A Vision for a Robust Global Stocktake

Abstract

This issue brief reviews ways to make the GST most effective within the confines of the structure already negotiated. It builds on publications under the Independent Global Stocktake (iGST)—a collaborative effort by climate modelers, analysts, campaigners, and advocates that aims to support the GST process. It was prepared on the basis of a multiyear research effort by multiple organizations under the iGST’s “Designing a Robust Stocktake” discussion series, which analyzes the GST from a variety of angles, such as mitigation, adaptation, finance, and equity. The publications in this series were produced through targeted interviews, webinars, written feedback, and direct inputs.

Toward More Effective Implementation of the Paris Agreement: Learning from 30 years of experience

“…The CMA could then come up with concrete recommendations to increase ambition on miti- For example, COP25 launched a process to consider the relationship between climate and oceans. While linking sectoral discussions to catalytic political outcomes is likely to be challenging, this is an effort worth striving for, given the importance for advancing implementation (Hermwille 2018;Dagnet et al 2020). Such discussions could take place using modalities of the GST or other established processes under the UN climate regime, for example, structured expert dialogues, technical examinations, or ministerial dialogues (Obergassel et al 2020;Jeffrey et al 2021).…”

“…Concrete solution-oriented and sectoral-focused outcomes from the GST could be useful not only in guiding national ministries in the development of successive NDCs, but also in shaping the vision and work programs of the UN climate regime's implementation architecture. Where the UN climate regime may not be best placed to advance action and implementation in a specific sector, other international fora, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization on agriculture and land use or the International Renewable Energy Agency or International Energy Agency on energy, become part of the implementation architecture and could provide more space for deeper assessment of where we are, where we need to be, and how to get there (Dagnet et al 2020). In considering collective progress, the GST can identify or strengthen the level of coordination and synergies across a broader implementation architecture to successfully leverage other fora.…”

“…The GST is a novel mechanism under the UNFCCC, and the current guidelines may not be enough to make it function perfectly from the very beginning. This is why, similar to the evolution of MRV and transparency, Parties should ensure, through relevant and regular CMA guidance, that the GST evolves and grows stronger over time: by seizing opportunities that emerge from the societal, economic and technological changes, building on the lessons learned, incorporating new information and best practices and reflecting collective learning (Northrop et al 2018;Dagnet et al 2020). While the GST covers practically all aspects of the implementation of the Agreement, especially around thematic areas such as mitigation, adaptation, financial flows, and means of implementation and support, in the light of equity and the best available science, questions remain about how to effectively address some aspects, such as the cross-cutting elements of loss and damage and response measures.…”

“…16 For a more detailed explanation of equity-related recommendations for the GST, please see Dagnet et al (2020).…”