to inform negotiations at the next two rounds of intersessional climate talks (ISWG-GHG 18 and 19). A lot is at stake because some countries are trying to water down the 2023 "Strategy" by proposing "Measures" that simply won't deliver on the full scope of said Strategy, which IMO Member States unanimously adopted in July 2023. Even so, the International Maritime Organization has a narrow window of opportunity to do what three decades of UNFCCC "COP" Summits failed: It can translate lofty ambitions into legally binding and environmentally effective measures. Squandering this opportunity would undermine the legitimacy of the International Maritime Organization and - once again - fail present and future generations. My take below on the blog of the Global Policy Journal at Durham University. https://lnkd.in/e7GAgR8n

The NCQG on climate finance is undoubtedly the priority item to watch at #COP29. Parties are working to finalize a more ambitious climate finance goal ahead of the 2025 deadline set in the context of the adoption of the Paris Agreement, taking into account the needs and priorities of developing countries. But with the second week at #COP29 underway, there remains much to settle. From scale of funding to questions about responsibility: who contributes, and what exactly will the finance cover, Earth Negotiations Bulletin's Jennifer Bansard explains.

Exploring Market-Driven Approaches to International Emissions Reduction My recent article in the National Observer examines Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and its potential for more effective global emissions strategies. Research shows that international cooperation can make emissions reduction more cost-effective. Key points include: ·        Collaborative approaches that leverage each country's strengths ·        Potential for more economical emissions reduction strategies ·        Practical mechanisms for supporting developing countries' energy transitions The analysis focuses on practical solutions that balance environmental goals with economic realities. We need to look more closely at using Article 6. https://lnkd.in/ghUJKJze #ClimatePolicy #InternationalCooperation

This should have a major impact: Despite difficult negotiations at #COP29_AZ, many good initiatives are moving forward. IIASA's Bas van Ruijven reports about an event at the SDG Pavilion, where the coming UN Decade of Sustainable Transport was presented. United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) says it will include climate aspects in all regulations and conventions. Van Ruijven presented his latest paper on, Three pathways to reach SDG goals. 🔎 https://lnkd.in/d6qcYdyW

@mo.eco_art 🇲🇨ℹ️ #quicknews #international #relations A #delegation from the Principality of Monaco made of representatives of the Environment Directorate and the Department of External Relations and Cooperation @gvt_monaco has joined Climate Conference in Bonn @unclimatechange held from the 3rd to the 13th June 2024 🌐 The global summit, gathering about 6,000 participants, aims at taking stock of the climate situation in view of COP29 @cop29_azerbaijan 🌤️ Climate #finance, countries’ national climate #action plans, ensuring a just transition away from #fossil fuels and national #adaptation plans are some of the key issues to be debated, following up the putting in force of the Loss and Damage within COP28 🗣️ Emilia Runberg, Climate & Development Policy Coordinator at CAN Europe, pointed out. "The EU must be a driving force for agreeing a robust new climate finance #goal for post-2025 that centres public finance and is needs-based, fair and equitable, and reflects developed countries' particular legal obligations" 🎯 Developing funding mechanism to support climate #mitigation and #adaptation as well as building up market mechanisms #carbon #offsets under the Paris Agreement are this year's prior mission 📸 Copyright: Direction de la Communication Gouvernement Monaco

This important piece addresses the normative division between the #UNFCCC and #IMO instruments on decarbonization of shipping. How do we reconcile Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities CBDR-RC in the UN Framework Convention on #climatechange with no more favourable treatment among flag states in the International Maritime Organization instruments. The answer to that question will set the stage for how we approach shipping decarbonization pursuant to the #IMO GHG Strategy 2050. Sindhura Polepalli illuminates the struggle to shape the norms for the next 25 years.