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Open Letter to the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action
This is an open letter sent by WWF to the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action ahead of their next meeting during the World Bank / International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings, taking place from 17-19 April 2024, in Washington DC.
This year provides a great opportunity to restructure the financing of climate action in order tostrengthen global resilience, as well as address increasing needs for solutions. Therefore, I'd like to offer my views on key finance issues to be addressed this year: delivering on existing commitments; at least doubling adaptation finance and financing losses and damages; no double counting with resources for biodiversity and, most importantly, the new collective quantitative goal and making finance flows consistent with 1.5 degrees.
Delivering on existing commitments: During the 16th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which took place in 2010 in Cancún, developed countries committed to jointly mobilize US$100 billion per year, starting in 2020, to address the needs of developing countries.
Delivery of this goal is an important step in building trust between parties to the Convention and will be an important stepping stone in reinforcing a global architecture of climate finance. This effort should continue until 2025 and since the goal was not delivered in at least the years 2021 and 2022 – it should also make up for any existing financial gaps.
At least doubling adaptation finance and financing losses and damages: During the 26th Conference of the Parties in 2021 in Glasgow, parties agreed to double finance for adaptation in developing countries – it should be based on 2019 adaptation finance level and be delivered by 2025. For many communities, especially those most vulnerable to climate change, adaptation is the only way to avoid the worst impacts of changing climate and not suffer the worst brunt of possible losses and damages. And avoiding losses and damages is critical to safeguard any development work done in previous years – to avoid any steps back.
While the new goal is discussed, we cannot forget about existing architecture. Last year saw the successful establishment of a new fund dedicated to loss and damage during the 28th Conference of the Parties in Dubai. However, initial replenishment pledges, which amount to less than US$700 million, are underwhelming at best. The possible losses and damages in developing countries alone might reach a level of US$400 billion per year in 2030 if we fail to tackle the required ambitious mitigation action and adaptation measures. To address this, and be an additional measure helping to safeguard any progress made as part of the Sustainable Development Goals, we need robust and ambitious pledges, while not forgetting any adaptation work required – which can lower the final needs.
No double counting with biodiversity resources: The Global Biodiversity Framework includes important financial targets, with key milestones for 2025 and 2030. Any double counting between funding commitments for climate and biodiversity must be avoided, while solutions that benefit nature and climate should be prioritized. Although synergies should be maximized, financial commitments should be met separately under both regimes.
New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG): This will be the most significant discussion of this year. The NCQG is a goal that was envisioned in the Paris Agreement, and which should replace the existing US$100 billion per year goal – starting from that floor, and starting from the year 2025.
Involvement of Ministries of Finance, and especially members of the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, will be critical in this regard. Your institutions can give a proper mandate to national negotiators and allow for an ambitious outcome, including a sufficient level of finance, especially from public sources.
As the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assessed, there is a need to increase existing climate investments sixfold to allow for a transformation up to the required scale. The new goal should start from a floor of at least US$600 billion per year, taking into account the needs and priorities of the developing countries, and from various new and additional sources. However, the various assessments show the needs of developing countries on the scale of over US$1 trillion per year, and those needs should be taken into account while setting the final amount.
Making finance flows consistent with 1.5 degrees: And last, but definitely not least, the Paris Agreement in its Article 2 paragraph 1c envisioned a goal of making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate resilient development.
Achievement of this goal is a global responsibility, but Ministries of Finance can take a lead in this regard. WWF expects you to implement the necessary policy reforms to support the transition towards net-zero, nature positive and resilient economies, and introduce regulatory frameworks that incentivize the financial sector to support and finance this transition. Active engagement in the preparation of new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and creating a clear financing and disclosure framework to make sure that private finance will support the achievement of NDCs will be essential.We need to make sure that all financial flows, both public and private, are aligned with the goal of limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5℃ above the pre-industrial levels. This goal, while heavily endangered by inadequate action to date, can still be achieved and for that we need urgent work at the WB/IMF meetings, G7 and the G20, in addition to national level work.
We hope that you will take a proactive and ambitious stance and do your part for the world to meet the challenge of climate change.
Signed,
Manuel Pulgar-Vidal
Global Lead Climate and Energy
COP20 President
Former Minister of Environment for Peru
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European Court of Human Rights decision on climate change welcomed
(GLAND, Switzerland) 9 April 2024 - Today, the European Court of Human Rights ruled in favour of a group of older women from Switzerland - the Klima Seniorinnen - who had brought the case arguing that their human rights were violated because their government had not done enough to tackle climate change. The Court agreed, ruling in their favour. This is the first time the Court has ruled on climate change.
Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, WWF Global Climate and Energy Lead, said: “Climate litigation is a new arena for people to hold their governments to account for climate action - or the lack thereof. While the outcomes have been varied, the historic decision today sends a strong signal to courts all over the world that governments cannot continue to stall climate action.”
As of December 2022, there have been more than 2,180 climate-related cases filed in 65 jurisdictions, up from 884 cases in 2017, according to the 2023 Global Climate Litigation Report.
“We can no longer consider climate change as just a political issue. It is a moral, and human rights issue too, and so WWF welcomes the decision of the ECHR,” he said.
Patrick Hofstetter, WWF Switzerland expert on climate and energy said: The ECHR’s first judgement on the subject of lacking climate action needs to be a late wakeup call not only for Switzerland. It sets a precedent that goes far beyond the Swiss border. Numerous countries are not on track to meet international targets with their climate policy and according to today’s judgement many would be violating human rights.
An important decision is also expected this year from the International Court of Justice, which is considering what the obligations of States are with respect to climate change. Public hearings on this are expected to be held later this year.
“WWF will make its own submission to the ICJ, responding to the questions posted in the request for an advisory opinion from the UN General Assembly, drawing on our expertise regarding climate change and linkages to nature and biodiversity. We intend to highlight existing states’ obligations to protect nature and biodiversity as key for climate change mitigation and adaptation. We will also outline how greenhouse gas emissions and other observable climate change effects already bring severe harm to nature and people, thereby violating existing international environmental law. And finally, we will also recall the role which nature can also play in helping to tackle climate change,” said Pulgar-Vidal.
“We hope governments take note of these court actions and decisions as they prepare for both COP16 and COP29 this year, where crucial decisions must be taken to protect nature and to tackle climate change. Our leaders must not fail us.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
Find out more about WWF’s ICJ submission here.
KlimaSeniorinen (Swiss Elders for Climate Protection).
For further information, contact:
Robin Harvey rharvey@wwfint.org
Mandy Woods mwoods@wwfint.org
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WWF to make submission to International Court of Justice which is set to provide a decision on the responsibilities of countries regarding climate change
Vanuatu, an idyllic island paradise in the Pacific, is heaven to tourists, but, increasingly, not the same to the residents as the climate crisis ravages island life and livelihoods.
The island nation is responsible for less than 1% of all global greenhouse gas emissions, but suffers from disproportionate impacts of rising emissions caused mainly by wealthy, big emitting countries.
Coastal erosion, sea-level rise, and increased intensity and frequency of extreme weather events are the most obvious impacts. But the loss of livelihoods and contamination of valuable freshwater by seawater leading to loss of crops - and food insecurity - are part of the daily battle island communities face.
So it is not surprising that Vanuatu has been at the forefront of championing ambitious climate action in global fora. But negotiations on climate change only work if everyone does their part. That’s because what happens in China, doesn’t stay in China, and what happens in the U.S. may well be felt thousands of miles away - like in Vanuatu - most harshly.
So when legal students from Vanuatu were looking for options, they decided to follow the global legal route. Vanuatu and 18 other champion nations embraced the students' campaign and led a coalition of 132 nations in March 2023 to get the UN General Assembly to adopt a historic resolution for an advisory option from ICJ.In essence, they are asking for an advisory opinion on state’s responsibilities to others as regards climate change.
An advisory opinion by the ICJ, while non-binding, could have far-reaching implications for national decisions and for future claims for loss and damage. It also brings into sharp relief the underlying fact that scientists have long warned us about: the burning of fossil fuels – coal, oil, and gas – is the main cause of greenhouse gas emissions which causes global warming. Without drastically reducing global greenhouse gas emissions – at least 43% by 2030 (compared to 2019 baseline), 60% by 2035 and be net-zero by mid-century, the world will not be able to keep global warming to 1.5℃ - we will not be able to avert the worst impacts of climate change.
WWF strongly supports, and has long advocated for, ambitious climate action by all countries. In this regard, WWF made an amicus submission to the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in the context of a similar request for an advisory opinion brought to the Court by the Commission of Small Island States in 2023. The ITLOS case is aimed at defining the climate-related obligations of states under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. In its submission to the Tribunal, WWF argued these obligations include rapidly reducing emissions while conserving and restoring the marine environment.
WWF will now also make its own submission to the ICJ, responding to the questions posted in the request for an advisory opinion, drawing on its expertise regarding climate change and linkages to nature and biodiversity. We intend to highlight existing states’ obligations to protect nature and biodiversity as key for climate change mitigation and adaptation. We will outline how greenhouse gas emissions and other observable climate change effects already bring severe harm to nature and people, thereby violating existing international environmental law. And finally, we will also recall the role which nature can also play in helping to tackle climate change.
On Friday 22nd March, countries provided submissions outlining their views of 1) what the obligations for countries under international law to ensure the protection of the climate system are, and 2) what should be the legal consequences under such obligations. Those submissions should form the basis for the judges to issue their Advisory Opinion.
The International Court of Justice is the highest legal body in the UN System. The fact that they agreed to look into climate change and shed light over States' responsibilities is already a victory for those who have long been suffering and campaigned against the harmful impacts it poses to the most vulnerable.
This is a unique chance for countries to express their views and make them count in this process. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in the fight against one of the biggest existential threats of our times. No country will be immune from the impacts of climate change, and so it is imperative they all engage in this process. We will need everyone, doing everything if we are to overcome the climate crisis, and this ICJ decision could be the fork in the road that leads us to a different future.
Notes:
Below are the two questions which the ICJ has to consider:
What are the obligations of States under international law to ensure the protection of the climate system and other parts of the environment from anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases for States and for present and future generations.
What are the legal consequences under these obligations for States where they, by their acts and omissions, have caused significant harm to the climate system and other parts of the environment, with respect to: (a) States, including, in particular, small island developing States, which due to their geographical circumstances and level of development, are injured or specially affected by or are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change? (b) Peoples and individuals of the present and future generations affected by the adverse effects of climate change?
Assuming no delays with the first submissions made by countries, they will have an opportunity on 24 June to respond to all the submissions made. The ICJ is planning on holding oral proceedings in The Hague, Netherlands in November or December this year. It is possible for a final decision to be handed down as soon as early 2025.
For furtherinformation or interviews, contact:
Robin Harvey rharvey@wwfint.org, or news@wwfint.org
Mandy Jean Woods mwoods@wwfint.org
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WWF: Nuclear path to net-zero is a ‘false narrative’
(GLAND, Switzerland) 20 March 2024 - World leaders will gather in Brussels tomorrow for a Nuclear Energy Summit aimed at identifying a role for nuclear energy in the energy transition, addressing energy security and boosting economic development. The meeting is hosted by Belgium Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, and the International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi.
It comes on the heels of a new coalition of more than 20 countries aligned on a Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy, launched at the UN climate talks in Dubai last year. A core element of the declaration is for coalition members to work together to advance a goal of tripling nuclear energy capacity globally by 2050.
However, WWF argues that the idea that nuclear energy can play a key role in reaching the net-zero emissions long-term goal of the Paris Agreement, is a false narrative.
Dean Cooper, WWF Global Lead Energy, says: “Let’s be clear – there’s no new dawn for nuclear energy. The truth is that the construction of new nuclear power generation capacity is too slow, too expensive, and too risky to make a difference. It also diverts efforts away from real solutions that are more affordable and will deliver faster. Nuclear energy cannot, and must not, be considered part of the urgently required energy transition. Rather, governments must prioritize investments towards energy efficiency and deploying renewables, such as wind and solar, to decarbonize the grid. These are proven solutions and are currently the cheapest and most sustainable forms of energy.“
Stephan Cornelius, WWF Global Deputy Climate and Energy Lead said: “New national climate plans (or Nationally Determined Contributions, NDCs) are our roadmap to swiftly slashing greenhouse gas emissions to steer the world to a 1.5°C future. At COP28, world leaders committed to triple renewable energy and double energy efficiency – this is our priority. Nuclear power is not in the answer, especially for vulnerable communities who suffer the worst impacts of climate change. Governments must prioritize affordable, sustainable solutions which do the least harm to people and nature.”
Notes for editors:
Global annual renewable capacity additions increased by almost 50% in 2023, the fastest growth rate in the past two decades. This is the 22nd year in a row that renewable capacity additions set a new record. Globally, solar PV alone accounted for three-quarters of renewable capacity additions worldwide (IEA), enabled by plummeting costs.
In 2003, nuclear power generated ~16% of global electricity. Since then, nuclear power has fallen to ~10% of global electricity, and in the absence of significant, successful new-builds, the average age of operating nuclear power plants is now ~31 years old (WWF).
Nuclear as a viable energy source has been elevated in global conversations since the energy crisis sparked by the war in Ukraine.
WWF supports the global climate goals of reducing global emissions by at least 43% by 2030, and 60% by 2035, and net-zero by 2050. The path to net-zero remains uncertain, however, as many prominent net-zero pathways feature a role for nuclear, including the doubling of nuclear power by 2050.
WWF does not support the development of new nuclear plants, as nuclear cannot be delivered at speed and at a viable cost for the rapid energy transition required to keepglobal warming to 1.5℃.
WWF supports the extension of the life-span of existing nuclear plants that fulfil the highest safety standards only if the replacement electricity will be based on fossil fuels.
For more information, contact:
Robin Harvey rharvey@wwfint.org
WWF global media team news@wwfint.org
Mandy Woods mwoods@wwfint.org
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Open letter to Ministers meeting in Copenhagen to chart the path to a successful outcome for COP29
Excellencies,
The Copenhagen Ministerial has proven to be a key milestone for successful negotiations at the Bonn sessions and COPs. In the spirit of contribution, here are a few reflections on what we see as priorities for advancing the climate agenda in 2024 and delivering on the outcomes of the Global Stocktake.
Next NDC Cycle - In the context of the UNFCCC, we have been talking about urgency and momentum for many years. After the first Global Stocktake, we are faced with a litmus test for the Paris Agreement in this critical decade.
The world can't afford another NDC cycle that does not respond to science, namely collectively reducing CO2 emissions by 43% in 2030 and 60% in 2035 compared to 2019 levels. In this sense, we welcome the launch of the Troika of Presidencies and the Roadmap to Mission 1.5 to significantly enhance international cooperation and the international enabling environment to stimulate ambition in the next round of NDCs.
The Copenhagen meeting provides an opportunity for countries to start a list of tangible activities, initiatives, and partnerships, as laid out in the GST outcomes from Dubai. This must send a strong political signal for countries to launch their domestic processes for NDC review and enhancement, leading to the highest possible ambition.
Finance: It is imperative that the world agrees on a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for public finance that responds to the needs of developing countries, especially the most vulnerable ones. This outcome can rebuild trust between countries for a strong second round of new and enhanced NDCs that will keep us on a pathway to no more than 1.5°C global warming.
A finance package from COP29 should also include scaling up contributions for the Loss and Damage Fund, and the doubling adaptation finance. It must also make finance flows consistent with low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development, as per the Paris Agreement’s article 2.1.c.
Energy Transition - The main achievement of the UAE Consensus is the first step towards the end of the fossil fuel era. But much remains to be done. It is crucial that Ministers advance discussions and exchange on how to fulfil the Global Stocktake recommendations. This should be on, among others, tripling renewable energy capacity globally and doubling the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030; and accelerating efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power.
We think it should also include accelerating efforts globally towards net-zero emission energy systems; transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems; accelerating zero- and low-emission technologies; accelerating and substantially reducing non-carbon-dioxide emissions globally and phasing-out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.
These discussions must link such recommendations to NDCs and the New Collective Quantified Goal for public finance.
Signed,
Manuel Pulgar-Vidal
WWF Global Lead Climate and Energy
COP20 President
Former Minister of Environment, Peru
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Copenhagen meno 30
