Global Climate Action Agenda at COP22: Mobilizing the World for a Sustainable Future
Introduction
The Global Climate Action Agenda (GCAA) at COP22 marks a significant step in the collective response to combat climate change. Recognizing that governments alone cannot solve global warming, the GCAA aims to mobilize Non-Party stakeholders and link their initiatives with Party stakeholder emissions reductions plans. As the Marrakech Climate Change Conference, COP22 integrates the GCAA with the traditional COP negotiations track, it presents a unique opportunity to showcase sector-specific initiatives and foster dialogue between Non-State and State stakeholders. This article explores the key aspects and implications of the Global Climate Action Agenda at COP22, highlighting the role of Global Climate Champions, the thematic days, and the link to the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Global Climate Action Agenda at COP22: A Collective Response
The Global Climate Action Agenda (GCAA) at COP22 represents a recognition that climate change is a global issue that affects everyone. Governments alone cannot tackle this challenge, and a collective response is required to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius. The GCAA establishes a mechanism of Global Climate Champions, who act as catalysts to mobilize Non-Party stakeholders, including businesses, NGOs, associations, cities, and regions. These stakeholders play a vital role in accelerating climate initiatives and aligning them with Party stakeholder emissions reductions plans known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The GCAA spans the period 2016-2020 and beyond, ensuring sustained efforts towards a sustainable future.
Mobilizing Non-State Actors: The Role of Global Climate Champions
Laurence Tubiana, COP21 Ambassador and France’s Climate Champion, along with Hakima El Haite, COP22 Special Envoy and Morocco’s Climate Champion, have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Global Climate Champions initiative. Over the past year, they have collaborated to consult Non-State actors worldwide, mobilizing climate action on a global scale. Their efforts include assessing initiatives recorded and tracked through the Non-State Actor Zone for Climate Action (NAZCA) Portal and developing a comprehensive Global Climate Action Roadmap. This roadmap, along with recommendations on the institutionalization of the Global Climate Champions platform, will be presented during the High-Level Event on Accelerating Climate Action on November 17 at COP22 in Marrakech.
Thematic Days: Showcasing Sector-Specific Initiatives
As part of the Global Climate Action Agenda at COP22, a series of thematic days will be organized to highlight sector-specific initiatives. These thematic days focus on agriculture, cities, energy, forests, business, oceans, transport, and water. Each day will provide a platform for stakeholders from respective sectors to showcase their efforts in addressing climate change. Through dialogue and collaboration, these initiatives will be linked to the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals, NDCs, and the Paris Agreement. This integrated approach ensures that climate action aligns with broader sustainable development objectives.
Linking Climate Action: Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals
The Global Climate Action Agenda at COP22 plays a crucial role in linking climate action with key international frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement and the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Paris Agreement, which enters into force on November 4, recognizes the need for collective action to combat climate change. The Global Climate Action Agenda ensures that the initiatives and efforts of Non-Party stakeholders are integrated into the national emissions reductions plans outlined in the NDCs. By aligning climate action with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the GCAA reinforces the interconnectedness between climate change, poverty eradication, and sustainable development.
