The European Climate Stocktake - a look at EU and global progress towards the Paris Agreement targets - organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action on Friday 27 October, provided a platform for assessing the progress made by the EU and the rest of the world towards the goals set at the COP21.
Paving the way for the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference at the end of November, which will be the occasion of the first Global Stocktake, the event brought together high-level political leaders, representatives of international organisations, businesses, NGOs, universities and young people, with the aim of stimulating a discussion on the progress made and the measures to be consolidated for an effective transformation in the face of climate change.
The urgent need for a systemic transformation. The speakers were unanimous in pointing out that, despite some progress since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, the EU and the world as a whole are still falling short of the targets set. Cecilia Kinuthia-Njeng, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, highlighted the urgency of the situation and stressed the need for “systemic transformation”, including concrete action on mitigation and adaptation. Ms Kinuthia-Njeng also stressed the importance of inclusion and equity in this process, particularly for vulnerable countries dependent on international support.
Geopolitical challenges. The European Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke Hoekstra, addressed the current geopolitical issues that influence the EU’s ability to effectively fight climate change. While acknowledging these difficulties, he reaffirmed the EU’s commitment: “In a world of growing tensions, our commitment to climate action must not only continue, it must be strengthened”. Mr Hoekstra stressed the need to integrate geopolitical and economic considerations into the ecological transition, reflecting the complexity of the task.
Raising the EU’s ambitions. Chiara Martinelli, Director of the Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, reiterated the need for maximum ambition. In her view, the EU must play a leading role in this area. She insisted on the urgency and effectiveness of action, particularly with regard to reducing emissions and climate financing. Ms Martinelli also pointed out that current efforts, while important, are insufficient, and that it is imperative to accelerate them, particularly in order to achieve the more ambitious objectives of carbon neutrality by 2040.
Investment and support for vulnerable countries. There was consensus on the importance of investment and support for vulnerable countries. Cecilia Kinuthia-Njeng stressed the need for a greater commitment from developed countries, particularly in terms of financial pledges, such as the $100 billion a year climate fund pledged by rich countries to help developing countries at the COP15 in Copenhagen in 2009. As Ms Kinuthia-Njeng pointed out, these resources are essential to help the least developed nations adapt to the effects of climate change and reduce their emissions.
Adaptation and resilience. The importance of adaptation and resilience in the face of climate change was highlighted. Ms Kinuthia-Njeng stressed the need to develop resilient infrastructures and effective disaster management systems, underlining the crucial importance of international cooperation to help vulnerable countries.
The energy transition. Finally, the diversification of energy sources was addressed as a crucial aspect of reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Wopke Hoekstra emphasised the key role of innovation and green technologies in this transition, while stressing the need to ensure the economic viability of this process. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)