Since before COP21, there has been growing engagement between the UNFCCC process and the wider world of “climate action.” Under this broad heading, cities, businesses, states and regions, investors, and civil society groups take a variety of measures to mitigate or adapt to climate change. Such action occurs both individually and in collaboration with other sub- or non-state actors, national governments, and international organizations.
After COP21, a “space” for this broader realm of climate action has been institutionalized in the UNFCCC process in the form of the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action.1 Today, this programme broadly includes the work of the High-level Champions, the NAZCA portal, the Yearbook of Climate Action, Climate Action events at COPs, and the Regional Climate Weeks.
However, the Marrakech Partnership will terminate at the end of 2020. The question thus arises, what role should climate action play in the UNFCCC process after 2020?
This discussion paper seeks to help Parties and other stakeholders explore this critical question. It explores the changing context for climate action as the UNFCCC process shifts to implementing the goals of the Paris Agreement. It reviews the unique role of the UNFCCC climate action institutions in the broader ‘ecosystem’ of global climate action. And it highlights potential options going forward.
Read more here.
