COP28 notes: Global Stock Take - Heads of Delegation Meeting 8/12/23

[This was the latest in a series of negotiations on the Global Stock Take, the 'where are we at on achieving the Paris Goals and what do we need to do next?' bit of the COP. I came in at 8:30, 30 mins in to a delayed meeting. The Heads of Delegation were meant to be meeting to find ways forward on the third iteration of Global Stock Take text released today, though often the reps were not HODs but GST negotiators]

EU: abatement tech should not be used to delay fossil replacement where feasible.

All parties should include quantified economy wide emissions reduction targets in their new NDCs.

Need a message of hope so adaptation should be solution oriented and strengthen finance flows

Disappointed that Art 2.1c text is still only an option and text does not mention innovative options.

We do not agree to a new Capacity Building Fund as this is already covered by existing funds and mechanisms.

Do not see a reference to the role of shipping and aviation, and will be submitting language.

Just transition is about quality work and jobs in line with national development priorities.

Support proposals by others to reflect on GST process and introduce items on next NDCs for next CMA.

Reflect children and youth.

RUSSIA: third iteration has increased options while dramatically decreasing overall balance. Our proposals based on convention were not included. We highlight just a few crucial points.

Mitigation; strongly oppose revision of temp goal of Paris by limiting it to 1.5C

Nationally determined nature of NDCs must be emphasised.

Premature to speak of next NDCs when not due to 2024-25

We are addressing GHG not specific techs. We ask for equal treatment for any low emissions technologies. All fuels with low footprint, in particular natural gas, have a role in transition.

It’s necessary to create facilitative conditions including unhindered exchange of tech, expertise, finance. Specify how to provide coordination.

2.1c - stick to Paris language. See attempt at reinterpretation, but aims are clear - sustainable development.

Need to eliminate any unilateral barriers, we stand against any cross border measure that stand against 3.5 of Convention and want to see this faithfully reflected in the language of the GST.

GST should be comprehensive and its outcome should not be prescriptive or top down. It should not reinterpret Paris temp goal but be a reference document to enable nationally determined course correction.

IRAN: support G77. There are great areas for further attention.

Reference to human rights and rights to health and environment; there’s no need to enumerate all vulnerable groups.

Response measures are missing

We proposed mention of accessibility of new tech: “and the challenges and barriers of developing countries in acquiring these technologies”

We support no text in 31

36 - no text

Par 51 is very critical

Par 181 option 1 on unilateral measures - of great concern to developing countries

Want non prescriptive nationally determined approach to NDCs

Samoa for AOSIS: we think this text is workable as a basis for decision, but needs strengthening.

Concerned by refs to needs of SIDS and LDCs -

Par 3 needs ref to 1.5c - not negotiable for us

There are options that would mean 1.5 is lost

Par 25 - pleased by 25bis, which would peak emissions in 2025. Need this in final text

36 option: AOSIS cannot under any circumstances accept references to unabated fossil fuels, that would give 1.5 away

Loss and damage - need to see all this la gage shifts to 153-7 means of implementation

Art 2.1c - prefer dialogue not work program

Way forward section - welcome development and progress. Will need to examine more closely.

Need to design a roadmap to take us to COP30 and new NDCs

Saudi for LMDC: thanks for your tireless efforts. We’re moving in the right direction, critical references to means, pre 2020 much more. Expect not to be options but critical messages.

There is more to add and strengthen to balance:

• concerned with numerical sectoral targets and lack of differentiation between developed and developing - at odds with emissions basis of PA and no policy prescriptive basis of GST mandate. GHG is our metric of success, GST is losing sight of this
• Do not support any current options in this section, support new option on the deeper GHG reductions needed and scale up of alll solutions without cherry picking
• Need ref to sustainable development and means of implementation and support. Comprehensive message, not fragmentation. Scale up, support,
• References to IPCC pathways must not be in a void. IPCC mentions gaps. But encourage parties to draw from findings while mentioning clearly the gaps and uncertainties, and referencing CBDR RC

Implementation

• mention tremendous gaps in finance.
• Key forward looking elements would be a standing committee on finance work on gaps and methods for adaptation costs in developing countries
• Standing agenda item on GGA following this COP

Finance can be strengthened

• mention that the $100b has not been met in the 14 years since set, put this in text
• There’s a gap in provision of finance within existing developed country budget processes, call out this gap. Call on developed countries to move to multi year budgets.
• need call for progress on burden sharing, lessons from the hundred billion
• See option on 2.1c - concerned this is being discussed in GST as well as SCF - need an additional option on doubling of adaptation finance
• See punitive language on scale down of finance flows, needs to be balanced with concern over impact of unilateral measures including subsidies and protectionist measures with cross border impacts.

CANADA: thanks to you and all. Overarching reactions on v3: takes us forward. Glad to see our option in section on 1.5 alive.

Pleased with elements in guidance and way forward with key milestones to take us forward.

In other respects, a step back. We feel some options take us back:

• convention references,
• Bifurcation of La gage

Cannot accept reinterpretation of Paris

Means of implementation - concerned about request for new funds

Human rights are critical enablers and indigenous peoples need such reference too.

Happy engage to find way forward.

Chair: we appreciate clarity and brevity. We have til 9:30 and 20 speakers on the list.

USA: sincere thanks to Alison and Teo now and over last several years.

We see our views in certain parts.

Overall text now needs even more work - 50 options vs 35.

Willing to discuss the text in detail.

Text not in an option does not mean it is agreed. There are several issues we would want the time and space to adjust - do a ce paragraphs with misquotes or inappropriate comparisons or bifurcation inconsistent with Paris.

There are also some scientific inaccuracies or incomplete recitations of previous language.

Some incorrect references to UNFCCC where Paris would be better.

There are additional that could be agreed

• Ref to 2.1A role in catalyzing action
• Ref to IPCC as best available science and that science has improved
• Agree with Canada that 2.2C refs are insufficient and should be strengthened

Key test: will this strengthen the achievement of the Paris goals?

OMAN for ARAB GROUP: align G77 and LMDC and IRAQ

• demand inclusion of Convention reference in the preamble. CBDR is a principle. Emphasise historical responsibility. Need to respect each nation’s unique circumstances. Developed must achieve net zero earlier than developing.
• Reject sectoral targets.
• Climate finance - developed must fulfill obligations to fund developing
• Key sections need to be enhanced to emphasis country needs and support climate action

Chair: I reiterate 3 minute interventions please, be as brief and focussed as possible

AUSTRALIA: we’re still digesting the text and support it as basis for further work, much we like and can support

• NDCs to align with 1.5c

But still lacks urgency and commitment sought

• Need strong commitment to achieve the Paris goals. Many have said, need to revisit

Lots of new text referencing Convention, doesn’t have the effect of inspiring action.

Way forward needs to emphasis achievement of the Paris goals. We’ll work to advance the text and remove as many options as possible before it goes to Ministwrs.

EGYPT: the GST is a complex interconnected process and must not compromise any of the priorities of any group.

GST should not reposition the convention, renegotiate the PA or confuse either

Simply calling for action without support will not work.

Need a review process to ensure support is provided and not shifted to the private sector or other sources.

Doubling adaptation finance is a welcome first step but still far short

• focus should be implementation of current NDCs and NAPs
• Energy transition ambition must be balanced by full clear commitment to adequate finance resources
• Commitment of no climate excuse for trade conditions or restrictions of trade with developing countries
• Concerned differentiation is treated as an option
• GST should be about just transition pathways, not just mitigation

HOLY SEE: GST must set a clear pathway to 1.5. Fossil fuel phaseout, means of implementation ration, stronger commitment to education. To foster a change of direction, refer to the importance of education, with references throughout the text. One new paragraph on education and climate crisis, sustainable lifestyles and sustainable production and consumption, address loss and damage and fulfil the way forward . We should not miss this opportunity to too d on behalf of youth.

Chair: [reads a long list of speakers] we cannot accommodate more than that given the time.

ZAMBIA for African Group - support G77. Thanks . Africa will pursue sustainable pathways to achieve SDGs through support and harnessing our natural resources. The GST must not ocnstrain this. The text reflects many of our views but misses some.

• there are different contexts and starting points
• Our “just and equitable phase down of unabated fossil fuels” has been omitted
• Support the triple, but needs language on equitable distribution of those investments, especially to those regions receiving the least investment t
• Need ref to parties meeting their commitments under Article 9 through predictable scaled uo
• Call for dialogue in 2024 on effective international cooperation
• Overriding African priority calls for support for those regions who’ve contributed the least and are facing growing impacts

Question on process: can you guide us on how next text will be revised

Chair: we’re moving to political phase. Ministerial pairs consulting today and tomorrow, then informal stocktake tomorrow on outcomes, day after tomorrow we’ll start a single setting format with assistance of the pairs. Further consideration of new texts after that.

There have been further requests from the floor not noticed previously. We will add them to the list

SWITZERLAND FOR EIG: thanks, keen to move forward. GST is central to the emissions mechanism, need a rallying call of unity and to preserve the 1.5C and build a safer world.

Keen to engage with options in text and test out landing grounds. We are concerned by the number of options and many could be combined. Plus there are options that undermine Paris and should not be included.

It should not be an option to breach 1.5c

Lacking a clear energy package is not an option.

Disappointed that suggestions on adaptation are still not included. Can’t wait for GGA to send political signals.

While looking back, we’re uncomfortable with a building narrative that distances some from future obligations - not a reflection of reality nor the spirit of Paris.

We can’t accept further rbifurcated commitments. We don’t reject differentiation, but stick to Paris balance.

Hope to see Art 2.1c better reflected.

References to HR, Indigenous, Children are key

Need a strong call to science to continue informing our work by updating model pathways on <2C and 1.5C

Co-op and way forward are vital.

• many new ideas not yet reflected in text, keen to work together to merge and reflect

We’re ready to work for success

Chair: if we cannot be brief we cannot hear from all. There is tremendous interest, but be brief.

We have a hard limit of 10pm.

BRAZIL: an issue of total priority is not reflected in the text: any policy single from GST needs differentiation between developed and developing on finance and mitigation

Para 36 - call on parties needs developed to take the lead on mitigation and finance

Also Brazil proposed inviting IPCC to develop a methodology

FIJI: support G77, AOSIS. Need strengthened action this decade, 1.5c, strong language on phase out of fossil fuels, robust patchy on technical assessment and support [speaks at an incredible clip! Missed at least half]

INDIA: thanks for text and advance in reflection of our views. Support G77 and LMDC. Improvements wanted

• no sector specific sections
• No references to IPCC without CBDR RC
• No policy prescriptive language, stick to how we got here and where we are.
• Reference developed countries taking the lead
• Role of equity and BAS needs to be referenced
• No dire warnings or refs to maladaptation, be positive and optimistic

ECUADOR: support ref to art 2 1 of Paris

Options:

Par 7 - welcome ref to equity

Par 8 - support option 1 on carbon space per IPCC and need for historic responsible parties to lead.

Concerned that refs to pre2020 gaps are weak, support option 1

Par 25- support option 1

Findings of NDC Syntheis report - option 1

Para 69 - need more ref to indigenous, migrants

70 ecosystem based approaches

Can’t still debate the $100b. Recognize effort, but say there is a gap that must be filled.

Mandate - so important to have a reference to purpose to identify and fill gaps.

This is not the e place to adopt new obligations or rewrite Paris but enhance ambition.

Chair: time is running. My colleague Han ah has a very annoying alarm on her phone and we are now going to set it. Please focus on your core issues. Many positions are well known. Let’s have some brevity.

PHILIPPINES: we need faithfulness to CBDR RC and equity as principles of the Convention.

Need balance of mitigation finance and adaptation

Need attention to human rights of all

Flow of finance must be scaled up in a predictable manner

Taking stock of discussions, need standing agenda item for L&D discussion

Hope I met the timeline

Chair: you beat the alarm and were very clear

CHINA: support G77 and LMDC. Need ref to principles and purpose of Convention and Paris. Provision of financial resources is crucial. Emphasis on gap in ambition and resources.

National circ differences is the starting point.

Nationally determined nature of commitments is key.

GST is not policy prescriptive or top down.

Energy transition should be rational, realistic, balanced, and reflect progress in renewables while identifying ge real direction of Renewables, while recognizing importance of fossil fuels to development, reliability and acceptability.

We’ll share more in writing.

COLOMBIA FOR AILAC: support Alison and Teo and appreciate it. Support G77. We’re still not properly reflecting IPCC findings and this GST should do so.

Temperature goal is fundamental to Paris.

Evidence is critical on L&D.

Para 8: welcome recognition of historical emissions, but acknowledge current and future emissions and reflect credibility. Equitable action is guided by both historical responsibility and current developments and trends in emissions. It’s about past, present and future.

Abatement: science is clearly evident to suggest that abatement still has a social cost. Para on role of transitional fuels doesn’t match our commitments and its purpose is unclear,

Systemic approach is needed in mitigation. We will commit to just and equitable phaseout of fossil fuels and measure on production and consumption by 2030.

We have the chance for a roadmap

[annoying alarm]

to 1.5c. Thank you Hannah.

[it’s past 10pm and the hard stop does not seem so hard]

CHILE: welcome reference to non-CO2, support phase out, support ref to RE & EE as long as it displaces fossils.

Concerned at absence of reference to industry and hard-to-abate sectors

Puzzled by reference to eliminating multilateral measures, delete this!

Ref to human rights doesn’t mean ton expert dialogue on CC impact on children

Need invite to IPCC for work on feedbacks

Need a capacity building forum about support for NDCs.

High level champions - welcome their inclusion as backward looking, would like them in way forward too.

PAKISTAN: support G77. Should obligate developed countries to rectify the shortfall in finance.

References to phasing out coal and subsidies are not in line with COP26, we call for the same language.

Draft text should not be restrictive on NDCs.

$100b should be in context of mitigation and adaptation.

No punitive measures

PARAGUAY: par 13 option 1 - unilateral measures are against 3.5 and spirit of multilateralism. Need to recognise principle of CBDR

Support related options elsewhere, and right to development, with low GHG not threatening food production.

No text option on 45 is important to us.

JAPAN: we should not add to bifurcation. Not appropriate to reference convention in GST text. Will study pre 2020 text carefully.

Support option 1 in para 46 on all sector all gases targets.

Art 2.1c is an important element and we agree stronger la gage needed.

ZEVs we support option 2 including various pathways, with example of biofuels

Para 77 call on IPCC should also be to scientific community at large.

GST text should be balanced and parties need time to study the text.

[at this point I headed home - 10:10]