*[Enwl-eng] Here is the latest news from the High-Level Champions!

5 views

Skip to first unread message

enwl

unread,

Oct 22, 2024, 7:45:08 AM10/22/24

to "ENWL-uni"

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:

Establish native plant nurseries for large-scale reforestation.
Assist communities in protecting existing forests.
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.