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Human Rights: the Pre-Marrakesh Homework
9 Aug 2016
While formal climate negotiations will only reconvene in November, other UN bodies continue their work to support the full implementation of the Paris Agreement. Their respect of the UNFCCC mandate means that climate negotiators still need to play their own part. In early July, the Human Rights Council adopted a new resolution on human […]
Brexit: Keep Calm And Up Your Global Climate Leadership
9 Aug 2016
June 23: the day those careful, reserved Brits voted to leave the EU. Wow. The outcome sent shockwaves around the world. Alas, the climate keeps changing and ECO hasn’t stopped demanding that the UK, and the EU’s other 27 member states, shoot for higher climate ambition. In practice, the UK won’t leave the EU until […]
Forget Forecasting and Back Backcasting
9 Aug 2016
We’re all familiar with forecasts. There’s not much to be done if you’ve planned your Sunday picnic when it’s set to rain. All that’s left is hoping, often in vain, that rain will turn into shine. Let’s flip this idea of looking into the future on its head. Instead of forecasting what is likely to […]
The Pre-2020 Opportunities Package
26 May 2016
It’s on everybody’s lips and on everybody’s mind: COP22 is going to be the Action COP. The Moroccan presidency will need to do their utmost to start closing the ambition gap with concrete action on mitigation, adaptation and support. ECO invites Parties to join the incoming presidency in its efforts to build on the spirit of […]
Don’t Let Bonn Lull You
26 May 2016
ECO is somewhat concerned that after this week in Bonn, and following on the excitement of 177 countries signing the Paris Agreement last month in New York, delegates are being lulled into a false bonhomie. Much still needs to be done to ensure the Paris Agreement’s timely entry into force and to complete work on […]
Roadmap to $100bn Must Specify Adaptation Finance
26 May 2016
Between now and Marrakech, developed delegates should start reflecting how much adaptation matters to the continent that is going to host COP22. Africa (along with many other countries, to be sure) is already bearing the brunt of climate change: crops are failing, water is diminishing, and lives and livelihoods are under threat from climate change. […]
It’s the Transparency, Stupid!*
26 May 2016
The goal of strengthening transparency systems is not a new one; it’s been on the table since COP16 in Cancun, and work has been ongoing since then. The enhanced transparency framework is at the heart of delivering the Paris Agreement and achieving the level of ambition consistent with keeping warming to less than 1.5°C. Transparency […]
Food for “Rights” Thought on Marrakech
26 May 2016
Dearest Negotiators, As you prepare to leave the city on the Rhine, here is some food for thought. Here is your charge for Marrakesh: fully integrate the rights package in the preamble to the Paris Agreement (human rights, the rights of indigenous peoples, just transition of the workforce, gender equality, food security, ecosystem integrity and […]
Ready for the 2018 Momentum?
26 May 2016
Assignment: Submit clear views on the objectives, scope and modalities of the 2018 facilitative dialogue. Due: Before Marrakech. A key outcome from Paris was Parties’ acknowledgement that current ambition levels are inadequate. The 2018 facilitative dialogue, mandated from COP21, presents a clear opportunity for countries to ramp up means of implementation, increase ambition within their […]
Wanted: Good News on Shipping and Aviation by Marrakech
25 May 2016
In the two decades that ECO has been calling for action on shipping and aviation emissions, the period between now and Marrakech might be the best opportunity ever for some good news on both fronts. The need for action has become even clearer in the recent UNFCCC aggregate assessment of the impacts of the INDCs. […]