In light of the lack of progress on short-term mitigation ambition, AOSIS has submitted a non-paper with our suggestion on how to advance the discussions under ADP Workstream 2.
The proposal responds to an alarming gap in mitigation ambition that, if not filled, places us on track for global warming in excess of 4 degrees Celsius.
We therefore call on parties to work expeditiously during the time remaining in this session, and at the next one in June, to ensure that higher ambition is locked in under the UNFCCC by 2014 at the latest.
Both developed and developing Parties must be willing to explore new mitigation actions that they can implement, and bring something to the table. Developed countries must lead the way by examining their own mitigation potential, as well as showing readiness to mobilize means of implementation for developing countries.
Mobilizing the means of implementation towards concrete policies, measures and technologies will be necessary to fully unlock ambition. This Workstream is an opportunity for developed countries to show leadership.
To keep the discussions results-oriented we suggest that the June meeting begin by compiling a wide list of successful energy efficiency and renewable energy policies and best practices, as well as new and innovative policies in these areas. Experts from the private sector, international agencies, regional centers of excellence, and civil society should also be invited to contribute their wealth of knowledge and experience.
Our discussions should be detailed and focused, examining the scale of emissions reductions achievable, implementation costs, other barriers and strategies used to overcome them.
This should be followed by Party and observer submissions that supplement our June discussions with additional technical input. All inputs should be compiled into a technical paper by the Secretariat, which can form the basis of more detailed discussions on specific renewable energy and energy efficiency measures by technical working groups in Warsaw.
These working groups should be led by two “champions” – one from developed and another from developing with successful mitigation experiences—and be supported by an existing international expert body.
To ensure we achieve success, we need to have the “right” people in the room. So, technical working groups should include experts from our capitals and relevant ministries with expertise in renewable energy and energy efficiency and who would be responsible for implementing these mitigation strategies—not just those responsible for climate change. Experts from regional centers, the private sector and civil society who have on-the-ground experience should also participate and help foster public-private partnerships.
The technical working groups should be action oriented and drive us toward rapid implementation. Their purpose is not to provide an opportunity for more talk. They are about providing solutions.
Lastly, AOSIS calls for mitigation ambition ministerial meeting focusing on renewable energy and energy efficiency.
The ministerial should engage ministers responsible for implementing energy-related mitigation strategies and finance ministers and build convergence on a range of rapidly implementable actions that can close the pre-2020 mitigation ambition gap.
The presence of finance ministers will enrich the discussion by focusing on ways to overcome the systemic and financial barriers that prevent greater implementation of renewables and energy efficiency actions.
Finally, the ministerial meeting would form the basis of a COP decision that continues to build political momentum towards increased mitigation ambition in 2014 at the latest.
We urge parties to reflect on how they can realize these objectives over the next few weeks and return in June ready to get to work.