CURRENT AFFAIRS: COP 30 in Brazil

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A decade after Paris: COP30 and the next chapter of global climate governance

Every climate summit [1] seems historic. Such was the case of COP29 in Baku, with the adoption of the new collective quantified goal (NCQG), a milestone in the history of international climate finance. The same can be said of COP28 in Dubai, where the first global stocktake was approved, highlighting the need to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. And of COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, which finally established the long-awaited Fund for responding to Loss and Damage.

Undoubtedly, COP30 in Brazil, to be held on the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, will also be another historic summit, given the context of multilateral tension and the expected absence of the United States.

The role of European civil society has always been essential within the framework of these climate summits. We represent all those who address, on the ground, the transition to a net-zero future that leaves no one behind. Once again, we will play a vital role in safeguarding climate aims in an increasingly hostile atmosphere.

COP30 will witness the presentation of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2035. This comes in the same year that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion on the climate obligations of states, stating that countries need to ensure that the NDCs represent their highest possible aims. A clear message that should serve as a wake‑up call for the European Union, which is still unable to agree on an ambitious NDC, jeopardising its historic leadership role in the negotiations.

Climate finance, just transition and climate adaptation will be other key topics. COP30 will adopt the Baku to Belém Roadmap, which must outline how to mobilise the USD 1.3 trillion agreed under the NCQG, an effort that will inevitably have to involve private actors alongside governments. Moreover, this will be the year when parties have to provide greater clarity on just transitions, assessing how affected communities can deal with the socioeconomic impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. The adoption of indicators to measure progress towards the global goal on adaptation will also be important.

Ten years on from the historic moment in Paris, it is time now to move into the implementation phase and to adopt tangible measures to translate the mitigation and adaptation goals into practice. The ICJ has confirmed that these goals are legally binding. Once again, European civil society will fulfil its mission of reminding the world that we no longer have time to turn our backs on the high targets demanded by science.

Stoyan TCHOUKANOV (Bulgaria)

President, NAT section, EESC

President, Beef Breeders Association of Bulgaria (BBAB)

© EU/EESC