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Update on the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action
 
Parties establish the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action

 Image    The decision of the Conference of the Parties to establish the pdf-icon Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (123 kB) marks the beginning of an important new chapter of the Parties’ collective effort to strengthen the multilateral, rules-based regime under the Convention. From 2012, Parties will embark upon the development of a new protocol, another legal instrument or an agreed outcome with legal force under the Convention that will be applicable to all Parties. The new agreement is to be ready for adoption by 2015 at the latest, and will come into effect and be implemented from 2020. It is expected to raise the level of ambition, and will be informed by the latest science and the outcomes of the 2013-2015 Review. The work will be undertaken by a new subsidiary body, known as the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP).

In addition, the COP decided to launch a work plan on enhancing mitigation ambition that will explore options to close the mitigation gap between now and 2020 and ensure the highest possible mitigation efforts by all Parties. According to the pdf-icon Bridging the Gap report of the United Nations Environment Programme, an additional 6 GtCO2e of global emission reduction effort is required by 2020 to maintain a reasonable chance to meet the global goal of staying below 2 degrees Celsius in average global temperature rise, or of meeting a possible 1.5 degree Celsius goal in the future. An in-session workshop on enhancing mitigation ambition will be held during the May session informed by submissions from Parties and observer organizations. The deadline for pdf-icon submissions (270 kB) was 28 February 2012.

At the May session, the ADP is also expected to plan its work for the 2012-2015 period, drawing on submissions from Parties and relevant expertise. pdf-icon Submissions (270 kB) on views from Parties on the work plan of the ADP are requested by 16 April 2012.