Skip to content
UN climate negotiators have an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate global climate action just days after the world’s first universal climate deal became a legally binding global agreement.
The talks, which must now clarify the rules for implementing and accelerating climate commitments, began in Marrakech, Morocco yesterday (07 November).
‘Marrakech is about getting down to business, clarifying the Paris Agreement’s rules of engagement and empowering governments, businesses, cities and other sectors to make increasingly ambitious commitments. We must leave these negotiations having a more solid framework, but knowing we already have all the power to create the world we need.’
MANUEL PULGAR-VIDAL
Leader of WWF International’s Climate and Energy Practice
The Paris Agreement is now the global roadmap for climate action; it marks the end of the period of promise and the beginning of an era of action.
Now, we must hold leaders accountable for delivering on commitments to limit rising global temperatures. The UN’s latest emission gap report notes that global warming is still expected to hit 2.9 to 3.4 degrees Celsius by the end of this century.
‘Decisions made in the next few years will largely determine if we’re able to achieve the 1.5°C warming threshold agreed in Paris or if we take the unthinkable option of blowing right past it.’
MANUEL PULGAR-VIDAL
Leader of WWF International’s Climate and Energy Practice
With the Paris Agreement we have a plan of action but we have not finalised the rules that will govern this plan. All parties involved need to leave COP22 with greater clarity on process and how they can meet and improve on their current climate pledges, so we can successfully deliver on the promise of the Paris Agreement.
‘Just like investments, emissions cuts we make today will yield higher dividends 30 years from now than those we put off until a later date. And the longer we wait, the steeper and more costly those later cuts would need to be.’
MARIANA PANUNCIO-FELDMAN
World Wildlife Fund’s senior director of international climate cooperation
2018 is the next global opportunity to take stock of progress towards meeting the Paris goals and to mobilise for more ambitious climate plans (NDCs).
There are other opportunities that depend on individual country leadership and cooperation among countries. Ramping up ambition before 2020, when the next round of climate commitments take effect, will be crucial to closing the gap between existing pledges for climate action and what we need do to reduce emissions to keep warming below 1.5°C and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
Click here to find out more about the Marrakech Climate Change Conference.
Sorry we don't have any suggested related content at the moment. Please check back later.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Weekly ethical news, offers, comps and a free digital mag (quarterly) – what’s not to love?
