Day 3 at COP29
On Day 3 of COP29, discussions focused on the implementation of climate adaptation strategies and the integration of sustainable practices across various sectors. The importance of financing mechanisms for developing nations was a key theme, proposing a framework to bolster investment in green technologies and infrastructure. Overall, discussions resulted in renewed commitments to the Paris Agreement, with several countries pledging to enhance their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to meet more ambitious climate targets - including several small island states:
Marshall Islands - The Marshall Islands reaffirmed its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, alongside immediate measures to cut emissions by 32% by 2030 based on 2010 levels.
Maldives - The Maldives pledged to increase its ambition for reducing emissions and aimed for a 50% reduction by 2030, with a focus on transitioning to 100% renewable energy.
Fiji - Fiji committed to a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, highlighting its efforts in enhancing resilience against climate change impacts.
Tuvalu - Tuvalu reiterated its goal of carbon neutrality by 2025, vividly addressing its vulnerabilities as a low-lying island nation.
Brazil also made a significant pledge to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 67% by the year 2035, relative to 2005 levels. This commitment aims to accelerate the country's transition towards a more sustainable economy and reflects Brazil’s broader efforts to combat climate change. Additionally, Brazil highlighted its intention to preserve its extensive rainforest areas, which play a critical role in carbon sequestration.
Canada also pledged to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, specifically, aiming to cut emissions by 40-45% below 2005 levels by 2030. The pledge aligns with Canada's long-term target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In addition to specific reduction targets, Canada announced investments in clean technology, renewable energy, and infrastructure to support this transition. The country also highlighted the importance of collaboration with Indigenous communities and provinces to develop local solutions to climate change.
Some other key highlights from Day 3 were:
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband headlined the UK Pavilion Event Bigger, Better, Bolder: updating NDC’s in line with 1.5 Degrees - reiterating the UK’s ambitious pledge of 81% reduction by 2035, announced yesterday. Among several high profile guests, Miliband also sat for a discussion with Ana Toni, Secretary of Climate Change at the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change of Brazil - the next president of COP30.
Youth-led organisations are demanding a “Universal NDC Youth Clause” to be included in countries’ updated national climate plans, asking governments to include youth more actively in climate discussions.
The proposed clause has three key points:
1. Recognising young people as essential drivers of climate action,
2. Collaborating with youth in developing the NDCs, and
3. Educating young people on the impacts of climate change
A summary from Euronews on Day 3 can be found here:
