UN Extends Deadline for Countries to Submit 2035 Climate Plans
The UN has extended the deadline for countries to submit climate targets for 2035 to September, emphasizing the importance of quality in these plans. Despite initial deadlines, only a few nations have submitted their NDCs, raising concerns about global climate action. The COP30 conference will be pivotal in assessing collective ambition amidst rising temperatures and insufficient progress from major emitters.
The UN climate change body has granted countries an extension to submit high-quality climate targets for 2035. Simon Stiell, the executive director, stated that new targets must be submitted by September to ensure their inclusion in a UN assessment ahead of the COP30 conference. Notably, few nations have submitted their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by the initial deadline of February 10, creating concerns about the adequacy of climate action globally.
The Paris Agreement mandates that countries present their plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. However, significant emitters such as China, the European Union, and India have yet to publish their intentions, raising doubts about global progress. As countries like the US signal potential withdrawals from such agreements, the need for stronger, cohesive climate plans becomes more evident.
At COP28, countries affirmed the necessity for revised NDCs that align with scientific guidelines to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Many initial submissions have shown insufficient ambition, particularly from major polluting nations. Critics have expressed disappointment at the slow pace of progress and the lack of bold climate strategies.
The urgency is compounded by rising global temperatures, as evidenced by January 2024 being marked as the warmest on record. With emissions continuing to rise, the UN Environment Programme warns that current policies may lead to a temperature increase of over 3 degrees Celsius. Stiell emphasized the necessity for efficient climate negotiations moving forward, aiming for effective commitments from global leaders.
The discussion on climate plans for 2035 arises from the ongoing need for countries to address climate change and adhere to international agreements such as the Paris Accord. The deadline for countries to submit their strategies for emission reductions is closely monitored, especially in light of recent geopolitical developments. Ensuring quality in these submissions is critical, as they play a vital role in informing global climate policy and negotiations at major summits like COP30. The backdrop of this topic is marked by an emerging urgency to combat climate change as countries face increasing temperatures and extreme weather events. The role of national governments, alongside private and civic actors, becomes crucial in developing comprehensive and effective climate action plans that are ambitious yet practical. Stakeholder engagement is particularly important to counter the setbacks posed by some countries’ disengagement from international climate commitments.
In conclusion, while countries are urged to enhance their climate commitments and submit high-quality plans by September for the 2035 target, the response has thus far been underwhelming. Major emitters have been slow to articulate their strategies, prompting concerns about the global community’s collective capacity to meet the challenges of climate change. The upcoming COP30 summit will serve as a critical platform to reassess and galvanize efforts towards achieving the Paris Agreement objectives.
Original Source: www.climatechangenews.com
