Annual: UN Climate Change
Annual: UN Climate Change
Annual: UN Climate Change
ANNUAL
REPORT
2017
A note on terminology
In this publication, “United Nations Climate Change”
and “UN Climate Change” refer collectively to
the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC or Convention), the Kyoto
Protocol and the Paris Agreement, and their bodies,
institutional arrangements and organs, including the
secretariat.
ISBN 978-92-9219-175-7
Cover photo
The artificial islands of Lau Lagoon, Solomon Islands.
Lynton Aaron Filia, one of the winners of the COP 23
Pacific photo contest.
Contents
Who we are . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Aerial view of the
UN campus in Bonn. Finances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
UN Climate Change.
Foreword
by António Guterres, United
Nations Secretary-General
UN Photo/Mark Garten.
Climate change is the defining target. The unity forged in Paris of progress is dead. Investing in
challenge of our time, yet it is still was laudable – and overdue. But, climate action makes sense for the
accelerating faster than our efforts for all its significance, Paris was a global environment, improved public
to address it. Atmospheric levels of beginning, not an end. The world health, new markets, new jobs and
carbon dioxide are higher than they is currently not on track to achieve new opportunities for sustainable
have been for 800,000 years, and the Paris targets. We need urgent prosperity. Failing to act will simply
they are increasing. So, too, are the climate action and greatly increased consign all of humanity to ever-
catastrophic effects of our warming ambition – in emissions reductions worsening climate calamity.
planet – extreme storms, droughts, and in promoting adaptation to
fires, floods, melting ice and rising current and future impacts of climate That is why I urge Parties to
sea levels. change. vigorously implement the Paris
Agreement and to increase their
In 2015, the world’s nations Success demands broad-based ambition commensurate with the
recognized the urgency and concerted action from all levels of demands of science. The United
magnitude of the challenge when society, public and private, action Nations – led by UN Climate Change
they adopted the historic Paris coalitions across all sectors and the – will provide support every step of
Agreement on climate change with engagement of all key actors. There the way. There is no alternative to
a goal of limiting global average is no time, nor reason, to delay. decisive, immediate climate action if
temperature rise to well below 2 The dogma that pollution and high we are to safeguard the future of this
°C while aiming for a safe 1.5 °C emissions are the unavoidable cost and future generations.
4
Highlights of 2017
by Patricia Espinosa, UN Climate
Change Executive Secretary
UN Climate Change.
Our planet is warming. An astonishing governments at all levels, civil society, COP 23, presided over by Fiji,
17 of the 18 warmest years on record the private sector and individuals are demonstrated that there is an
have occurred in the twenty-first acting to limit global temperature rise unstoppable climate movement
century. The past three years were the to agreed levels and to help vulnerable supported by all sectors of
hottest since records began. communities adapt to the effects of society across the globe. Almost
climate change we cannot avoid. 30,000 people took part: Heads of
With this warming comes climate State, ministers, delegates from
change, causing extreme storms, UN Climate Change’s mandate is to lead Parties, private sector and civil
droughts and floods. We witnessed and support the global community in society leaders, representatives of
these climate disasters many times this international response, with the international organizations, youth
in 2017 and were shocked. Yet, these Paris Agreement and the Convention groups and indigenous peoples, and
are only the most dramatic and visible being the long-term vehicles for many more. During the conference,
impacts. Other upheavals range from united global climate action. financial commitments amounting
reduced crop productivity to forced to almost USD 1 billion to tackle
migration. Climate change is the For UN Climate Change, much of climate change were made.
single biggest threat to life, security 2017 was about the hard work of
and prosperity on Earth. ironing out the details of the new Building on the negotiations over the
climate regime. This is a laborious years, we saw key decisions made by
Faced with the challenges of process. Without it, however, the Paris governments, many of which broke
climate change, the United Nations, Agreement will have no impact. new ground. The Talanoa Dialogue,
5
which will inform and inspire Parties UN Climate Change continued to
as they review their commitments deliver on its core tasks: supporting
and revise them upwards. The first- negotiations, including laying the “UN Environment and UN
ever Gender Action Plan, which will groundwork for the Paris Agreement
Climate Change have a proud
increase the participation of women work programme, monitoring and
in climate change responses. The analysing commitments to build
history of working together
first-ever agreement on agriculture transparency and trust, increase the to protect human health
and climate, which will address both capacity of developing countries to and the environment – on
vulnerabilities and emissions in this adapt to climate change and providing everything from advancing
key sector. The first-ever platform science to help Parties shape their carbon neutrality to providing
for indigenous peoples and local actions on climate change. the cutting-edge science
communities, who can now share
that underpins climate
their valuable perspectives on climate There is much to do in 2018. We
change. need to support Parties to increase
negotiations and drives action.
pre-2020 action. Those Parties that We have made an impact,
These decisions to bring in new have not yet done so should ratify but the moment has come
voices, partners and action areas are the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto to take ambition to the next
vital if we are to succeed in meeting Protocol. Parties should use the level. Working with many
the challenges of climate change. This Talanoa Dialogue as an opportunity other partners, we can help
is why UN Climate Change in 2017 to engage with one another and
lower emissions, spark game-
focused increasingly on cooperation increase ambition under the Paris
and coherent action on climate, Agreement. In 2018, it is critical that
changing investments and
sustainable development and disaster the outcomes of the Paris Agreement bring hope to vulnerable
risk reduction, both within the United work programme are adopted at communities. Together, we
Nations system and with external COP 24 in Katowice to ensure we are can deliver a safer climate for
partners. ready for the implementation of the all the peoples of the world.”
Agreement.
Erik Solheim, Executive Director
We also saw advances in climate of UN Environment
finance. The Adaptation Fund broke At the same time, we must further
its single-year resource mobilization align planning and action on climate
record, raising USD 95.5 million. change with the United Nations
6
Village life in Nepal.
Paul Desanker.
7
UN Climate Change:
further, faster, together
Since the adoption of the United Kyoto Protocol, the actions emanating Greenhouse gas emissions for
Nations Framework Convention from the implementation of the Kyoto countries with binding targets under
on Climate Change in 1992, the Protocol have kept emissions lower the first phase of the Kyoto Protocol
international community has than they otherwise would have been
entrusted its secretariat with a (see graphic).
growing responsibility to strengthen
the global response to climate change The Paris Agreement is the latest and
Total base
emissions
22.6%
and close the gap between ambition most ambitious undertaking by the in 1990 Actual drop
and achievement. international community to prevent in emissions
dangerous human-induced climate by 2012
In 1997, Parties to the Convention change. In Paris in December 2015,
adopted the Kyoto Protocol, which countries pledged to limit the rise of
created binding emission reduction global average temperature to well CO2
targets for developed countries. During below 2 °C and as close as possible
its first commitment period, 2008–
2012, 36 industrialized countries and
to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels.
They also agreed the crucial ways to 5%
the European Union pledged to reduce achieve that goal, through nationally Reduction
their emissions by an average of just determined contributions and commitment
by 2012
over five per cent compared with 1990 an unprecedented level of global
levels. Despite the challenges of the cooperative action across all sectors.
8
Sea level rise due
to global warming
will affect the
coastal communities
worldwide. Planting
mangroves along the
shoreline for the Island
nations is considered
a soft measure against “Unless the world acts
extreme climatic events,
for example, storm decisively to begin addressing
surges during intense
tropical cyclones.
the greatest challenge of our
Mavis Yuen, one of the
winners of the COP 23
age, then the Pacific, as we
Pacific photo contest. know it, is doomed.”
Frank Bainimarama,
COP 23 President and Prime Minister of Fiji
UN Climate Change:
9
Milan, Italy.
Chris Barbalis.
10
Paris to Katowice
11
Aerial Photo,
Tuvalu. Savenaca
Viriviri, one of
the winners of
the COP 23 Pacific
photo contest.
Achievements
of UN Climate
Change in 2017
In 2017, UN Climate Change built the Of course, governments cannot
momentum of the global response succeed alone. To amplify collective
to climate change and laid the action encompassing every sector,
groundwork for success and greater UN Climate Change catalysed
ambition in the coming years. partnerships and cooperation across
the globe.
The focus in 2017 was both on scaling
up action, delivery on commitments
before 2020 and on making progress Creating
to allow for the adoption of the
outcomes of the Paris Agreement work
consensus on the
programme at COP 24 in Katowice. global response to
By supporting the transfer of climate
technology under the Convention
climate change
based on the right science, tools
and knowledge, UN Climate Change UN Climate Change unites the world
supported an increase in the ability of each year to govern the global
developing countries to adapt to the response to climate change and to
changing climate. scale up action to address climate
12
Key elements of the Paris Agreement
NOW 2020
13
change, the significance of which further sign of global commitment, COP 23: Ground-breaking
was demonstrated by the universal 650 volunteers from more than 80 environmental performance
support resulting from the adoption countries contributed their time. As
of the Paris Agreement. well as producing decisions and new
initiatives, COP 23 witnessed almost
In 2017, 51 countries ratified the Paris USD 1 billion being committed to
Agreement before the most important climate action.
climate change negotiations of the
year, COP 23, held in the host city of COP 23 was also the first United
the UN Climate Change secretariat, Nations Climate Change Conference
Bonn, Germany, and presided over by to receive official certification for
Fiji. eco-friendly performance under the
European Union Eco-Management
and Audit Scheme.
COP 23 in focus
Taking early action and
COP 23 proved, in the words of enhancing ambition
Patricia Espinosa, UN Climate Change
Executive Secretary, that “support for Greater ambition and upward revision
the Paris Agreement is strong and that of countries’ nationally determined
the journey upon which the world contributions will be encouraged
has embarked is an unstoppable and informed by a year-long process
movement supported by all sectors of of engagement called the Talanoa
society, across all parts of the globe.” Dialogue, which was launched at
COP 23. Inspired by the traditional
The City of Bonn welcomed Pacific island practice of inclusive
almost 30,000 people to COP 23, and transparent dialogue through
including 25 Heads of State, over storytelling, the Dialogue will solicit
11,000 delegates from Parties submissions, online and at meetings,
and an observer State, and over from all climate stakeholders –
9,000 observers from civil society, countries, states, cities, organizations,
business and other fields. In a companies, groups and individuals.
14
Left: The German
government
generously hosted
COP 23 and financed
the construction of
temporary structures
(pictured) to
complement facilities at
the World Conference
Center Bonn. BMUB/
Dominik Ketz.
Right: UN Climate
Change Executive
Secretary Patricia
Espinosa (front right) and
Fiji’s High-Level Climate
Champion Inia Seruiratu
(far front right) join
the Moving for Climate
NOW electric bike tour
as it arrives in Bonn
from Paris. BMUB/Sascha
Hilgers.
UN Climate Change
Executive Secretary,
Patricia Espinosa;
President of France,
Emmanuel Macron,
COP 23 President and
Prime Minister of Fiji,
Frank Bainimarama;
Chancellor of
Germany, Angela
Merkel; and United
Nations Secretary-
General António
Guterres at COP 23.
IISD/ENB, Kiara Worth.
15
Women have a critical
role to play in responses
to climate change.
UN Climate Change.
16
1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels It is also incredibly vulnerable to
and related global greenhouse gas climate change; for example, up to
“Women around the world emission pathways, requested by 84 per cent of the economic impacts
face some of the gravest Parties when the Paris Agreement was of drought are felt within the sector.
risks from our changing adopted and due in mid-2018, will Agriculture is both a contributor to the
add urgency to the Talanoa Dialogue. problem of climate change and a part
climate; that is why women
Early action and enhanced ambition of its solution. At COP 23, countries
are some of the greatest
are needed urgently. approved the first-ever agreement
actors for change and why on agriculture in climate negotiation
we need our voices on An inclusive response history. The Koronivia joint work
the front lines of climate on agriculture will help countries
diplomacy.” Achieving a rapid transition to a low- develop and implement new sectoral
emission, resilient world economy strategies to address food security,
Mereseini Vuniwaqa,
Minister for Women, Children requires the active participation of reduce emissions and build resilience
and Poverty Alleviation of Fiji all – women and men. Including to the effects of climate change.
and empowering women to develop
and implement climate solutions, Tapping into indigenous
alongside men, is one of the five peoples’ knowledge
priority areas of the first-ever Gender
Through the Talanoa Dialogue, the Action Plan established at COP 23. Indigenous peoples and local
regular stocktakes laid out in the Paris The Plan aims to catalyse more communities are often on the
Agreement, the first of which is set effective climate action through front line of climate change and
for 2023, are brought forward, giving gender-responsive implementation have invaluable insights into and
Parties the chance to review where at the national level, and greater perspectives on coping with its effects.
they stand and consider what more representation of women at all levels. They will now be able to share these
can be done in the near term. on a new platform for indigenous
Putting agriculture on the agenda and local community climate action,
The Intergovernmental Panel on which was launched at COP 23 and is
Climate Change special report on Agriculture accounts for 10–12 per cent aimed at the exchange of knowledge,
the impacts of global warming of of global greenhouse gas emissions. technologies and practices.
17
“We have knowledge to manage forests. We have
practices in the highlands bringing plants into different
ecosystems; that helps people to adapt. We have a great
opportunity with this platform to exchange information
from communities…that will help governments to
increase their ambitions.”
Johnson Cerda, climate change activist and
indigenous Kichwa of the Ecuadorian Amazon
18
COP 23: Investments in climate action
NO CLIMATE
ZERO LIFE
GOOD HEALTH
NO
NO
NO LIFE
QUALITY
ZERO
ZERO
ZERO PEACE,
GOOD
GOOD
GOOD JUSTICE
GENDER
HEALTH
HEALTH
HEALTH PARTNERSHIPS
CLIMATE
CLEAN
QUALITY
QUALITY
QUALITY WATER LIFE
CLIMATE
CLIMATE
GENDER
GENDER
AFFORDABLE
GENDER AND CLEAN
CLEANLIFE
LIFE
LIFE
DECENT
CLEAN WATER
WATER
WATERWORK AND PEACE,INNOVATION
LIFE
LIFE
INDUSTRY, JUSTICE PARTNERSHIPS
PEACE,
PEACE,
REDUCED JUSTICE
JUSTICE PARTNERSHIPS
PARTNERSHIPS
SUSTAINABLE CITIES
Note: Investments in climate action also contribute POVERTY ACTION
HUNGER BELOW WATER
AND WELL-BEING
POVERTY
POVERTY
POVERTY ON LAND
EDUCATION
HUNGER
HUNGER
HUNGER AND
AND
AND STRONG
EQUALITY
WELL-BEING
WELL-BEING
WELL-BEING FOR THE
AND GOALS
ACTION
SANITATION
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
EDUCATION BELOW
ACTION
ACTION
EQUALITY
EQUALITY
CLEAN
EQUALITY WATER
ENERGY AND
AND ON LAND
BELOW
BELOW WATER
WATER
SANITATION
SANITATION
ECONOMIC
AND GROWTH
SANITATION ON
ANDONAND STRONG
LAND
LAND
INFRASTRUCTURE FORSTRONG
AND
AND THE GOALS
STRONG
INEQUALITIES FORCOMMUNITIES
FOR
AND THEGOALS
THE GOALS
INSTITUTIONS INSTITUTIONS INSTITUTIONS
INSTITUTIONS
to sustainable development co-benefits.
19
20
Scenic view
with lake
and sunset
at summer
morning in
National Park
Aulanko,
Hämeenlinna,
Finland.
Riekkinen.
Analysis of nationally latest analysis shows they are closing in of global carbon dioxide emissions,
determined contributions on their 2020 emission reduction goals. more than the transport sector.
REDD+ is an international initiative
Robust measurement, reporting to reduce these emissions, foster the
At the request of Parties, UN and verification has improved the conservation and enhancement of
Climate Change analysed the quality and effectiveness of climate forest carbon stocks and promote
aggregate effect of planned change policies and measures, sustainable forest management.
mitigation actions under the Paris examples of which are Australia’s
Agreement. The latest analysis, Emissions Reduction Fund, China’s The assessment and results verification
covering 189 countries and about emission trading scheme and the process of REDD+ falls under the
99 per cent of the emissions of European Union’s proposed effort- overall measurement, reporting and
Parties to the Convention, found sharing regulation. Information on verification system of the Convention
that implementation of the Paris developing countries’ constraints and brings transparency to progress in
Agreement would lead to lower and gaps – and the related financial, tackling deforestation. Countries that
emissions than were expected technical and capacity-building needs have submitted forest reference levels
before the Paris Agreement, – has contributed to the design and or forest reference emission levels (a
specifically, 2.8 gigatonne of carbon programming of targeted support. baseline against which to track progress)
dioxide equivalent lower in 2025 and a report on their results, and that
and 3.3 gigatonne in 2030. These have an entry in UN Climate Change’s
levels, however, are not enough Channelling resources REDD+ web platform, are eligible for
to put the world on track to limit
global temperature rise to 2 °C.
into sustainable forest results-based finance.
21
covering about 1.3 billion hectares and verification, they need support. Mangwana, a South African inventory
of forests worldwide and half of In 2017, the UN Climate Change review specialist who took part in the
global carbon dioxide emissions, secretariat made new tools available, training course in Zimbabwe.
have had these levels assessed under in particular e-learning courses, a
the measurement, reporting and training programme for review In 2017, the secretariat published
verification system. Three countries experts of greenhouse gas inventories technical papers and guides to support
that have submitted their REDD+ and a training programme for review developing countries, including
results for assessment – Brazil, Ecuador experts of biennial reports and national a handbook for measurement,
and Malaysia – are now eligible for communications. The secretariat also reporting and verification, and a guide
results-based payments from sources organized in-person courses to train to the multilateral process. Research
such as the Green Climate Fund. and certify review experts. papers, technical expert meetings
and workshops helped countries
“The training on the review of understand how to maximize the
Boosting the ability of greenhouse inventories…and the positive impacts and minimize
countries to report on Kyoto Protocol training has assisted the negative impacts of response
me in the work that I do quite measures that move them towards
emissions extensively…[and] has added a lot low-carbon economies.
For developing countries to fully of tangible value to the inventory
participate in measurement, reporting team of South Africa,” said Phindile
22
Woman working in
wheat fields in Nepal.
Paul Desanker.
Building resilience
and adapting to
climate change
Climate change is happening
now. It disproportionately impacts
developing countries and vulnerable
communities. Countries need to
adapt and increase resilience. The
expert bodies and committees of
UN Climate Change support Parties
across the whole adaptation cycle
– from science and observation to
planning and implementation – to
help them stay resilient in the face of
climate change.
Advancing national
planning for
adaptation
“The Convention has established an effective
National adaptation plans allow least architecture to support developing countries
developed countries and developing
to adapt to climate change. Nepal will
countries to identify needs and create
strategies to meet those needs. The maximize the use of existing technical and
Least Developed Countries Expert financial support under the Convention
Group helps Parties in the process to to bring transformative adaptation to our
formulate and implement these vital climate-vulnerable communities.”
plans.
Ram Prasad Lamsal, Joint secretary and
UNFCCC Focal point, Ministry of Population
and Environment of Nepal
23
Nepal is an example of a country Change in 2017 boosted the ability of
that has taken advantage of the hundreds of national experts to put
Convention’s adaptation architecture together and finance their national “The Nairobi Work
to build strong national systems adaptation plans, as Nepal has done, Programme provides a
for adaptation. In 2010, this and align them with the Sustainable unique mechanism for
mountainous, least developed Development Goals.
facilitating knowledge
country, whose primary climate
change risk is from flooding caused
exchange and
by glacial melt and intense rainfall, Ensuring unity collaboration … [and]
developed a national programme of action can help break down the
of action on adaptation to address barriers between different
urgent and immediate needs in its The implementation of the 2030 sectors and promote cross-
most vulnerable communities. This Agenda for Sustainable Development, sectoral coordination.”
programme was followed a year later the Sendai Framework for Disaster
by a national policy that directs at Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and the Edward Perry, Global Climate
Change Policy Coordinator, Birdlife
least 80 per cent of climate finance to Paris Agreement should be closely International
community-level activities and the aligned to allow each to deliver its full
setting up of a national programme impact. In May 2017, the Adaptation
to support implementation of the Committee’s technical expert
national adaptation plan. These meeting on adaptation brought
initiatives have created the right together policymakers, scientists In 2017, UN Climate Change
environment for progress in work and representatives of the private strengthened the Nairobi work
on adaptation. Nepal and Liberia sector and civil society to plan this programme on impacts, vulnerability
were the first countries to receive a alignment. and adaptation to climate change, a
Green Climate Fund grant (USD 2.9 hub that engages over 350 partners
million for Nepal) to create their In 2017, the Adaptation Committee who between them have made
national adaptation plans. Nepal’s shared good practice on accessing 189 pledges for action to support
national adaptation plan is now at the Green Climate Fund, gave advice adaptation. The Programme has
an advanced stage. to Parties through the adaptation fostered national adaptation plans
finance bulletin on the changing that align with the Sustainable
At five regional training sessions landscape of adaptation finance Development Goals by sharing research
and two regional expos, one each and made contributions to the Paris on ecosystems, water resources and
in Asia and Africa, UN Climate Agreement work programme. economic diversification.
24
“People devastated by recent weather events and communities
vulnerable to climatic impacts are looking … for support and hope
for the future. Risk Talk is unlocking a world of potential, for climate
policy and practitioners for climate resilient sustainable development.”
Patricia Espinosa, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary
25
Delivering finance Renewable electricity capacity growth by technology
and technology
where they are The global climate change process has sent a signal to markets
needed that change is inevitable, thus encouraging advances in finance
and technology, particularly in the field of renewable energy. The
International Renewable Energy Agency, however, says there is still great
Facilitating finance and potential for countries to cost-effectively increase renewable energy
investments ambition in their nationally determined contributions.
climate-compatible infrastructure
investment will bring savings that far
600
outweigh the cost, which is only 10
per cent greater than business-as-
usual carbon-intensive investment. 30%
These include billions of dollars saved 300
per year in energy efficiency.
26
Cumulative climate financing UN Climate Change facilitates Meanwhile, the Green Climate Fund,
from key funds Parties to mobilize finance flows which was established by Parties to
consistent with a pathway towards deliver finance for mitigation and
low greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation, continued to go from
The Green Climate Fund: 76 projects climate-resilient development, using strength to strength. By October 2017,
and programmes, amounting to millions to leverage billions, and in the GCF portfolio consisted of 76
USD 3.7 billion in direct funding finding new ways to promote the flow projects and programmes amounting
and USD 8.9 billion in co-financing. of finance and engage the private to USD 3.7 billion in funding.
sector.
The Global Environment Facility: Over The Green Climate Fund seeks to
1,000 mitigation projects, with Funding mechanisms receiving mobilize private sector investments at
USD 4.2 billion in direct funding stronger backing scale. In 2017, it shortlisted 30 proposals
and USD 38.2 billion through co- with the potential to leverage at least
financing. For adaptation, over As of March 2018, the Adaptation USD 3 in private capital for every USD 1
USD 1.3 billion in grant financing Fund had committed USD 476 million of public funds invested and to deliver
provided through the Least in 74 countries (since 2010) to climate innovative climate solutions to support
Developed Countries Fund, Special change adaptation and resilience low-emission and climate-resilient
Climate Change Fund and Strategic activities. In 2017, the Fund broke its development.
Priority on Adaptation, and over single-year resource mobilization
USD 7 billion mobilized from other record when it raised USD 95.5 The Green Climate Fund responded
sources. million from contributors, including to recommendations of the Standing
Germany, Sweden, Italy, the Walloon Committee on Finance, adopted at COP
The Adaptation Fund: USD 476 million Region of Belgium, the Brussels- 23, that it support environmentally
in 74 countries. Capital Region of Belgium and sound technologies in developing
Ireland. The Adaptation Fund Board countries and commence results-
approved nearly USD 105 million in based payments. The Fund, by the
funding for the year. In total, the Fund end of 2017, was accepting funding
has restored 148,085 hectares of proposals for a results-based
natural habitat and directly benefited payments pilot programme for REDD+
5.48 million people. activities.
27
“As the dedicated climate fund serving the Paris
Agreement, GCF [Green Climate Fund] is strongly
driven by countries. We help them to take the
climate action they have chosen to reach their NDC
[nationally determined contribution] ambitions.”
Howard Bamsey, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund
28
29
Turning rice husks into
energy helps fight climate
change and promotes
sustainable development.
Victor Casillas Romo.
30
The clean development mechanism village chief Keo Sarom. “We used 13,500 new job opportunities have
is a Kyoto Protocol mechanism to fetch wood every day to cook our been created and 1.31 million people,
that assists developing countries in meals before the ABC project started mostly women and children, are
sustainable development and allows exporting power to the grid.” benefiting from improved air quality.
developed countries to cover a part
of their emission reduction targets This is a good example of how a The price of certified emission
through the purchase of certified mitigation action – in this case access reductions has declined, but the
emission reductions. to clean energy – not only reduces clean development mechanism
emissions but also delivers co-benefits remains a working example of how
Under the Angkor Bio Cogeneration to sustainable development. policy instruments can address
project, a 2 megawatt generator, which climate change and spur sustainable
uses rice husks as a renewable fuel “We found strong linkages between development. Article 6, paragraph
source, was installed to supply power investments in climate change 4, of the Paris Agreement calls
to the village. The project reduces mitigation projects and the delivery for a mechanism to contribute to
emissions by substituting the power of co-benefits,” said Virender K. the mitigation of greenhouse gas
provided by the local grid’s old diesel Duggal, Principal Climate Change emissions and support sustainable
generator with clean energy and by Specialist and Manager of the Future development, and Duggal believes
preventing methane emissions from Carbon Fund. “FCF-supported projects the success of clean development
decaying rice husks. not only reduce 2.95 million tons of mechanism projects demonstrates the
carbon dioxide equivalent per year but huge potential this mechanism still has
The Asian Development Bank estimates also benefit more than 10.5 million in the future.
that these measures result in a people by delivering a broad set of co-
potential annual reduction of 51,620 benefits.” “There is reason for optimism,” Duggal
tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent. said. “The Paris Agreement on climate
The Asian Development Bank estimates change acknowledges the intrinsic
The new connection reduces blackouts that through its purchase of certified relationship between sustainable
and allows the villagers to save time. emission reductions from clean development and climate change
development mechanism projects actions, and…has re-ignited interest
“The 24-hour power supply means we across its portfolio, among other in market mechanisms and raised
can now own an electric rice cooker benefits, 8.74 million people have expectations for the resurgence of
and a television,” said 60-year-old gained access to renewable energy, carbon markets.”
31
“Already the impact of the Paris
Agreement is being felt in banks, stock
exchanges, boardrooms and research
centres as the world embarks on an
unprecedented project to decarbonise
the global economy.”
Paul Polman, Chief Executive Officer, Unilever
32
Accelerating the them are country-driven activities
diffusion of technology overseen by the Committee; they are
instrumental in enabling developing
Deploying appropriate climate countries to identify and prioritize their
technology to reduce emissions needs. Work by the Committee led to
and adapt to the adverse impacts of Parties, at COP 21, adopting guidance
climate change will have an immense to accelerate the action plans. In 2017,
effect on the ability of developing the impact of this guidance began to
countries to combat climate change, be seen.
which is why COP 16 established
the Technology Mechanism. This An example of a technology needs
Mechanism supports enhanced assessment in action is provided by
action on technology development Lebanon, where farmers often rely
and transfer to support mitigation on pumped water. However, climate
and adaptation action by developing change has reduced the rainfall and
countries. The early success of the snowfall that recharges their artesian
Technology Mechanism has led to a wells. The farmers must pump deeper,
further mandate that it should serve using water faster than it can recharge
the Paris Agreement. and risking groundwater salinization
from seawater intrusion. Harvesting
Instigating change through rainwater from greenhouse roofs to
technology policies maximize every drop of rain is one
of the key adaptation technologies
The Technology Executive Committee, identified through Lebanon’s
the policy arm of the Technology technology needs assessment and
Mechanism, helps countries is recommended in its action plan.
to accelerate technology policy During one rainy season, the total
development and implementation amount of rainwater harvested from
and to catalyse action on low-emission the roofs of greenhouses at three pilot
and climate-resilient technologies. sites was almost one million cubic
Technology needs assessments metres, demonstrating the potential
and the action plans that flow from of the technology.
33
Wind energy.
Volwag.
Research by the Technology Executive substitution explored partnerships and Technology Executive
Committee found that many programmes on technology solutions Committee 2017 publications
developing countries used the results for industrial energy efficiency.
of their technology needs assessments
South–South Cooperation and
to support the preparation of their The Climate Technology Centre
Triangular Cooperation on Technologies
nationally determined contributions, and Network
for Adaptation in the Water and
while also considering sustainable
Agriculture Sectors highlights how
development needs. The Gambia The Climate Technology Centre and
countries cooperate to increase
is one example. The West African Network, hosted by UN Environment
technology transfer in the water
country’s nationally determined and the United Nations Industrial
and agriculture sectors.
contribution identified and assigned Development Organization, is
emission reduction targets in the implementation arm of the
Technological Innovation for the
agriculture, energy, manufacturing, Technology Mechanism. It works
Paris Agreement offers insights into
transport, waste, and household closely with the Technology Executive
how innovation can accelerate
consumption while underlining Committee to promote accelerated,
the implementation of nationally
the role of technology transfer and diversified and scaled-up transfer of
determined contributions and
making recommendations for specific environmentally sound technologies
national adaptation plans.
requirements related to sustainable to developing countries.
development.
Industrial Energy and Material
The 2017 annual report of the Climate
Efficiency recommends policy
To demonstrate what kinds of Technology Centre and Network
options for scaling up the use of
technology can be included in action showed its progress in responding to
energy-efficient technologies in the
plans, the Technology Executive requests from countries. In Jakarta,
industrial sector.
Committee in 2017 launched three Indonesia, for example, it is helping
publications (see the box) and organized the flood-prone city build climate-
two major events. The special event resilient infrastructure by using
on innovation and climate change hydrodynamic modelling. On the
looked at how to stimulate innovation basis of this collaboration, Jakarta has
through green finance, policies, attracted funds to increase its efforts,
regulations and incentives, while and it is also sharing its knowledge
the thematic dialogue on industrial with other Asian cities.
energy efficiency and material
34
“The beauty of energy efficiency is that it
comes with multiple benefits. A first benefit
is to lower bills. Energy efficiency to a great
“The good thing about the CTCN
extent is cost-effective. You invest one and
is that capacity-building is one of
you get your one back in two to three years.
the key points, which is really a
And if the investment lasts for 15 years you
sustainable approach.”
make money.”
Suresh Babu Parasuraman, Head of Water
Benoit Lebot, Executive Director, Resources, DHI Water and Environment
International Partnership
for Energy Efficiency Cooperation
35
Flood in Ganvie, Benin.
36
Marrakech Partnership Founder members of the Climate Action
for Global Climate Leadership Network
Action
The Marrakech Partnership for Global • Mr. Achim Steiner, United Nations Development
Climate Action was launched at COP 22 Programme Administrator
to catalyse and support climate action • Ms. Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris and Chair of C40
by Parties and non-Party stakeholders • Mr. Anote Tong, former President of Kiribati
until 2020, with all partners aiming to • Mr. Ashok-Alexander Sridharan, Mayor of Bonn and
take immediate action consistent with First Vice President of ICLEI – Local Governments for
the full implementation of nationally Sustainability
determined contributions.
• Mr. Erik Solheim, Executive Director of UN Environment
• Ms. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Co-Chair, International
Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change
• Mr. Jerry Brown, Governor of California, United States of
America
“The Marrakech Partnership for
• Ms. Jill Peeters, Founder of Climate without Borders
Global Climate Action…belongs to
• Mr. Manuel Pulgar Vidal, Leader of the Climate and
all of those across the globe who Energy Practice of WWF International
are passionately engaged in efforts • Mr. Marcelo Mena Carrasco, Minister of Environment of
to fight climate change and ensure Chile
a better, more resilient and more • Mr. Miguel Arias Cañete, European Commissioner for
equitable lifestyle for our fellow Climate Action and Energy, European Union
citizens of the world.” • Mr. Paul Polman, Chief Executive Officer, Unilever
Joint statement by Hakima El Haité, • Ms. Romina Picolotti, President of Centro de Derechos
high-level champion of global climate action, Humanos y Ambiente and former Minister of Environment
Special Envoy for Climate Change from the
Kingdom of Morocco and Inia Seruiratu, high-level of Argentina
champion of global climate action, Minister for • Mr. Saad Abid, President, Bahri Association
Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and
National Disaster Management of Fiji • Mr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change
and Environment of United Arab Emirates
37
From waste to wow
UN Climate Change.
In 2017, the Marrakech Partnership addition, the results of the Marrakech Climate Neutral Now
launched the Climate Action Partnership, enshrined in the
Leadership Network at the Climate inaugural Yearbook of Global Climate Climate Neutral Now invites
Week held in New York in September. Action 2017, were presented to the companies, organizations, events and
It supports the high-level Champions UN Secretary-General. The Yearbook individuals to limit global warming by
of the Partnership by deploying high- illustrated growing momentum for measuring their emissions, reducing
level private and public sector decision action in the Partnership’s seven what they can, and voluntarily
makers to drive early action on thematic areas, which represent 80 compensating for the remaining
climate and sustainable development per cent of global emissions. A survey emissions with certified emission
globally. of 78 initiatives demonstrated that reductions from projects registered
the majority of respondents had under the clean development
At COP 23, eight thematic days were made new commitments since 2016. mechanism. In 2017, 70 new
organized, incorporating over 100 Under the Partnership’s stewardship, organizations and companies signed
events on topics as diverse as finance, coalitions representing more than up. Roughly 138,000 certified emission
innovation, resilience, ending hunger one billion people have committed reductions (138,000 tonne of carbon
and sustainable cities. The events to decreasing emissions by 80 per dioxide equivalent) were used through
featured ministers, mayors, CEOs and cent by 2050, cities and regions are Climate Neutral Now. Another 8.7
other global influencers. The thematic taking the lead on issues such as million certified emission reductions
days culminated in a closing event public transport, food waste and were used directly through the clean
where the high-level champions district energy, and companies are development mechanism registry.
shared outcomes, experiences and committing to 100 per cent renewable In 2017, the UN Climate Change
lessons learned with Parties. In energy and energy productivity. secretariat and UN Environment
38
Developing effective helped 30 United Nations agencies NDC Partnership
climate legislation to compensate for 450,000 tonne of
carbon dioxide emissions from the The NDC Partnership is a coalition
previous year. of 69 countries and 13 international
In 2017, the UN Climate institutions cooperating to improve
Change secretariat together developing countries’ access to
with UN Environment and the Momentum for technical knowledge and financial
Commonwealth Secretariat’s Office
of Civil and Criminal Justice Reform
Change support. In Honduras, the Partnership
is supporting the Government in
piloted the Law and Climate Change Momentum for Change, an initiative strengthening the response to climate
Toolkit. by the UN Climate Change secretariat, change by developing a road map for
shines a light on the groundswell the implementation of the country’s
“It [the law and climate change of climate action under way across nationally determined contribution.
toolkit] is a much-needed resource the globe. Through its annual Meanwhile, Uganda, which has
for countries to review their awards, Momentum for Change pledged to reduce 22 per cent of its
national laws and undertake reform recognizes innovative solutions that greenhouse gas emissions by 2030,
in support of their climate policy not only address climate change has created the first NDC Partnership
commitments under the Paris but also drive progress on other Plan in Africa. The UN Climate
Agreement.” Sustainable Development Goals Change secretariat supported the
Steven Malby, Head, Office of Civil such as health, gender equality and NDC Partnership by enabling it to set
and Criminal Justice Reform at the job creation. Some of the climate up a liaison office in Bonn and hired
Commonwealth Secretariat
solutions recognized by Momentum four regional experts to coordinate
for Change in 2017 were: a monitoring the activities of the Partnership,
system to help Inuit people adapt to in cooperation with the regional
changing sea-ice conditions in Arctic collaboration centres. The secretariat
Canada; a climate-neutral winery that also assisted the NDC Partnership
produces zero waste and operates on with advancing engagement in six
100 per cent renewable energy; and countries.
the world’s first shampoo bottle made
from beach plastic waste, developed
by a partnership between TerraCycle,
Suez and Procter & Gamble.
39
Nairobi Framework – now also facilitate the planning
Partnership and implementation of nationally
determined contributions. This “The [regional collaboration]
The Nairobi Framework Partnership of function has been strengthened by centres…are a fundamental
development banks and United the placement of NDC Coordinators
part of the international
Nations agencies was established to in regional collaboration centres in
effort to tackle climate
increase participation in the clean Bangkok (Thailand), Kampala (Uganda),
development mechanism, especially Lomé (Togo), Panama City (Panama) change, because they help
by countries in sub-Saharan Africa. and St George’s (Grenada). catalyse local, national and
Since 2016, the scope of the Partnership regional action for effective
has expanded to support developing In 2017, regional collaboration centres implementation of the Paris
countries in preparing and implemented the Green Investment Agreement.”
implementing their nationally Catalyst round tables (see the section
Mirei Endara, Minister of
determined contributions. In 2017, “Securing new finance” in this report).
Environment of Panama
the Partnership delivered annual They also co-organized 19 events
carbon forums as the centrepiece of related to capacity-building, including
climate weeks held in Benin, Mexico regional climate weeks, which together
and Thailand. The Asia-Pacific Climate were attended by 1,400 people.
Week culminated in a Regional
Climate Action Agenda that will “The sessions [of the 9th Africa Carbon a major hub for the United Nations
strengthen regional cooperation to Forum held in Cotonou, Benin, in and other development agencies.
promote enhanced ambition prior 2017] were useful for my country, The secretariat operates this centre
to 2020 in key economic sectors, particularly the ones related to linking with the CAF – Development Bank
promote the take-up of carbon pricing carbon markets and climate finance of Latin America. Collaboration with
instruments and policies, and improve and linking the clean development United Nations agencies working on
access to finance. mechanism and the Green Climate sustainable development increased
Fund to the Paris Agreement across the board. Host partners
mechanism,” said Astere Nindamutsa, of regional collaboration centres
Regional collaboration CDM Designated National Authorities provided 19 staff members, about
centres Coordinator for Burundi. two-thirds of the total staff of the
centres, in line with the initiative’s goal
Regional collaboration centres – In 2017 the regional collaboration to develop local capacity on the clean
initially set up to increase participation centre for Latin America moved from development mechanism and climate
in the clean development mechanism Bogotá, Colombia, to Panama City, change.
40
Action for Climate Climate Change, which the UN Climate Organization, and the United Nations
Empowerment Change secretariat runs with the UN Alliance on Climate Change Education,
Development Programme GEF-Small Training and Public Awareness,
Action for Climate Empowerment is Grants Programme and Television for hosted an event on climate education
an initiative devoted to education, the Environment. Young people from attended by HRH Princess Lalla
training, public awareness, public 94 countries submitted 247 films to Hasnaa of Morocco and other high-
participation, public access to the competition in 2017. level participants.
information, and international
cooperation. It engages especially with At COP 23, the Presidency, with
youth, through efforts such as the the secretariat, the United Nations
Global Youth Video Competition on Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Entrants to the
Global Youth Video
Competition on
Climate Change 2017
(pictured at the award
ceremony) used their
creativity to convey
powerful messages on
climate change.
UN Climate Change.
41
Outlook for 2018
and beyond
The Paris Agreement is an historic taking decisive action, transforming
achievement that builds on more the global economy, and national
than two decades of progress in governments are putting in place
negotiations on climate change. policies and measures to deliver on their
It shows the firm commitment of nationally determined contributions
countries to work together to limit under the Paris Agreement.
global temperature rise, foster climate
resilience, and align global financial Parties are also committed to
flows towards low-emission, climate- increasing the level of ambition
resilient development. described in their nationally
determined contributions. This is
After a three-year effort since adoption crucial if we are to reach the Paris goal
of the Paris Agreement, Parties are of limiting temperature rise to well
expected, at COP 24 in December below 2 °C and as close as possible to
2018, to adopt the outcomes of the the safer 1.5 °C target.
Paris Agreement work programme,
detailing the modalities, procedures The nationally determined
and guidelines needed to give full contributions will be informed and
effect to the Agreement. inspired throughout 2018 by the Children splash in
floodwater in Fiji.
Talanoa Dialogue, a global conversation Fijian Government,
one of the winners
Subnational authorities and other that is inclusive, participatory and
of the COP 23 Pacific
non-Party stakeholders are meanwhile transparent. Following the spirit of the photo contest.
42
Pacific island tradition of talanoa, the
Dialogue is aimed at building empathy
and trust and promoting cooperation,
and through this, enhancing ambition.
43
The growing scope of UN Climate Change
CONVENTION
• Supporting the ultimate
objective of the Convention
• Setting up the institutions
of the climate regime
44
these stakeholders will, alongside made by the Marrakech Partnership. To this end, policies need to be set in
government policies and measures, The Standing Committee on Finance place now, technologies developed,
determine the future trajectory of will present its biennial assessment matured, commercialized and
global emissions. and overview of climate finance flows deployed at scale, and practices and
before the COP, which will also inform behaviors of economic actors need
Parties recognized the crucial role Parties as they take stock of progress. to move ever faster towards low-
of non-Party stakeholders in Paris. emission and sustainable business
They built this recognition firmly In 2018, countries can also bring into and investment.
into the Paris Agreement. In 2016, effect the second commitment period
the Marrakech Partnership for Global of the Kyoto Protocol. In 2017, 33 Parties The UN Climate Change secretariat,
Climate Action was launched to scale accepted the Doha Amendment to working with Parties and non-Party
up pre-2020 effort and investment by the Kyoto Protocol, which establishes stakeholders can help facilitate all
nations and all climate stakeholders. its second commitment period of this. Indeed, Parties’ expectations
(2013–2020), 33 short of the required of the secretariat have grown and
The high-level champions of the 144 Parties needed for its entry into evolved year by year. The UN Climate
Marrakech Partnership will in force. That important milestone is Change secretariat, and each of its staff
2018 rally non-Party stakeholders, within reach. The Kyoto Protocol members, remains fully committed to
encouraging still greater efforts and was the first breakthrough in global adding value to the global response
soliciting views in a systematic way action on climate change. It can to climate change.
through the Talanoa Dialogue and transfer a practical legacy to the Paris
at events in 2018 such as the Global Agreement, as well as a legacy of Building on decades of success
Climate Action Summit and regional cooperation and trust. under the Convention and driven by
climate weeks. necessity, the UN Climate Change
Policymakers at all levels, state secretariat will, with sufficient levels of
Parties will take stock of progress and non-state actors, should support, enhance its ability to deliver
on pre-2020 implementation and systematically pursue coherence, on behalf of Parties, and now non-
ambition at COP 24 in December. collaboration and coordination in Party stakeholders, as countries and
They will do so on the basis of a national and international climate and the UN system strive for broad-based,
synthesis of information they provide development policy. Such concerted global action sufficient to safeguard
on progress they have made. They effort across sectors, frameworks and present and future generations from
will also consider mitigation efforts by levels of governance could multiply the worst effects of climate change.
governments, the provision of support benefits to produce fundamental and
to developing countries, and progress transformative change.
45
Who we are Climate neutral
since 2012
The UN Climate
The UN Climate Change secretariat
Change secretariat’s reduces its emissions
approximately 400
staff are a dynamic and compensates for
mix of people from unavoidable emissions
over 100 countries.
Their blend of gender,
through certified emission
diverse cultures reductions.
and professional
backgrounds enhance
our work.
UN Climate Change.
2012
46
A brief history of UN Climate Change
Kyoto Protocol
The Marrakesh Parties adopt the
Accords, which At COP 13, Doha Amendment
include the full Parties agree in December, The Paris
A United Nations The Convention Kyoto Protocol on the Bali defining new Agreement is
General Assembly enters into rulebook, are Road Map, emission targets for opened for
resolution launches force in March, adopted alongside which charts some developed signature in
negotiations on 90 days after the launch of the the way towards countries for the April. It enters
a new climate 50 countries clean development a post-2012 commitment period into force in
change convention. ratify it. mechanism. outcome. 2012–2020. November.
COP 2012
13 -2020
1990 1992 1994 1997 2001 2005 2007 2010 2012 2015 2016
COP 2 °C
3
47
Finances
Total funding 2017 in USD
$26 $2
MILLION MILLION
Other Participation in the
intergovernmental
process
$9
MILLION $17
Programme
support costs $98 MILLION
MILLION
Supplementary
activities
$2 $10
MILLION MILLION
Special annual Clean
contribution from the development
Government of Germany mechanism
$3 $29
MILLION MILLION
International Core budget
transaction log
Note: Other funding includes: conferences and other recoverable costs; and cost recovery.
48
The COP approves the Core and ITL budgets whereas it takes Budget vs Actual International Transaction Log
note of other funds and accounts, including in particular for for the biennium 2016-2017 in EUR
supplementary activities. The tables below provide details
on the Core and ITL budgets and actual expenditures for the
biennium 2016-17 in Euro.
Total
Conference Affairs Services 3,460,697 3,233,479 The amounts reflected in this report are provisional, pending the
final audit for 2017, and subject to change.
Communication and
3,254,786 3,479,778
Outreach
Information Technology
5,499,282 5,245,475
Services
49
UN Climate Change.
50