UN Climate Change has released a recognition and accountability framework for non-Party stakeholders, along with its first implementation plan focusing on net-zero pledges. The framework aims to enhance the transparency and credibility of voluntary climate action initiatives and pledges by providing recognition and disclosing progress. It responds to the call from Parties to ensure greater accountability of voluntary initiatives.
“The purpose of the framework is to give enhanced recognition to non-Party stakeholders that are delivering on commitments, while pursuing transparency and helping to maximize the credibility of climate action pledges and plans by disclosing progress,” writes UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell in a message to Parties and observers today. “Through recognition, we can showcase best practices as well as identify the systemic challenges that must be overcome for credible climate actions aligned with the aims of the Paris Agreement.”
The implementation plan focuses on monitoring and analyzing net-zero commitments from non-state actors, with the findings informing the global stocktake and the update of countries’ nationally determined contributions.
To further enhance credibility, a High-Level Expert Group established by the UN Secretary-General released a report titled “Integrity Matters,” providing guidance for accountable net-zero pledges. The implementation plan will be finalized through an inclusive stakeholder engagement process called the “Integrity Matters Implementation Dialogue.”
Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015, the world has seen an increasing number of net-zero commitments by non-state actors, including through credible, existing initiatives including those who are members of Race to Zero. Since the launch of the Race to Zero Campaign by the High-Level Champions in 2020, the number of non-state actors with commitments to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050 at the latest has significantly expanded.
The Race to Zero campaign will continue to mobilize non-state actor leaders and support the transition to a net-zero global economy. The UN Climate Change Portal will be enhanced to serve as a comprehensive source of information on climate action pledges and plans by non-state actors, ensuring transparency and governance of data quality.
The full roll-out of the framework and additional implementation plans will be an ongoing effort to recognize leadership, address barriers, and inform actions. Initial results will be announced before or during COP28, with subsequent updates to provide public assurance and guide Parties’ transition efforts.
Source:
Read the joint statement from UN Climate Change’s Executive Secretary and High-Level Champions to Race to Zero partners.
