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Developed nations are facing criticism for their sluggish response in formulating new strategies to tackle the climate emergency, a situation that is exacerbating risks for the world’s most vulnerable countries, according to representatives from these nations.
Every country is expected to release updated plans this year aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions; however, only a slight majority have complied, and many of the submitted plans fall short of the necessary actions required to make a meaningful impact.
Pacific island nations have reached out to wealthier countries, urging them to expedite their efforts and implement significant carbon reductions. Additionally, there is an ongoing challenge regarding the commitment to providing $1.3 trillion annually in climate finance to poorer nations by the year 2035.
“We repeatedly express the urgent reality that our islands’ safety hinges on your collective decisions to take decisive action. What remains to be seen is how you will act upon this knowledge?” these nations implored in a correspondence reviewed by the Guardian.
At last year’s UN climate conference, COP29, representatives from small island states and least developed nations exited the discussions in exasperation.
They are advocating for tangible actions from wealthier nations ahead of COP30, which is scheduled to take place in Brazil this upcoming November.
Several Pacific nations are also pursuing legal avenues to hold affluent countries accountable for their climate commitments under international law.
Every nation has responsibilities under the Paris Agreement to reduce carbon emissions in line with the objective of limiting global temperature rises to 1.5°C (2.7°F) above preindustrial levels.
Although the United States has exited the Paris Agreement, no other nation has taken similar steps. However, current emission reduction pledges would likely lead to an increase in global temperatures of around 2.8°C, indicating a pressing need for further stringent actions.
The UN has instructed countries to submit their national plans, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs), by September, having previously extended the original deadline of February for those that did not comply. The UN suggested that nations should prioritize thoroughness over speed in their commitments, advising that they provide comprehensive details and viable policies for achieving their goals rather than hastily releasing incomplete plans.
The European Union is anticipated to submit its NDC later this summer, while China has vowed to unveil its strategy before COP30, although a specific date was not mentioned.
The island nations cautioned that time is of the essence: “It is critical to meet these commitments. We urge all leaders, particularly those of the G20, to submit ambitious, 1.5°C-aligned economy-wide NDCs addressing all greenhouse gases prior to the UN General Assembly in September. These plans must prioritize domestic reductions rather than relying on carbon offsets.”
They further asserted that countries should be ready to reassess their NDCs at COP30 should they prove inadequate.
It was also highlighted that all nations have agreed to phase out fossil fuels, and NDCs should clearly outline how governments plan to achieve this goal, as emphasized in their letter.
While affluent nations might hesitate at the financial implications of supporting poorer countries, the letter concluded, “The costs of complacency and inaction are far more substantial. The planet is already under tremendous pressure, with the potential for a feedback loop of natural disasters, ecological collapse, food system failures, and mass migrations threatening us all. Humanity, foresight, and cooperation are crucial for a secure future.”
Over 60 countries convened in London recently to discuss energy security, where Ed Miliband, the UK’s energy secretary, asserted that national security is inextricably linked to robust climate policies. The UK stands out as one of the few developed countries that have submitted its NDC to the UN thus far. Civil society organizations urge that NDCs be specific and policy-driven, rather than vague and long-term in nature.
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www.theguardian.com