Report on Calls for Reform in International Climate Governance

Introduction

A broad coalition of stakeholders, including Pacific Island students and executives from global organizations such as Greenpeace, have expressed growing dissatisfaction with the slow and uneven progress in international climate change negotiations. This report highlights the recent joint statement released by over 200 civil society and Indigenous peoples’ groups, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process, particularly in the context of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Context of the Climate Talks

1. In preparation for the 30th annual Conference of the Parties (COP30), countries convened in Germany to discuss climate action strategies.
2. The talks marked the first session without an official U.S. delegation, underscoring geopolitical challenges.
3. The joint statement reflects years of frustration with the COP format’s inability to adequately address climate justice and inclusivity, which are critical to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Key Concerns and Emphasis on SDGs

• Climate Justice and Inclusivity: The current consensus-based decision-making process allows major polluters to dilute outcomes, hindering progress towards SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
• Finance and Support for Developing Countries: Despite the 2009 pledge to mobilize $100 billion annually by 2020 to assist developing nations, funding has been insufficient. Developing countries requested $1.3 trillion per year by 2035 to support clean energy transitions and climate adaptation, essential for SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 1 (No Poverty).
• Corporate Influence: The dominance of fossil fuel companies in COP sponsorships threatens the integrity of climate negotiations, impacting SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
• Human Rights Protection: Restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful protest during COP events undermine SDG 16, highlighting the need for host countries to uphold international human rights standards.

Proposed Reforms to Enhance SDG Implementation

1. Adopt Majority-Based Decision-Making: Transition from consensus to majority voting to prevent obstruction by a few polluters, promoting effective governance aligned with SDG 16.
2. Eliminate Corporate Capture: Establish strong accountability frameworks to exclude vested corporate interests, supporting SDG 12 and SDG 13.
3. Increase Accountability and Transparency: Introduce enforceable compliance mechanisms and open negotiations to public scrutiny, reinforcing SDG 16 and SDG 17.
4. Protect Human Rights: Ensure COP hosts respect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, vital for SDG 16.
5. Host COPs in Countries Demonstrating Climate Progress: Prioritize leadership by nations showing tangible climate action to inspire global commitment, advancing SDG 13.

Challenges and Outlook

• Previous calls for reform over the past three decades have seen limited success due to the requirement for unanimous agreement among UNFCCC member states.
• The coalition’s unified demands represent a comprehensive approach to reform, integrating multiple elements to strengthen global climate governance.
• Upcoming COP30 in Brazil presents an opportunity to incorporate these reforms, with hopes for consultation with civil society and implementation of conflict of interest policies.
• Urgency is underscored by escalating climate impacts such as extreme heat, hurricanes, wildfires, and droughts, which threaten the achievement of multiple SDGs, especially SDG 13.

Additional Climate-Related Developments

• New York’s Nuclear Power Initiative: The state plans to develop a new nuclear power plant, contributing to SDG 7 by increasing clean energy capacity.
• Global Support for Carbon Tax: Surveys indicate majority support for carbon taxation across various countries, aiding efforts to reduce emissions and meet SDG 13 targets.
• Flooding in South Africa: Devastating floods linked to climate change have resulted in significant loss of life and economic damage, highlighting the need for adaptation measures aligned with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13.
• Environmental Lawsuit in Florida: Legal action to halt construction of a migrant detention center in a national preserve emphasizes the intersection of environmental protection and human rights, relevant to SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 16.

Conclusion

The coalition’s call for reform in the UNFCCC process aims to realign global climate governance with the principles of international law, justice, and effective action. Achieving these reforms is critical to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 on climate action, and ensuring a just and sustainable future for all.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Central theme of the article is climate change negotiations, finance, and justice.
   • Calls for reforms in the UNFCCC process to better address climate justice and accelerate climate action.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Focus on governance reforms including majority-based decision-making and accountability.
   • Protection of human rights, freedom of expression, and peaceful protest during COP events.
3. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Discussion of financing clean energy transitions in developing countries.
   • Reference to nuclear power plant development in New York as part of energy policy.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Emphasis on financial support to developing countries to adapt to climate impacts.
   • Addressing disparities in climate finance commitments and delivery.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Impact of climate-induced disasters such as floods in South Africa affecting communities.
6. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Environmental concerns related to construction projects (e.g., migrant detention center in a national preserve).

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Target 13.a: Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the UNFCCC to mobilize $100 billion annually by 2020 to address the needs of developing countries.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms.
3. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.a: Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.b: Encourage official development assistance and financial flows to states where the need is greatest.
5. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.b: Increase the number of cities adopting and implementing integrated policies for disaster risk reduction.
6. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Climate Finance Indicators
   • Amount of climate finance mobilized annually by developed countries to developing countries (e.g., $100 billion target, $1.3 trillion aspirational goal).
   • Progress in meeting financial pledges and disbursements.
2. Climate Negotiation and Governance Indicators
   • Effectiveness of decision-making processes (consensus vs. majority-based decision-making).
   • Level of inclusivity and transparency in COP negotiations.
   • Number of corporate partnerships with fossil fuel ties and their influence on COP outcomes.
3. Human Rights and Freedom Indicators
   • Incidents of repression or restrictions on activists, journalists, and civil society during climate conferences.
   • Compliance with international human rights standards by COP host countries.
4. Climate Impact Indicators
   • Frequency and severity of climate-related disasters (e.g., floods, heatwaves, hurricanes).
   • Economic damages caused by climate events (e.g., $288 million damages in South Africa floods).
5. Public Support Indicators
   • Level of public support for climate policies such as carbon taxes across countries.

4. SDGs, Targets and Indicators Table

Source: insideclimatenews.org