UNFCCC First Global Stocktake Report Urges Accelerated Global Action on Climate Change, Highlighting Role of Technology
September 19, 2023
A new synthesis report on the first Global Stocktake of climate action paints a stark picture of the battle against climate change, but also offers a technological roadmap towards a more sustainable future. The report, serving as a status update and roadmap for the 195 Parties to the Paris Agreement, emphasizes the critical role of technology in preparing their next Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). NDC is a national climate action plan to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts that all Parties to the Paris Agreement are required to have. The NDCs are updated every 5 years.
The report conveys the current state of play in climate action: on one hand, the Paris Agreement has been effective in setting goals and catalyzing near-universal climate action. On the other, a greater effort is urgently needed to reduce current emission levels and address countries’ increased vulnerability to climate impact.
“More effective and strategic international cooperation on technology development and transfer and innovation would enable rapid systems transformations”, notes the report, urging governments to mainstream climate resilience and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It also emphasizes that credible, accountable and transparent actions by non-Party stakeholders, including communities, are needed as well.
The report further addresses the challenges of rapid systems transformation, advocating for stronger inclusion and equity to bolster climate action. Scaling technology, which promotes renewable energy and phases out unabated fossil fuel, is central for achieving this target.
The report notes that existing climate technologies must also be swiftly deployed in developing countries where such advancements are less accessible, noting that “existing cleaner technologies need to be rapidly deployed, together with accelerated innovation, development and transfer of new technologies, to support the needs of developing countries.”
From an industry perspective, it recommends a slew of technology-focused strategies, such as energy efficiency and demand management. City planners are advised to consider smart urban planning like reducing waste and adopting pedestrian-friendly designs, while the transport sector should prioritize electric vehicles and energy-efficient designs. Shifting diets, reducing food waste and increasing farming efficiency is recommended to cut emissions in agriculture, among other measures.
Moreover, the report underlines the urgency for collective innovation, particularly in “hard to abate” sectors like steel and cement. It stresses the need for robust policies and institutions to expedite technological deployment and calls for special attention to developing nations. It further highlights the need for collaborative approaches towards climate technology research, development and demonstration.
International organizations have a key role to play in chartering new pathways that leverage technology and innovation for systems transformation. The Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) is recognized as a key player in the report. The CTCN facilitates international cooperation on climate technology uptake through technology transfer, capacity building and knowledge sharing. WIPO GREEN supports this mandate by providing a global marketplace for both proven and market-ready climate technologies, as well as emerging innovations. The report further emphasizes the need for more information on the global status of technology development, to which WIPO’s flagship Green Technology Book responds.
WIPO GREEN is a UN-based, public, free platform that connects seekers of technology solutions to climate change and environmental challenges with solution providers from private, civil society and government sectors. Through its database, networks and acceleration projects, WIPO brings together key players to catalyze green technology innovation and diffusion.
The CTCN is the implementation arm of UNFCCC’s Climate Change Technology Mechanism, mandated under the Paris Agreement. It provides accelerated development and transfer of environmentally sound technologies for low carbon and climate resilient development at the request of developing countries. CTCN offers a portfolio of technology solutions, capacity building and advice on policy, legal and regulatory frameworks tailored to the needs of individual countries by harnessing the expertise of a global network of technology companies and institutions.
WIPO GREEN, in partnership with CTCN, will launch the 2023 Green Technology Book at COP 28. This year’s edition focuses on climate change mitigation technologies, with thematic areas around Industry, Agriculture & Forestry, and Cities.