WWF has said that COP29 comes at a ‘pivotal moment’ for the planet, with both the conference and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from countries around the world crucial in driving the pace of climate action over the coming years.
“This is a decisive year for climate action. COP29 must be the launchpad for urgent, transformative change,” commented Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, WWF global climate and energy lead.
“We have the solutions to the climate crisis available now, but without adequate finance, they can’t be deployed at the necessary speed and scale. We simply can’t afford to delay critical action any further. It’s time to invest in our future.”
Countries are due to submit new NDCs over the course of the next 12 months, while at the COP29 itself, which takes place in Baku, nations will come together to negotiate a new climate finance goal – the New Collective Quantifiable Goal (NCQG).
According to WWF, in order for this to be successful, countries will need to ensure that the new goal meets the mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage needs of developing countries.
Critical actions
“The action we take in the next five years will be critical if we are to stand a chance of limiting global warming to 1.5C and avoiding the worst impacts of the climate crisis,” added Fernanda Carvalho, WWF global climate and energy policy lead. “As countries develop their new national climate plans, they must ensure they urgently deliver rapid and transformative action.
“COP29 will be a pivotal moment to build consensus around the level of ambition, support and solutions that are needed. Countries must show they are responding to COP28’s outcome by embedding fossil fuel phase-out plans within their national strategies. Transforming the energy sector is the most impactful way to rapidly reduce emissions and avoid a climate catastrophe.”
Emssions reduction
To meet the target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, it’s essential that global emissions decrease by 43% by 2030, 60% by 2035, and reach net-zero by 2050. WWF’s NDCsWeWant Checklist identifies key elements countries should include in new national climate plans that align with these targets, emphasising specific, actionable steps.
Elsewhere, a priority at COP29 is also establishing a strong role for nature within climate action strategies, reflecting the interlinked climate and biodiversity crises.
With this in mind, WWF is advocating for a new Climate-Nature Work Programme under the UNFCCC. This programme would aim to implement nature-focused recommendations from COP28, foster collaboration between climate and biodiversity planning, and promote nature-based and ecosystem-focused approaches in global climate action. Read more here. [Image © WWF Azerbaijan]
