Global Stocktake Report-Explained Pointwise

Recently,the First Global Stocktake report was released by the United Nations Climate Secretariat. According to the report while headway in reduction of global warming has been made, countries are nowhere close to achieving targets that would keep global warming under agreed levels as per Paris Climate Change.

The first report this year is expected to significantly influence discussions in November when country representatives converge in Dubai for the 28th edition of the UN climate Conference of Parties (COP) in November.

What is Global Stocktake Report ?

The Global Stocktake Report is mentioned under Art 14(1) of the Paris Agreement. This report is designed to ‘take stock’ of the implementation of the Paris Agreement and assess collective progress towards achieving the Agreement’s goal.

What are the key findings of Global Stocktake Report?

Positive Findings

Impact of Paris Agreement-The Paris Agreement has encouraged widespread Climate Action Worldwide.194 Parties (193 States plus the European Union) have joined this legally binding Paris Agreement and  have submitted their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Improvement in the Projected Global Temperature Rise- Global temperature rise is now expected to be between 2.4-2.6°C which is a significant improvement from the earlier projection of 3.7-4.8°C in 2010.

Negative Findings

NDCs of the countries insufficient to achieve Paris Goals-Current NDCs pledges by countries even if fully implemented would only cut 2-3 billion tonnes of CO2. 23 billion tonnes of CO2 are required to be cut to keep emissions in line with Paris agreements which leaves an emissions gap of around 20 billion tonnes.

Targeted reduction of Greenhouse gas emmissions- To meet the Paris Agreement Targets global greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced by 43% by 2030 and further by 60% in 2035 and reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050 globally. However the present emissions are far higher than the required levels.

Deficits in Climate Action-There are shortfalls in various aspects of climate action which includes mitigation,adaptation and finance.

Recommendations of the Report

Eliminate all ‘unabated fossil fuel’-All ‘unabated fossil fuels’need to be rapidly eliminated. For example coal plants without carbon capture and storage mechanisms need to be shut down.

Enhance ‘Carbon Sinks’-Deforestation and land degradation have to be halted and reversed and agricultural practices critical to reducing emissions and conserving and enhancing carbon sinks have to be encouraged.

Enhance access to Climate Finance-Enhance access to climate finance in developing countries to support adaptation and address ‘loss and damage‘.

What are India’s NDC targets and Indian Climate Change Initiatives which becomes important in context of Global Stocktake Report?

India’s NDC targets-

In 2021, the Prime Minister of India had announced a new 5-point set of India’s NDC at COP-26 called Panchamrit. India enhanced its own NDC targets committed at Paris Agreement.

Status of India’s NDC Targets- 

India’s Initiatives to Achieve its NDCs-

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)- The Action Plan identifies eight core “national missions” running through to 2017: Solar Energy; Enhanced Energy Efficiency; Sustainable Habitat; Water; Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem; Green India; Sustainable Agriculture; and Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change.

Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Norms- Emissions from vehicles are one of the top contributors to air pollution, which led the government at the time to introduce the BS 2000 (Bharat Stage 1) vehicle emission norms from April 2000, followed by BS-II in 2005. BS-III was implemented nationwide in 2010. However, in 2016, the government decided to meet the global best practices and leapfrog to BS-VI norms by skipping BS V altogether.

India’s Support to EVs-India is among a handful of countries that support the global EV30@30 campaign which aims for at least 30% new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030.

Reforms in Transport Sector-India is accelerating its e-mobility transition with the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles Scheme.A voluntary vehicle scrapping policy to phase out old and unfit vehicles complements the existing schemes.

International Solar Alliance: ISA was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris on 30 November 2015 by India and France.ISA has led to increase use of solar energy.

Hydrogen Energy Mission-Govt of India has launched Green hydrogen energy mission to increase the share of renewable energy.

Perform,Achieve and Trade(PAT) Scheme-It is a market-based mechanism to further accelerate as well as incentivize energy efficiency in the large energy-intensive industries.

What are the challenges in ensuring climate justice as per the Global Stocktake report?

Gradual Dilution of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR): Article 3 of the UNFCCC recognizes the principle of CBDR based on differences between developed and developing countries in terms of their current circumstances and historical contributions. However, developed countries have not fulfilled their obligations of higher emission reductions. They have been pushing the developing countries to pledge for higher emmissions reduction.

Avoidance of Binding Targets: The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement are voluntary in nature. They are not binding and legally enforceable. Kyoto Protocol had binding targets for developed countries but it has been non-functional. Developed countries by avoiding binding targets have reneged on their responsibility owing to historical contributions.

Shortfall in Climate Finance: Despite their pledge, the developed countries have failed to provide US$ 100 billion per year for Climate Finance. Global Stocktake report estimates that US$ 1.6–3.8 trillion is required annually to avoid warming exceeding 1.5°C.

What Should be the way forward according to Global Stocktake report?

Predictable and assured Climate Finance-There can be binding targets on developed countries to provide funding to vulnerable countries, commensurate to their historical contributions.

Augmentation of technology transfer- Augmented technology transfer to the developing nations and to accelerate their transition to low-carbon economies.

The first report of Global Stocktake is expected to significantly influence discussions in November when country representatives converge in Dubai for the 28th edition of the UN climate Conference of Parties (COP) in November. Positive responses from countries to improve upon the challenges highlighted by the report can only save our planet.

Read More- Global Stocktake Report Reuters  

Global Stocktake Report The Hindu