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Regional Forums to Influence Upcoming Climate Commitments

As climate change accelerates, record temperatures and unprecedented impacts prompt the UN to heighten climate pledges.

As climate change accelerates, bringing record temperatures and unprecedented impacts worldwide, the United Nations and its partners respond with heightened ambition. A series of regional meetings to enhance the next round of climate pledges under the Paris Agreement have been announced.

Setting the Stage for NDCs 3.0

In 2025, countries are set to submit new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), dubbed NDCs 3.0. These contributions will outline ambitious, economy-wide emission reduction targets for 2035, in alignment with limiting global warming to 1.5°C and bolstering resilience against climate impacts.

Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), stated, “To provide climate justice for all and preserve a livable planet, greenhouse gas emissions must fall dramatically, and efforts to adapt to climate impacts must be stepped up. NDCs 3.0 must match the moment we face and be far more ambitious.”

Organizing the Regional Fora

To support countries in formulating these critical pledges, UNEP, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the NDC Partnership, in collaboration with the UNFCCC Secretariat (UN Climate Change), are organizing NDCs 3.0 Regional Fora.

Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Submitting new Nationally Determined Contributions is not just a reporting requirement but a vital commitment to safeguarding our planet’s future for generations to come.”

Forum Schedule and Participation

The NDCs 3.0 Regional Fora are organized in partnership with the UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the United Nations REDD programme, the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), and regional entities like the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and the United Nations Economic, Social Commission for West Asia (ESCWA) and the Asian Development Bank.

The NDCs 3.0 Regional Fora will convene in 2024 across various regions:

    • Pacific: 12-16 August, hosted by the government of Samoa in Apia
    • Latin America and the Caribbean: 27-29 August, hosted by the government of Colombia in Bogota
    • Eastern Europe and Central Asia: 3-5 September, hosted by the government of Türkiye in Istanbul
    • Middle East and North Africa: 23-25 September, hosted by the government of Tunisia in Tunis
    • Asia: 30 September-2 October, hosted by the government of Thailand in Bangkok
    • Africa: 7-9 October, hosted by the government of Rwanda in Kigali

These closed-door events will focus on government officials responsible for NDC revisions, and representatives from youth and marginalized groups will be invited to ensure inclusivity.

Tackling the Emissions and Adaptation Gaps

UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report 2023 reveals that current NDCs place the world on a 2.5-2.9°C temperature rise trajectory. Achieving the 1.5°C target necessitates a 42% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Concurrently, UNEP’s Adaptation Gap Report 2023 highlights a finance gap of $194-366 billion per year for adaptation efforts, stressing the need for urgent, country-driven actions backed by appropriate finance.

Drawing on insights from COP28 and the Global Stocktake, the Fora will address mitigation options, adaptation solutions, and the inclusion of super pollutants like methane and black carbon in the NDCs. Participants will engage in peer learning, explore innovative financing models, and develop policy roadmaps to facilitate implementation.

Integrating Climate and Biodiversity Agendas

Climate change is a significant driver of nature and biodiversity loss, and these crises require integrated solutions. The Fora will encourage countries to consider the co-benefits of climate action and align climate targets with international commitments on nature, pollution, and sustainable development.

Voices from Key Stakeholders

Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator, underscored the urgency: “2024 and 2025 represent our best chance as an international community to ensure that the global temperature rise is limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The United Nations is mobilizing our entire system and partners to help developing countries achieve this bold objective via UNDP’s Climate Promise initiative.”

Pablo Vieira, Global Director of the NDC Partnership, remarked, “The Regional NDC 3.0 Forums come at a critical time following the first Global Stocktake. Increased ambition, embedded across whole-of-government and inclusive of whole-of-society, will drive accelerated implementation of plans, policies, and strategies, and help unlock finance at scale.”

H.E. María Susana Muhamad González, Colombia’s Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, reflected on the broader impacts: “These events represent an invaluable opportunity to advance our efforts towards increasing ambition in climate action and the effective implementation of the NDCs, all under the overarching theme of ‘Peace with Nature.’”

Original Story at www.environmentenergyleader.com

Trending News

Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024