COP16: More than 85% of countries miss UN deadline to submit nature pledges
Global Delay in Climate Action
The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has seen a disappointing trend in the submission of nature pledges by countries. As of the deadline, more than 85% of countries have failed to meet the UN’s request to submit their post-2020 national determined contributions (NDCs) for addressing climate change.
The Problem with Delayed Pledges
The delay in submitting NDCs has significant implications for global efforts to combat climate change. With the lack of concrete and ambitious targets, countries are falling short of their commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the goals set out in the Paris Agreement. The delay also jeopardizes the success of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Country Performance
The latest data shows that only 15 countries have submitted their NDCs, while over 100 countries have missed the deadline. The delay is not limited to developing countries, with major emitters like the United States, China, and the European Union also yet to submit their pledges.
Consequences of Delayed Action
The consequences of delayed action are severe, including:
- Loss of momentum: The delay will undermine the momentum built up since the Paris Agreement came into force in 2016, making it more challenging to accelerate climate action.
- Increased climate risk: The extended delay will expose nations to increased climate-related risks, such as more frequent natural disasters, increased water scarcity, and deteriorating air and water quality.
- Disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups: The delay will have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups, including low-lying coastal communities, small-island developing states, and countries with limited financial resources.
What’s Next?
The UNFCCC is working to engage with countries to encourage them to submit their NDCs as soon as possible. In the meantime, parties are working to finalize the rules for the implementation of the Paris Agreement, including the reporting requirements for NDCs.
FAQs
- What is the Paris Agreement?: The Paris Agreement is an international agreement aimed at addressing climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
- What are NDCs?: National determined contributions are the plans and targets set by countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
- Why is the delay concerning?: The delay is concerning because it may undermine the success of the Paris Agreement and increase the risk of climate change-related impacts.
- What is the next step?: The UNFCCC will engage with countries to encourage them to submit their NDCs as soon as possible, and will finalize the rules for the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
