Global climate agreement: Marrakech COP22 must bring more clarity
- After Paris COP21: work on transparency, clear rules, global level-playing field -
Today’s entry into force of the Paris COP21 global climate agreement is a positive and strong signal, but now climate negotiations at COP22 in Marrakech starting on Monday must bring more clarity on the details of the agreement.
BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer commented:
“It will be tough work for governments negotiating in Marrakech to agree on all details needed to make the Paris agreement a success. But we urgently need these details and clarity on the global rules for our business community to step up actions to avoid climate change.
Negotiators should work closely together with our business community and other stakeholders to develop the rules and procedures that underpin the actions to be taken. This will reinforce the signal that the world is moving towards a low-carbon future and encourage increased investment from the business community.”
The Paris Agreement was the culmination of many years of work to prepare a treaty that could be signed by all nations. Countries committed to setting plans and undertaking actions to control and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Now, at the Marrakech conference of the Parties (COP22) many of the detailed rules and procedures that are needed to implement the Paris Agreement will be discussed and should be adopted.
Transparency is urgently needed as well as progress towards developing common rules to measure, report and verify commitments. Furthermore, we need improvements in the design and development of market and non-market mechanisms to help achieve and potentially increase emissions reductions, whilst preserving a global level-playing field and maintaining open trade. Business has relevant expertise to contribute to these actions and other topics under the implementation of the Paris Agreement, which would not have been brokered without the role of business. All countries and business sectors need to support developing new skills and capacity to respond to climate change challenges.