The decision text on the second periodic review of the long-term global goal is being negotiated, and ECO was lucky to have a sneak preview of the first draft. It is good to see text reiterating the latest IPCC findings, including the need to halve global emissions by 2030 in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Surely, no negotiator will oppose what their scientist colleagues have already agreed?
We are also happy to see that the draft decision recognises that limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C is the only correct interpretation of the long-term global goal agreed in Paris, and that it urges all countries to support this. As evidenced by the devastating impacts that we have witnessed in recent years, even the current temperature rise of 1.1°C cannot be considered safe – 1.5°C is really the maximum the world can afford.
ECO recommends Parties include two further points in the decision:
(1) Equity is key to achieving the long-term global goal. This was a clear message from the Structured Expert Dialogue and needs to be recognised. However, it cannot be used to stall progress. Those countries with commitments under the Kyoto Protocol have largely overachieved their 2013-2020 commitments. While it is clear that developed countries need to do much more, substantially increased action by all Parties will be necessary to halve emissions by 2030.
(2) All pathways to achieve 1.5 include a substantial transformation away from fossil fuel use. The IPCC and IEA clearly stated this in the Structured Expert Dialogue, and it is high time to acknowledge this in the conclusions of the review too.
ECO looks forward to constructive discussions by the Parties to ensure we avoid the most dangerous levels of climate change and reduce future loss and damage.