The Climate Ambition Summit occurred late last week, where global leaders came together to take a “major stride towards a resilient, net zero emissions future today, presenting ambitious new commitments, urgent actions and concrete plans to confront the climate crisis.”
On the 5th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, and in preparation for UNFCCC COP26 in 2021, 75 leaders from countries around the world announced new commitments relating to carbon sequestration, adaptation, carbon pricing, nature-based solutions, and net-zero targets. As is now usual, some were ambitious but many were lacking the immediacy desperately needed. As planned in 2015, at this five year mark countries would be well on their way to meeting our 1.5 degree targets. What we saw last week was a mixed bag, to say the least!
As part of momentum for the Summit, by early 2021 countries responsible for 65% of global CO2 emissions - and 70% of the world’s economy - will have committed to reaching net zero emissions or carbon neutrality. While positive on paper, their respective goal posts for reaching these targets are decades into the future.
This Summit, while a step forward, is an example of the slow pace that decision-makers are taking in response to the climate crisis. While the official press release applauded the supposed increased ambition, we must continue to apply pressure for the urgent and bold action needed by COP26.
Countries have been releasing their new or revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) over the past couple weeks and we have been seeing some big highlights for nature! Many of these NDCs are also currently open for public commentary. Where does your country stand on ambitious climate solutions? Are they including nature? Are they centering justice? Have youth been included in the decision making processes and proposed implementation strategies?
As always, our hope lies with the youth, Indigenous and front line communities who continue to call out the (in)action of the last five years and demanding intergenerational climate justice; who are not just criticising, but providing tangible and proven solutions; and who continue to lead on these solutions everywhere.
The next five years will be more critical for our futures than ever before. We know what needs to be done and we are ready to work together. We will create a just and thriving future for all.
In the meantime, a quick overview of some announcements from the Climate Ambition Summit:
24 countries have now announced new commitments, strategies or plans to reach net zero or carbon neutrality. Recent commitments from China, Japan, South Korea, the EU and today Argentina have established a clear benchmark for other G20 countries. A number of countries at the Summit set out how they are going even further, with ambitious dates to reach net zero emissions: Finland (2035); Austria (2040) and Sweden (2045).
20 countries indicated new or forthcoming commitments to protect people and nature from climate impacts. Countries, such as Ethiopia, said they were taking a whole- of-economy approach that protects people and nature, while Suriname said it is stepping up its implementation of its National Adaptation Plan. Developed countries, including the UK, Portugal and Spain, announced they were stepping up their adaptation efforts.
Pakistan announced no new coal plants, while Israel said it was joining the growing list of countries stepping away from coal. 15 countries provided details on how they will speed up their transitions to renewable energy by 2030, including Barbados (aiming for fossil-fuel free), Vanuatu (100% renewables), and Slovakia (decarbonised power). Denmark announced it will end oil and gas exploration. India announced a new target of 450GW installed capacity of renewable energy by 2030. China committed to increasing the share of non-fossil fuel in primary energy consumption to around 25% by 2030.
The Summit showed dedication to protecting nature with 12 leaders highlighting their existing plans to increase the use of nature-based solutions to combat climate change. As we approach the UN Biodiversity Conference in 2021, the Summit highlighted the need for more integrated solutions to confront both the climate and biodiversity crises, and speeding up progress right across the Sustainable Development Goals.
This blog was written and submitted by Hailey May, Y4N Managing Director