UN COP30 Drafts Belem Political Package as Climate Talks Progress

The UN COP30 Climate Summit has entered a critical phase as negotiators in Belem, Brazil released the draft of the Belem Political Package on November 18, 2023. This document is poised to outline the international community’s next steps in addressing climate change. The summit, which runs from November 10 to 21, has gathered representatives from over 190 countries to deliberate on pressing climate issues.

Key Developments from the Negotiations

Andre Correa do Lago, the President of COP30, emphasized the need for collaboration among nations in his address to delegates. He urged countries to adopt the Belem Political Package promptly and with fairness, highlighting the necessity of a united front to tackle climate challenges effectively. The expectation is that the draft texts will be formally adopted following thorough discussions.

During this summit, the COP30 Presidency has published eleven draft documents addressing various topics, though six key issues remain unresolved. Among the subjects covered are climate-related trade restrictions, a synthesis report on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the global stocktake process. These drafts aim to refine the commitments made under the Paris Agreement and enhance climate action efforts.

The draft titled “Global Mutirao: uniting humanity in a global mobilization against climate change” stresses that climate change represents a collective concern for humanity. It calls upon participating nations to respect human rights obligations while implementing climate measures. The document commends the 123 countries that have submitted new NDCs and urges those yet to do so, including India, to provide updates promptly. Indian Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that the country’s revised NDC will be published by December 2023.

Financial Commitments and Climate Goals

The Belem Political Package also addresses the urgent need for increased financing for climate action in developing countries. It calls for annual investments to reach at least USD 1.3 trillion by 2035, drawing attention to the unmet USD 100 billion climate finance target. Currently, developing nations receive about USD 60 billion on average every two years, highlighting the gap that must be bridged to support climate initiatives effectively.

The “Baku to Belem Roadmap”, released earlier in November, outlines a collaborative approach to mobilizing these funds. It builds upon agreements from last year’s COP29 in Baku, emphasizing the roles of governments, banks, and businesses in financing global climate actions. This roadmap aims to assist developing countries in adapting to climate change impacts and transitioning to sustainable economies.

Moreover, the draft documents underscore the importance of predictability and clarity in financial support for implementing the Paris Agreement. Flexibility is acknowledged as necessary to adapt to evolving needs, ensuring that support is responsive to the challenges faced by nations.

The Green Climate Fund has made significant progress, with its Board approving USD 19.3 billion for 336 projects across 134 developing countries focused on mitigation and adaptation efforts. These projects are crucial as the world strives to limit global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius, with an ambitious goal of capping it at 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

As the summit progresses, the urgency of addressing climate change remains paramount. With global temperatures already rising by 1.3 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era, largely due to fossil fuel combustion, the stakes could not be higher. According to the recent UN Emissions Gap report, current policies could lead to a troubling 2.8 degrees Celsius increase by 2100 if decisive action is not taken.

The outcomes of the Belem Climate Summit will significantly influence international climate policies and commitments, shaping the global response to one of the most pressing challenges of our time.