Potential Priority Areas for Developing Countries in COP28: A Glimpse into Key Concerns

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1. Background

In the 2015 Paris agreement, participating nations pledged to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to limit the global temperature increase to "well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels." Additionally, they committed to enhancing resilience against climate change impacts and aligning resources for implementation with mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development goals.?

COP28, scheduled to take place in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023, holds significant promise as a crucial platform for global climate discussions. However, it's important to recognize that potential priorities may differ among countries. Developing nations, in particular, are expected to place emphasis on specific issues based on their unique challenges and priorities. This divergence in focus reflects the diverse climate-related concerns faced by countries with varying levels of development and geographical contexts.

2. Global Stock-take

The Paris Agreement mandates a periodic global stock-take every five years to assess the collective progress of climate actions and strengthen their efforts. The recent UNFCCC released September 2023 the first Global Stock take synthesis report that reveals the world is off-track in meeting climate goals of the agreement. This prompts urgent deliberation among parties and stakeholders to chart a new course, addressing significant gaps in climate actions and weak implementations.?

The upcoming COP28 session is crucial, urging parties and stakeholders to shift focus on key priorities. The parties and stakeholders worldwide should build upon current positive advancements and address any existing gaps. Leaders at the national, corporate, and municipal levels must not only showcase advancements in previous commitments but also unveil ambitious new plans capable of mitigating the increasing impacts of climate change and safeguarding both people and the environment. This session marks a distinct progress assessment since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the need for tangible actions on the ground to achieve global temperature goals and effective adaptive measures.?

Notably, the UNFCCC's first "Global Stock take" will be finalized, aiming to evaluate collective progress toward climate goals and strengthen their efforts. In this COP session, all involved actors will be required to respond to the Global Stock take, outlining plans for enhanced transformative actions that surpass mere promises.?

3. ? Food Systems

Climate change-induced droughts and floods have a significant impact on food systems and livelihoods, posing a threat to global food security. These extreme weather events can lead to crop failures, reduced yields, and increased food prices, affecting the livelihoods of millions of people around the world. Additionally, unsustainable agricultural practices contribute to climate change by leading to deforestation, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity. Given the urgency of these issues, it is crucial for governments and stakeholders to prioritize the redefinition of global food production and consumption during COP28.

?This will require a comprehensive approach that addresses the interconnected challenges of climate change and food security. It is essential for countries to present concrete plans for sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. One key initiative that should be emphasized during COP28 is the development and implementation of a Food Systems Declaration. This declaration should outline specific strategies for promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing food waste, and improving access to nutritious and affordable food.

It should also address the need for climate-resilient farming practices, such as agroforestry and regenerative agriculture, to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events on food production. Furthermore, embracing innovative technologies and practices, such as precision agriculture and vertical farming, can help increase food production while minimizing environmental impact. Investing in research and development of climate-resilient crop varieties and livestock breeds is also crucial for building more resilient food systems.

4.?? Climate Finance ?

Under the Paris Agreement, all participating nations are expected to implement the agreement, considering their individual capacities, based on the common but differentiated responsibility principle. According to this principle, developed countries, while fulfilling their national climate action obligations, are additionally obligated to mobilize support in areas such as climate technology development and transfer, finance, and capacity building. Despite the Paris Agreement obligating developed nations to provide financial support to developing countries for implementing climate actions, these commitments have not been fully met in terms of both scale and nature of funding. The symbolic promise of developed nations to contribute $100 billion annually in climate finance by 2020 remains unfulfilled.

During COP27, there were high expectations for developed countries to fulfill the $100 billion annual contributions pledged at the COP15 summit in Copenhagen in 2009. This financial support aimed to assist developing countries in addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation. The COP27 decision expressed serious concern that the goal of jointly mobilizing USD 100 billion per year by 2020 had not been met, urging developed countries to meet this commitment.

The decision also highlighted a slow start to discussions on a new collective climate finance goal for 2025, with the decision expected in 2024. The agreed text in Sharm emphasized that the new goal will consider the needs and priorities of developing countries. COP28 places a strong emphasis on addressing this financial gap, aiming to mobilize sufficient funds to support the efforts of developing countries. Additionally, COP28 is expected to lay the groundwork for a new climate finance goal, slated for adoption at COP29 the following year.

The conference will focus on foundational efforts to facilitate the establishment of this new financial target. Developed nations need tangible advancements in fulfilling their pledge to climate-vulnerable countries, aiming to double adaptation financing by 2025. This involves enhancing financial accessibility and directing additional resources and decision-making authority to local communities. Additionally, countries must embrace a concrete strategy for the Global Goal on Adaptation, entailing consensus on an ambitious array of targets to bolster resilience on a global scale. Parties involved will also prioritize doubling adaptation finance, recognizing its imbalance compared to mitigation actions.

5.?? Loss and damage

In preceding COP sessions, the critical issue of loss and damage received insufficient attention and was marginalized. However, during COP27, pivotal decisions were made to address this gap by establishing and operationalizing a loss and damage fund, providing financial support for victims of climate risks. Parties to the Paris Agreement collectively agreed to create a fund specifically aimed at responding to loss and damage, acknowledging the disproportionate impact of climate disasters on developing countries.

While lauded by nations and groups, challenges persist in determining the modality of fund mobilization, the allocation of financial burdens, and equitable distribution to beneficiaries. The upcoming COP28 negotiations are anticipated to address these issues, focusing on defining who contributes and benefits from the fund. The establishment of this fund is expected to facilitate access to specialized funding sources for the private sector and developing countries, offering compensation for climate-induced loss and damage. This decision holds the potential to instill confidence in the private sector regarding compensation for any adverse impacts stemming from climate change.

6.?? Carbon Market

Efforts to address climate change necessitate a responsive carbon market mechanism supporting developing country parties in achieving their climate ambitions. The Paris Agreement's Article 6 is pivotal in establishing a market mechanism that encourages climate action by developing a carbon market. This rule facilitates the trading of emissions reductions between countries, offering incentives for developing nations to elevate their climate goals. Over the years, negotiations on the development of a credible carbon market, as outlined in Article 6, have been challenging.

During COP26, unanimous agreement was reached to leverage the carbon trading scheme for scaling climate ambition, focusing on two major issues: Article 6.2 and Article 6.4. The former enables countries to trade emissions reductions, while the latter allows countries to generate carbon credits through a new mechanism. The decision mandates countries involved in credit trading to apply a carbon accounting framework through Corresponding Adjustments (CAs). Notably, the carbon credits traded in the private sector are not subject to this requirement to avoid double counting.

The Glasgow decision outlines the carryover of existing carbon credits into the new system, estimated at 120–300 million, with strict limitations on use to preserve environmental integrity. Criticisms of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) led to an agreement to establish a new mechanism guided by the Article 6.4 Supervisory Body, responsible for reviewing standards and procedures and recommending projects related to greenhouse gas removals.

Crucially, the decision mandates that a portion of proceeds from carbon trades funds climate adaptation and mitigation ambitions. The Adaptation Fund (AF) receives 5%, and 2% is deducted to ensure an overall mitigation of global emissions (OMGE). In Sharm el-Sheikh, negotiations led to the creation of a two-tier carbon market, each with distinct rules. The Glasgow Pact prohibits double counting and requires accounting adjustments for credit transactions, emphasizing transparency and accountability. COP28 is expected to further address issues raised in COP27, ensuring the continued refinement of carbon market mechanisms.

7.?? Energy

In 2019, coal accounted for approximately 37% of global electricity production, making it a significant contributor to climate change. ?Studies indicate a necessity to cut emissions by 43% below 2019 levels by 2030 to avert severe climate change impacts. However, existing national climate plans project only a 7% reduction. Concurrently, fossil fuel subsidies, the primary contributor to climate change, reached a record $7 trillion in 2022. Recognizing its impact, COP26 introduced a rule aiming to phase down coal, outlining specific targets and measures against fossil fuel subsidies. However, during COP27, there was considerable debate regarding the actions to be taken against coal, resulting in little or no decisive action against polluters. At COP28, parties are expected to express their commitment how to be transitioning away from fossil fuels, ushering in an era of accessible, dependable, and sustainable energy for everyone. Likewise, governments and stakeholders must commit to implement measures to ensure a low-carbon and just transition that consider the well-being of everyone.

COP27 emphasized a "just and equitable energy transition," aligning with national development priorities. The conference established a work programme on "just transition" and initiated an annual ministerial roundtable to address social protection and solidarity measures. Paragraph 4, subsection 13 of the Sharm el-Sheikh plan urged parties to accelerate the adoption of low-emission energy systems, emphasizing the phasedown of unabated coal power and the phase-out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. This directive also highlighted the importance of supporting the poorest and most vulnerable, recognizing the necessity for assistance in achieving a just transition.

Under the Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan, decisions in the energy sector emphasized the urgent need for immediate and sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions. This involves promoting low-emission and renewable energy, fostering just energy transition partnerships, and diversifying energy mixes in line with national circumstances, recognizing the critical role of support for just transitions. In COP28, energy transitioning will continue take space as key thematic issues for mitigation and sustainable development.

8.????? Water and Nature Based Solutions

Nature-based solutions to climate change actions involve using natural ecosystems and processes to address the challenges of climate change. These solutions harness the power of nature to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and build resilience in communities and ecosystems. They offer a cost-effective and sustainable approach to addressing climate change, while also providing co-benefits for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and human well-being.

?One key nature-based solution is the restoration and conservation of forests, which act as carbon sinks by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Protecting and expanding forests, as well as reforestation efforts, can help mitigate climate change by reducing emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration. Additionally, healthy forests provide essential ecosystem services, such as regulating water flow, maintaining soil fertility, and supporting biodiversity. Wetlands also play a crucial role in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

?They store large amounts of carbon and help regulate water cycles, reducing the impacts of floods and droughts. Restoring and conserving wetlands can contribute to climate resilience by providing natural flood protection, water purification, and habitat for diverse species. Furthermore, sustainable land management practices, such as agroforestry, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable grazing, can enhance carbon sequestration in soils and improve agricultural resilience to climate change. These practices also promote biodiversity, soil health, and water conservation, contributing to more sustainable food systems.

?Nature-based solutions also include the protection and restoration of coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves and coral reefs, which provide natural barriers against storm surges and coastal erosion. These ecosystems not only support diverse marine life but also provide essential services for coastal communities, including fisheries, tourism, and shoreline protection.

Land, water, and energy transcend mere commodities; they form the bedrock for the fulfillment and safeguarding of numerous fundamental human rights. These vital resources constitute life essentials for the impoverished worldwide, particularly impacting the well-being of women and girls. Gender concerns emerge as pervasive issues intersecting with political and socio-economic development.

The significance of these resources extends beyond mere sustenance; they play a pivotal role in development, sustainability, and are intricately tied to cultural identities. Remarkably, in various global regions, land and water often become subjects of political manipulation rather than receiving effective policy solutions. Notably, the current landscape acknowledges the right to water and other essential resources as human rights, signifying a crucial step towards ensuring universal access and protection.

Ethiopia has been a leading example of prioritizing nature-based solutions to address climate change challenges through its Green Legacy Initiatives. The country has embarked on ambitious reforestation efforts, aiming to plant billions of trees across the nation to combat deforestation, enhance carbon sequestration, and restore degraded landscapes. These initiatives not only contribute to mitigating climate change by capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere but also help to conserve biodiversity, protect watersheds, and improve soil fertility.

Furthermore, Ethiopia's focus on nature-based solutions extends to sustainable land management practices, such as agroforestry and soil conservation techniques, which promote ecosystem resilience and support agricultural productivity in the face of a changing climate. By prioritizing nature-based solutions, Ethiopia is not only addressing climate change but also investing in the well-being of its people and ecosystems.

The Green Legacy Initiatives serve as a model for other countries to follow, demonstrating the potential of nature-based solutions to deliver multiple benefits for both the environment and society in the face of climate change. In the COP28, the nation might showcase its nature based initiatives to attract resources needed to implement existing and future programmes.