The European Union, together with Canada, Chile, Georgia, Mexico, Norway and Switzerland, have committed to ensuring their forthcoming nationally determined contributions (NDCs) are consistent with IPCC trajectories in line with efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
At COP29, the UK, Brazil and UAE have unveiled 2035 NDCs in line with the 1.5°C temperature goal, and the EU said in a joint statement that it too would commit to ‘deep, rapid, and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions’.
In addition, the countries have committed to NDCs that will set out absolute, economy-wide reduction targets covering all greenhouse gases, sectors, and categories, and will be aligned with mid-century net-zero goals, through steep and credible emissions reduction pathways.
‘Urgency of action’
‘Together, we recognize the urgency of action to address the climate crisis and the critical role of major emitters in putting the world on a 1.5°C pathway,’ the countries said. We are committed to delivering on the goals of the Paris Agreement and keeping 1.5°C within reach and recognise the significant economic imperatives and opportunities of strong climate action.’
Elsewhere, Bhutan, Madagascar, Panama, and Suriname, collectively referred to as ‘GZERO’ nations, have already achieved net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, serving as exemplars of effective climate leadership.
GZERO statement
In a joint statement, the GZERO nations said that they ‘stand as living proof that net-zero emissions are attainable, even for nations with limited resources. We call on the rest of the world to rise to the occasion, match our ambition, and embrace transformational changes to keep 1.5°C within reach. Climate leadership knows no borders, and the time for bold action is now.’
Leaders from Canada and Mexico echoed this sentiment, framing ambitious climate actions as essential not only for environmental reasons but also for economic opportunities and social justice.
“The Paris Agreement is working and keeping 1.5C within reach is both an environmental imperative and an economic opportunity,” commented Steven Guilbeault, Canada’s minister of environment and climate change. “That’s why I join global partners to call for climate ambition as we commit to putting forward ambitious 2035 climate plans. Canada understands its responsibility and looks forward to securing an ambitious and hopeful outcome that delivers for the people and the planet at COP29.”
‘A major step forward’
Commenting on the announcement, Melanie Robinson, global climate, economics and finance director at World Resources Institute, said, “This new pledge offers a benchmark for determining whether major emitters are genuinely living up to their climate promises or falling behind. It marks a major step forward in translating what the ambitious outcome of the Global Stocktake means for individual countries.
“We encourage all nations to explore whether they can fast-track their net zero targets to boost our odds of avoiding far worse climate impacts.” Read more here. [Photo: UN Climate Change]
