Cop: China keeps focus on south-south cooperation

: Emissions
24/11/16

China said that expanding the contributor base for the new finance goal under discussion at the summit will not "solve the problem", while showcasing its efforts for "south-south" — developing countries — co-operation at the UN Cop 29 climate summit.

China has signed 53 climate co-operation initial agreements with other developing countries and implemented more than 300 climate-related capacity building projects, China's environment and ecology minister (MEE) Huang Run Qiu said at a Cop 29 event on 15 November. He did not provide a timeline. China also launched a Zero-Carbon Island co-operation initiative during the summit.

Chinese vice premier Ding Xuexiang pointed out at the Cop 29 leaders summit that the country "provided and mobilised" more than 177bn yuan ($24.5bn) of project funds to support other developing countries' climate responses since 2016, Ding said on 13 November.

Think-tank WRI research found that China provided $45bn in climate finance to developing countries between 2013-22, equivalent to 6.1pc of climate finance provided by all developed countries in the period.

Ding expressed China's willingness to work with "all parties" to meet climate goals, but the country has also made clear that the onus is on developed countries to finance the new climate finance goal. Developed countries agreed in 2009 to deliver $100bn/yr in climate finance to developing nations, and Cop 29 is focused on the next iteration of this — the new collective quantified goal (NCQG).

Developed nations are calling for more contributors for the goal, including from developing countries in a position to contribute, such as China. The UN climate body the UNFCCC works from a list of developed and developing countries from 1992 — delineating 24 countries plus the EU as developed — and many of these note that economic circumstances have changed over the past 32 years.

But China believes that it is for developed countries to "take the lead" in mobilising financial resources, encouraging others to "voluntarily" provide such support, it said during a ministerial dialogue on finance.

Discussions on expanding contributors for the goal will "only lead to further controversies" without solving the problem, with China viewing mutual support between the NCQG and south-south co-operation as "the ideal scenario".

Others have lauded China's south-south co-operation efforts. The south-south model "represents a powerful framework that has repeatedly shown the impact of developing nations working together to achieve sustained development," said United Nations Office for Project Services (Unops) executive director Jorge Moreira da Silva. Cop 29 chief executive Elnur Soltanov also described China as "one of the locomotives of green transition in the world".

UN climate body UNFCCC executive secretary Simon Stiell emphasised the importance of multilateralism and international co-operation, and stated that the world will "need China's continued leadership". He warned against a "two-speed transition, because winners and losers still share the same atmosphere".

Stiell also noted that a strong NDC — country climate plan — would "send an important signal to other countries that stronger targets drive investment". China has yet to submit its new NDC with updated 2035 targets — due by February next year. But Ding said that it will be "economy-wide" and "cover all greenhouse gases", while continuing to strive to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.

By Tng Yong Li

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24/11/16

Cop: Parties continue slow work on finance goal: Update

Baku, 16 November (Argus) — Parties at the UN Cop 29 climate talks in Baku have asked for more time to work on "specific proposals" for a new finance goal, working from a draft text released yesterday , but it is unlikely to yield progress on key sticking points. Country representatives are seeking to agree on a new climate finance goal for developing nations, following on from the current — broadly recognised as inadequate — $100bn/yr target. A plenary is due to take place later today in Baku. "Over the last few days some people have doubted whether collectively we can deliver. It is time for the negotiators to start proving them wrong," Cop 29 deputy lead negotiator Samir Bejanov said. The current draft text still fails to bridge the huge divide between developed and developing countries on key issues such as an amount for the goal, the contributor base and what the funds should be used for. And the new version due to come out today is unlikely to show meaningful progress on these issues, observers suggested, leaving them for ministers to tackle next week. Technical negotiators continue to try and move forward on topics such as funds' access and transparency. Developed countries have still not proposed a number for the goal, and want the contributor base broadened. Developing countries remain broadly united in calling for climate public finance of over $1 trillion/yr. Options show that developing country parties seek a new finance goal that serves mitigation — actions to reduce emissions — adaptation and loss and damage. Adaptation refers to adjustments to avoid global warming effects where possible, while loss and damage describes the unavoidable and irreversible effects of such change. Developed nations are also pushing for sub-targets of $220bn/yr for least developed countries (LDCs) and $39bn/yr for small island developing states (Sids), in which money for adaptation should come in the form of grants and highly concessional finance and funding for loss and damage "primarily in grants". The multi-layered approach in the draft, mostly supported by developed countries, does not mention loss and damage. On broadening the contributor base, it has options calling on "parties in a position to contribute" or "all capable parties" to "mobilise jointly $100bn/yr for mitigation and adaptation in developing countries by 2035. The UN climate body the UNFCCC works from a list of developed and developing countries from 1992 — delineating 24 countries plus the EU as developed — and many of these note that economic circumstances have changed in some countries, including China, over the past 32 years. China between 2013 and 2022 provided and mobilised $45bn in climate finance to developing countries, equivalent to 6.1pc of climate finance provided by all developed countries in the period, according to think-tank WRI. A few options in the multi-layered approach in the draft talk about "investments", language that developing countries do not support, and "investing trillions "from all sources, public, private, domestic and international". Developing nations are not against private sector financing, but they want the main figure for the new finance goal to come from public sources, observers said. Some parties on both sides are calling for an acceleration of the reforms of multilateral development banks, key to leverage billions in private sector finance, as well as for the use of taxes and levies. But these issues are largely outside of the remit of the Cop, even though they may get a boost from the upcoming G20 leaders summit on 18-19 November. UN climate body chief Simon Stiell today called on G20 to ensure the availability of more grant and concessional finance, make progress on debt relief, and push for additional multilateral development bank reforms. Brazil is looking to use its G20 presidency to advance agreement on energy transition finance, having set fighting climate change as one of its priorities. The country called for a global finance governance that includes rules for financing a "just and equitable" energy transition in developing economies and for an easier access to climate funds. Brazil has also pushing for a 2pc tax on billionaires that could generate up to $250 bn/yr in revenue. By Victoria Hatherick, Jacqueline Echevarria and Caroline Varin Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2024. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Cop: Colombia’s climate plan to address fossil fuels

24/11/16

Cop: Colombia’s climate plan to address fossil fuels

Baku, 16 November (Argus) — Colombia will seek to address the "divisive issue" of "the proliferation of fossil fuels" in its next emissions reduction plan — nationally determined contribution (NDC), environment minister Susanna Muhammad told Argus, adding that it would prompt a "strong debate" in the country. Colombia's president Gustavo Petro seeks to end the country's dependence on fossil fuels, while promoting a transition to clean and renewable energy. "Of course this is a very divisive issue, especially for a country that is looking for a whole economy transition," Muhammad said on the sidelines of the UN Cop 29 climate summit in Baku. "And trying to get the whole of society and the whole of government behind that will be a strong debate." Petro ordered an end to new hydrocarbon exploration and production contracts soon after taking office in August 2022. Petroleum association ACP said that Colombia's crude output will begin declining in 2027 as reserves are insufficient to maintain output amid falling exploratory activity. Petro's ambition to phase out fossil fuels risks sacrificing key revenues for the country. But Muhammad highlighted the need to achieve an ambitious financial goal that supports a just transition in developing economies. "We cannot continue playing with the same financial rules of the game," she said. "What we are seeing at this Cop 29 is that we need solidarity and fairness in the process of financing this transition." "We said in Dubai that we would triple renewables by 2030. The question remains, who is going to triple renewables and for whom?" she said, pointing to the significant gap in renewables expansion between developed and developing economies. Countries at Cop 28 in Dubai, the UAE, last year agreed on a deal that included transitioning away from fossil fuels, tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling annual energy efficiency gains globally by 2030. Muhammad added that the country will be submitting its NDC to the UN climate body the UNFCCC by June next year because it will "go through a very strong consultation process" with different sectors of the economy. Cop parties are expected to publish their next NDCs to the Paris climate agreement — this time for 2035 — in November-February, as part of a cycle that requires countries to "ratchet up" their commitments every five years. "Our main source of emissions is deforestation, agriculture practices, especially cattle ranching," she said, adding that the government is seeking the participation of actors that are at the forefront of the climate crisis. Risky business Talking about the possibility of the US pulling out of the the Paris Agreement and Argentina's delegation exiting negotiations in Baku, she warned that by not putting the people first in the fight against climate change, leaders are risking that other "authoritarian" regimes or "climate deniers" take more power. Brazil's secretary for climate change Ana Toni said today that private companies like policy consistency and that businesses need to look at the countries that are showing climate commitment and consistency in their NDCs. "The climate crisis is irreversible, we need to focus on climate action and implementation," Toni said. By Jacqueline Echevarria Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2024. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Cop: Parties continue work on new finance goal

24/11/16

Cop: Parties continue work on new finance goal

Baku, 16 November (Argus) — Parties at the UN Cop 29 climate talks in Baku have asked for more time to work on "specific proposals" for a new finance goal, working from a draft text released yesterday , before convening for a plenary session later today, according to the summit's presidency. Country representatives are seeking to agree on a new climate finance goal for developing nations, following on from the current — broadly recognised as inadequate — $100bn/yr target. The draft text still fails to bridge the huge divide between developed and developing countries on key issues such as an amount for the goal, the contributor base and what the funds should be used for. A plenary is due to take place later today in Baku. "Over the last few days some people have doubted whether collectively we can deliver. It is time for the negotiators to start proving them wrong," Cop 29 deputy lead negotiator Samir Bejanov said. Parties continue to stick to their positions. Developed countries have still not come forward with a number for the goal, and want the contributor base broadened. Developing countries remain broadly united in calling for climate public finance of over $1 trillion/yr. Options show that developing country parties seek a new finance goal that serves mitigation — actions to reduce emissions — adaptation and loss and damage. Adaptation refers to adjustments to avoid global warming effects where possible, while loss and damage describes the unavoidable and irreversible effects of such change. Developed nations are also pushing for sub-targets of $220bn/yr for least developed countries (LDCs) and $39bn/yr for small island developing states (Sids), in which money for adaptation should come in the form of grants and highly concessional finance and funding for loss and damage "primarily in grants". The multi-layered approach in the draft, mostly supported by developed countries, does not mention loss and damage. On broadening the contributor base, it has options calling on "parties in a position to contribute" or "all capable parties" to "mobilise jointly $100bn/yr for mitigation and adaptation in developing countries by 2035. The UN climate body the UNFCCC works from a list of developed and developing countries from 1992 — delineating 24 countries plus the EU as developed — and many of these note that economic circumstances have changed in some countries, including China, over the past 32 years. China between 2013 and 2022 provided $45bn in climate finance to developing countries, equivalent to 6.1pc of climate finance provided by all developed countries in the period, according to think-tank WRI. A few options in the multi-layered approach in the draft talk about "investments", which developing countries do not support, and "investing trillions "from all sources, public, private, domestic and international". Some parties on both sides are calling for the reforms of multilateral development banks, key to leverage billions in private sector finance, to accelerate. But these issues are largely outside of the remit of the Cop, even though they may get a boost from the upcoming G20 leaders summit on 18-19 November. UN climate body chief Simon Stiell [today urged G20 leaders to make the climate crisis](https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/262963 "order of business number one". He called on G20 to ensure the availability of more grant and concessional finance, make progress on debt relief, and push for additional multi-lateral development bank reforms. Brazil is looking to use its G20 presidency to advance agreement on energy transition finance, having set fighting climate change as one of its G20 priorities. The country called for a global finance governance that includes rules for financing a "just and equitable" energy transition in developing economies and for an easier access to climate funds. Brazil has also pushing for a 2pc tax on billionaires that could generate up to $250 bn/yr in revenue. By Victoria Hatherick and Caroline Varin Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2024. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Cop: UN’s Stiell urges G20 to make climate its priority

24/11/16

Cop: UN’s Stiell urges G20 to make climate its priority

Baku, 16 November (Argus) — Leaders at next week's G20 summit should make the climate crisis "order of business number one" as negotiations on a new climate finance goal continue at the UN Cop 29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, UN climate body chief Simon Stiell said today. "Stepping it up on climate finance globally requires action both inside our Cop process and outside of it," Stiell said, and the G20's role is "mission critical". Stiell called on G20 leaders meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 18-19 November to ensure the availability of more grant and concessional finance, make progress on debt relief, and push for additional multi-lateral development bank reforms. Some delegates at Cop have noted that the outcome of the G20 meeting will be key for climate finance . G20 in India last year recognised the need to increase global climate investments to trillions of dollars from billions, from all sources, highlighting that $5.8 trillion-5.9 trillion is required before 2030 for developing countries to implement their climate plans. The communique had called on "parties" to set an ambitious goal from $100bn/yr floor, which developed countries committed to mobilise through 2025. Brazil this year is looking to use its G20 presidency to advance agreement on energy transition finance , having set fighting climate change as one of its G20 priorities. The country called for a global finance governance that includes rules for financing a "just and equitable" energy transition in developing economies and for an easier access to climate funds. Brazil has also pushing for a 2pc tax on billionaires that could generate up to $250 bn/yr in revenue. Stiell said today that there is a "long way to go" on talks to agree a new climate finance goal for developing nations in Baku. A round of informal consultations on a third draft text took place late yesterday , but the document was still far off striking a compromise between developed and developing countries on central aspects including the amount of funds to be given, which countries should contribute, and how the money should be used. By Victoria Hatherick Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2024. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Climate finance talks halt, parties fail to cut options

24/11/15

Climate finance talks halt, parties fail to cut options

An ‘ambitious and realistically achievable' agreement in Baku seems unreachable at present, write Georgia Gratton and Caroline Varin London, 15 November (Argus) — Parties at the UN Cop 29 climate summit are tonight considering a third draft for a new climate finance goal, but it is lengthy, fails to bridge long-standing divisions and still lacks a position on the amount to be provided by developed countries. Agreement on finance is key to ensuring all countries can implement energy transitions and cut emissions in line with the Paris accord. Developed countries agreed in 2009 to deliver $100bn/yr in finance in 2020-25 to developing nations, and Cop 29 is focused on the next iteration of this — the new collective quantified goal. The draft is riddled with options and brackets — not uncommon in the first week of Cop negotiations. But it still has every opinion given in the past year on offer, so parties have a long road ahead to reach agreement. "We cannot afford to leave too much ground to be covered later in the summit," Cop 29 lead negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev said this week. Developed nations have not yet settled on a sum, but are promoting a "multi-layered goal" and want to expand the contributor base. Developing countries are now pushing for sub-targets of $220bn/yr for least developed countries and $39bn/yr for small island developing states, while broadly calling for climate public finance of over $1 trillion/yr, mostly in grant and concessional finance. EU negotiator Jacob Werksman struck a pessimistic tone earlier this week, saying parties are far apart and that it is hard to see where the landing zone lies. Parties stuck to their guns at a high-level meeting. "The support goal should be both ambitious and realistically achievable," the US negotiator said — echoing Belgium's representative almost word for word. Developed countries called for more contributors, including from developing countries in a position to contribute. UN climate body the UNFCCC works from a list of developed and developing countries from 1992 — delineating 24 countries plus the EU as developed — and many of these note that their economic circumstances have changed over the past 32 years. Parties such as the UK called for increased mobilisation of private-sector finance, through multilateral development banks, whose reforms should be accelerated, while Sweden called for enhancing the mobilisation of domestic finance. But these issues are largely outside Cop's remit, although they might get more of a platform at next week's G20 discussions. Panama's representative called for trillions, Guatemala said that "finance must be more accessible", with Colombia saying that it is currently "entangled" in development agencies. Zimbabwe told fellow negotiators that it was crucial that developing countries' debt burdens were not increased. Ministerial progress Werksman is hoping for some compromise next week, when ministers join negotiations. Parties had in October reached some convergence after a series of ministerial meetings ahead of Cop 29. He pointed to a finance report released this week by a UN-mandated group that, he said, could guide policy makers. Private finance could meet around half of the funds that developing countries need — $1 trillion/yr by 2030 and $1.3 trillion/yr by 2035 — the group said. The possibility of levies — on shipping and air travel — as well as on fossil fuel producers, is likely to be floated too. Many jurisdictions, including the EU, have previously called for taxes and levies to be imposed to provide further climate finance. Colombia called for increased action on global taxation. But "that requires very careful consideration before we stunt some of our industries", Egypt's representative said. Tanzania and Marshall Islands delegates reiterated that finance for fossil fuel development should not be part of the goal. Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2024. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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