ADP 2 update Thursday 2 May

Workstream 1 (discussing options towards the 2015 global climate agreement):

On 2 May, an ADP Co-Chairs special event was held for stakeholders, focusing on central elements and design aspects of the 2015 agreement, as well as ways to catalyze action and build a practical, results-based approach to increase pre-2020 ambition. Observers made concrete proposals on both themes, and the outreach of the event was boosted by active twitter coverage. A similar event is now being considered for June, with the Co-Chairs encouraging participants to develop ideas on both enhancing their participation and on their possible role in implementing the 2015 agreement.

At a round table on reducing emissions, governments began a focused exploration of commitments for the 2015 agreement, in particular how the agreement could incentivize more ambitious emission reduction action. They showed strong interest in exploring systems to clarify existing commitments and review their adequacy, including a possible ex ante review to assess consistency with achieving the 2 degrees Celsius target.

There followed discussions on adaptation, on finance, technology and capacity-building support as well as on transparency of action and support, with delegates agreeing that a transparency system is essential to quantify mitigation efforts and levels of support to keep track of progress towards the 2 degrees goal. They showed willingness to build on the existing transparency systems with greater robustness, efficiency, and responsiveness.

Workstream 2 (raising ambition to combat climate change now):

A round table on the theme of catalyzing action on climate change saw participants elaborate on concrete examples of national action, challenges, barriers and ways to overcome them. There was agreement that solutions exist to close the emissions gap, with almost all countries already taking actions and many ready to do more. Information was exchanged on best practices and learning from experience at national and international level. There was consensus that cross-ministerial cooperation and stakeholder involvement at all levels are instrumental in mainstreaming climate change into the national development agendas.

See previous updates.