The November meeting in Glasgow must, in the words of a recent report from developing countries that constitute over half the nations of the world, ‘be a summit of delivery [because] morally and practically, there can be no successful outcome at COP26 that does not deliver for the most vulnerable across the full range of issues. This is the last chance for rich countries to deliver the promised ‘solidarity package’. If this plan fails, COP26 fails’
The report identifies five areas in which all governments, ‘especially those of nations that became prosperous through the untrammeled burning of fossil fuels’ , need to deliver:
Emissions: Cut emissions to levels consistent with keeping warming under 1.5oC, led by nations with the biggest responsibility and capacity. Halve global CO2 emissions by 2030.
Adaptation: Accelerate financial support to vulnerable countries to adapt to climate impacts. Ensure adaptation receives at least 50% of financial aid.
Loss and damage: Provide financial support to help developing nations deal with the loss and damage caused by the impacts of climate change – which have resulted from the developed world’s historical failure to cut their emissions.
Finance: Deliver the promised but so far unforthcoming US$100bn per year climate financial pledge made by developed nations at the Copenhagen and Paris COPs.
Implementation: Finalise the rulebook for implementing the Paris Agreement regarding transparency, carbon trading and common five-year timeframes for accelerating action. Done in a way that safeguards development and nature.
All actions to be underpinned by solidarity, fairness and prosperity.
The report includes a message for Australia: ‘Fair shares accounting shows that in order to take adequate responsibility for creating the climate crisis, Australia should reduce its emissions by at least 65-80% below 2005 levels by 2030 and provide at least $2.5bn (AUS$3.2bn) annually.’
