UNFCCC – Paris Commitments and beyond

• Angola submitted its INDC (Intended Nationally Determined Contributions) to the UNFCCC in 2015, where it proposed to reduce 35% of GHG emissions by 2030, with 2005 as the reference scenario, focusing on the sectors renewable energy and reforestation.
• In 2017 Angola established the National Strategy for Climate Change (ENAC) 2018-2030 in order to achieve the goals defined in the agreement, that is, the document points out the mitigation measures, adaptation to climate change to be implemented in Angola. It also addresses the need for training and adequate technology, as well as a financing plan and the need to improve research, observation and analysis of climate scenarios. In 2020, Angola ratified the Paris Agreement.
• Currently, there are already some projects aimed at combatting droughts in southern Angola and strengthening the capacity of farmers to adapt to climate change, such as the FRESAN program and action (Strengthening Resilience and Food and Nutritional Security in Angola), as well as the strengthening of the National Institute of Meteorology and Geophysics (INAMET) in its capacity for forecasting and climate modeling.

Australia ratified the Paris Agreement on 9 November 2016 and committed to reducing emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2030, which builds on its 2020 target of reducing emissions by 5% below 2000 levels. 

As noted above, Australia published a Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan ahead of COP26. Following COP26 in November 2021, Australia signed the Glasgow Climate Pact, which collectively commits the world to a 45% reduction in emissions in this decade and requires Australia to increase its 2030 emissions targets.  

In an updated NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution), Australia increased the ambition of its 2030 target, committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 43% below 2005 levels by 2030.  

• Austria (in the course of the EU) signed the Paris Agreement on 22 April 2016 and ratified the agreement on 5 October 2016.
• Austria is targeting climate neutrality by 2040.

The EU and its Member States, acting jointly, are committed to a binding target of a net domestic reduction of at least 55% in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990. 

As part of the dimension decarbonisation, Belgium will reduce its GHG emissions by 35% by 2030 compared with 2005 levels for non-ETS sectors. In light of these objectives, Belgium will generate 17.4% of its gross final energy consumption from renewable energy sources (RES) by 2030. 

With regard to energy efficiency, Belgium has set its contribution to the EU target of 32.5% by 2030. Its estimated contribution is 15% in primary energy savings and 12% in final energy savings by 2030 compared with the PRIMES (Price-Induced Market Equilibrium System) 2007 baseline. 

• Brazil signed the Paris Agreement in 2015 and ratified the agreement on 12 September , 2016. On 8 December, 2020, Brazil submitted to the UNFCCC its new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), under the Paris Agreement.
• By the revisited NCD, Brazil has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 37% below 2005 levels by 2025, and by 43% below 2005 levels by 2030. Brazil’s NDC also expresses the indicative objective of achieving climate neutrality (net-zero emissions) in 2060.
• All policies, measures and actions adopted by Brazil regarding climate change derive from several rules and norms, such as the following:
  • National System of Conservation Units (Law No. 9,985/2000)
  • National Policy on Climate Change (Law No. 12,187/2009), which is structured in four axes: (i) mitigation opportunities; (ii) impacts, vulnerabilities and adaptation; (iii) research and development; and (iv) education, training and communication
  • Fund on Climate Change (Law No. 12,114/2009) and its regulation (Federal Decree No. 9,578/2018)
  • Forest Code (Law No. 12,651/2012), which aims to protect native vegetation
  • National Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change (Ordinance No. 150/2016), aiming to "promote the management and reduction of climate risk in the country against the adverse effects associated with climate change, in order to take advantage of opportunities emerging countries, avoid losses and damages and build instruments that allow the adaptation of natural, human, productive and infrastructure systems”
  • National Policy for Biofuels (RenovaBio - Federal Decree No. 13,576/2017 and Federal Decree No. 9,888/2019 and Resolution CNPE 17/21) which establishes annual national goals for decarbonization for the fuel sector as well as encourages the increase in the production and participation of biofuels in the country's transport energy matrix. RenovaBio also instituted the decarbonization credit (CBIO)
  • National Policy of Payment for Environmental Services (Federal Law No. 14,119/2021) which aims to regulate the payment for environmental services to maintain, recover or improve ecosystem services
  • National Green Growth Program (Decree No. 10,846/2021) which aims to provide financing and subsidies to encourage sustainable economic projects and activities, prioritize the issuance of environmental licenses and generate so-called “green jobs”
  • Decree No.  10.275/2020 which established the Low Carbon Industry Technical Committee
  • Decree No.  10.144/2019 which established the national Commission for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation.
  • Decree No. 10.606/2021 which instituted the Integrated Sectoral Plan Information System for the Consolidation of a Low-Carbon Economy in Agriculture
  • Decree No. 11,075/2022  which establishes proceeding for the preparation of Sectorial Plans for Mitigation of Climate Changes and institutes the National System for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Sinare.

• Canada has committed to reducing its GHG emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030 as part of the Paris Agreement. 
• In September 2020, the Liberal government during the Throne Speech stated its intention to exceed Canada’s climate goal, as mentioned above.
• Canada was an early supporter of the Gender Action Plan, which aims to mainstream gender equality through the UNFCCC. Canada supported three regional workshops between 2017-2019 to help women leaders engage in international climate change negotiations. 
• Canada is committed to further advancing the Local Communities and Indigenous People’s Platform under the UNFCCC to meaningfully engage Indigenous Peoples in international climate action. 
• Canada is engaged in the sustainable phase-out of unabated coal power through the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA) by collaborating with the UK and 95 other members including governments, businesses, and civil society groups. 
• Canada’s domestic action includes the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate, which is developed with the provinces and territories and in consultation with Indigenous Peoples. The Framework aims to meet emissions reduction targets, build the economy, and increase resilience towards a changing climate. This Framework includes over fifty actions and is built on four pillars of pricing carbon pollution; complementary actions to reduce emissions; adaptation and climate resilience; and clean technology, innovation, and jobs. The Framework covers all sectors of the economy and allows Canada to stay on the course to meet its Paris Commitments GHG emissions reduction target.
• The federal government has invested more than CAD3 billion between 2016-2019 to support clean technology research, development and demonstration, commercialization, scale-up, and adoption. 

• Chile has set ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with a view to becoming a carbon neutral country by 2050. To this end, various measures are being taken, such as the promotion of electric vehicles and new energy efficiency regulations.
• Law No. 21,455/2022 was enacted in 2022 Framework Law on Climate Change aimed to address the challenges posed by climate change, move towards a development low in greenhouse gas emissions and comply with the international commitments assumed by the State of Chile on this matter. This Law will allow Chile  to enforce through law its carbon neutrality by 2050. The Law is inspired by the Paris Commitments and is fully in force.
• Progress has been made in the country's climate change management, developing national instruments such as the National Climate Change Action Plan, the National Adaptation Plan and sectoral adaptation plans, in addition to the country’s international commitment to reduce emissions in the nationally determined contributions.

• Côte d'Ivoire signed the Paris Agreement on April 22, 2016, and ratified the agreement on October 25, 2016. Côte d'Ivoire has committed to reducing 28% greenhouse gas emissions compared to a business-as-usual scenario. The target raised to 36% subject to international support.
• Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement on Climate, several documents and country strategies have integrated the climate issue. The country has greened the National Development Plan (2016-2020), developed during the preparation of the NDCs. In this NDP, axis 4 clearly deals with Adaptation and Mitigation by integrating REDD+. 

Version 2 of the National Agricultural Investment Program (PNIA 2.0) has taken into account the issue of climate change.

In addition, the country is working to integrate climate change (based on the content of the NDC) into sectoral planning.

• The Czech Republic signed the Paris Agreement on April 22, 2016, and it entered into force on November 4, 2016. The Czech Republic has committed to reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% (compared to 1990) to zero by 2030.
• The Czech Republic has no program to help with keeping its commitments. But the country does its best to meet its commitments.

• Denmark signed the Paris Agreement on April 22, 2016, and ratified the agreement on October 5, 2016. Denmark has committed to reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 measured against 1990 figures and to zero by 2050.
• The Danish Climate Act introduces measures to ensure that the ambitious goals are ultimately reached. The Climate Act introduces an obligation for the government to act with an aim to reach the goals. Further, an independent Climate Council has been established to provide yearly guidance on whether the Danish government is on track to reach set goals. On this basis, the Danish government will provide, every year, a climate program and a report to the Danish Parliament. Based on that, the Danish Parliament will, on an annual basis, assess whether further initiatives are required. Further, on a yearly basis, the Danish Energy Agency will prepare a forward-looking report on the expected energy demand and supply.

In the Paris Agreement, the European Union and France undertook to tackle the effects of climate change induced in particular by the increase in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). To implement this commitment, the European Union and its Member States have decided to reduce their emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, with a target of 37% for France. In addition, France has set itself, through a 2015 law, an even more ambitious target of reducing its emissions by 40% in 2030 compared to 1990 levels as well as an objective of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.

To achieve the 40% reduction target, France adopted a reduction path extending over 4 periods (2015-2018, 2019-2023, 2024-2028 and 2029-2033), each of them with an emission ceiling (called “carbon budget”), progressively decreasing. Three five-year “carbon budgets” were set out within the National Low-Carbon Strategy (Stratégie nationale bas carbone or SNBC), which also sets emission reduction targets for each sector.

In 2021, the Council of State, France’s supreme court for administrative matters, had to rule on a case regarding the fulfilment of France’s commitments to reduce GHG. Grande-Synthe, a city in the North of France, referred a matter to the Council of State after it received a refusal from the government to take additional measures as to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement. The Council of State upheld the application, noting that (i) the decrease in emissions in 2019 was small, (ii) the decrease in 2020 was not significant because economic activity had been reduced by the COVID-19 pandemic, and (iii) compliance with the trajectory, which provides for a 12% decrease in emissions over the period 2024-2028, does not appear to be achievable if new measures are not adopted quickly. The Council of State therefore ordered the government, on July 1, 2021, to take by March 31, 2022, additional measures to reach the reduction target of GHG by 40% by 2030.

On May 2, 2022, the Government published a summary of the response submitted to the Council of State, containing details of all measures to achieve the reduction target which have been taken since the court’s 2021 decision. The Council of State’s final decision on this matter is pending.

• Ghana became a signatory to the Paris Agreement on 22nd April 2016 and ratified the agreement on 21st September 2016. Ghana’s participation in the Paris Climate Agreement came on the back of the production of a document titled Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) as part of its obligations under the UNFCCC. Consistent with article 4.9 of the Paris Agreement on successive updates every five years, Ghana has revised its 2016 NDCs prior to the Climate Conference (COP26) that took place in 2021 at Glasgow.
• The update to the NDCs reiterates Ghana’s commitment to implementing 31 mitigation and adaptation actions across seven economic sectors in its nationally determined contributions to the UNFCCC drafted in 2015. The update also covered 19 policy areas and translated into 47 adaptation and mitigation programs of action.
• The 47 climate actions are expected to build the resilience of over 38 million people, generate absolute greenhouse gas emission reductions of 64 MtCO2e, create over one million jobs and avoid 2,900 deaths due to improved air quality by 2030.
• The revised NDCs contains policies including new technologies that lower carbon lock-in and reduce the cost of transition, recognizes the need to bring sub-national private actors on board and provisions for details on investment needs and approaches to drive finance. It also took into consideration the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on all sectors. 

In its 4th Communication to the UNFCCC, Ghana noted some of the key strides that had been made in climate protection since signing the Paris Agreement in 2016:

• Adoption of a 2018-2019 Medium-Term Development Framework Plan that highlights climate change as a priority
• Adoption of the Renewable Energy Master Plan in 2016
• Promulgation of the Petroleum Exploration and Development Act, 2016 (Act 919), to restrict the flaring of gas in petroleum exploration and development
• Establishment of the SDG Delivery and Green Fund in 2019 with the target of raising USD100 million and USD 200 million respectively
• The Forestry Commission had signed an agreement to deliver six million tons of greenhouse gas emissions reduction under the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Program with the World Bank in 2019.
• Investment of USD200 million in the Greater Accra Resilient Integrated Development Project to improve flood risk and solid waste management in the Odaw River led by the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation with funding from the World Bank
• Investment of more than USD100 million in the Northern drylands to build the resilience of smallholder farmers and the fragile ecosystem they depend on for livelihood since 2016
• Investment of nearly USD670 million in seven sea defense projects across Ghana’s coastline over the last decade
• In light of COVID-19, the government of Ghana launched the process to develop a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in an effort to build nationwide resilience to climate change impacts. Supported by the UN Environment Program (UNEP), Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be executing the NAP project, which is funded by the Green Climate Fund for USD2.97 million.

In 2020, the governments of Ghana and Switzerland signed an agreement on climate protection. This agreement signed to strengthen the mode of cooperation between the two countries under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate actions will facilitate Ghana’s National Clean Energy Access Programme (NCEP), which will enable the country to receive international financial support to implement projects to fulfill its climate commitments.

• The Paris Agreement applies to Hong Kong.
• In January 2017, Hong Kong released the Climate Action Plan 2030+ which outlines its targets, including reducing its carbon intensity by 65% to 70% by 2030 using 2005 as a base.
• Hong Kong will review its climate change efforts every 5 years since 2019 and align them with the submission timelines under the Paris Agreement. 
• The carbon reduction plan includes phasing down coal for electricity generation and replacing it with natural gas by 2030.

Hungary signed the Paris Agreement on 22 April 2016 and ratified the agreement on 5 October 2016. As other member states of the European Union, Hungary committed to carbon neutrality by 2050. The latest commitment is for the EU to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990.

In June 2020, Hungary accepted a law to achieve total carbon neutrality by 2050, meaning that there will be no more emission of greenhouse gases than the environment absorbs. According to the legislation, the year 2030 is a milestone, which requires that by this time the country's total emissions should not exceed 40% of the emission in 1990.

• Italy signed the Paris Agreement on April 22, 2016, and ratified the agreement with Law No. 204 of November 4, 2016. Italy has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030 (base year 1990), with the aim of decarbonization by 2050.
• Italy, in line with the provisions of the Energy and Climate Plan, is in the process of finalizing its long-term national strategy on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The strategy identifies possible decarbonization paths, considering different technological options, including the most innovative ones, which have not yet been fully implemented, to reach the 2050 climate neutrality target. Once finalized, the strategy will be submitted to the European Commission, and to the UNFCCC, in accordance with the Paris Agreement.

Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) held in December 2015, the Japanese government has adopted several governmental policies.

The Japanese government set in 2015 the goal of reducing emissions in FY 2030 by 26% from FY 2013, and established in June 2019 a reduction target of 80% for FY 2050. Both goals were reported to the UN Secretariat.

The Prime Minister announced in October 2020 the goal of making Japan carbon neutral by 2050. In April 2021, the Prime Minister also declared that Japan would seek to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 46% in FY 2030 from its FY 2013 levels, and would thereafter further strive toward a 50% reduction.

• Kenya signed the Paris Agreement on 22 April 2016 and ratified the agreement on 28 December 2016.¹ At the onset Kenya had committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030. This target has now been revised upwards to 32% by 2030.²
• The Climate Change Act currently forms the backbone of Kenya’s drive to address climate change. It was enacted in 2016 to provide a regulatory framework for an enhanced response to climate change. The Climate Change Act establishes the governance structures for climate change management in the country with the National Climate Change Council being responsible for oversight and coordination. It requires the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forestry to formulate a five-year National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) prescribing among others measures and mechanisms for the achievement of low carbon climate development. It also establishes the Climate Change Directorate as the lead government agency responsible for coordinating climate change plans and actions and related measurement, monitoring and reporting.
• The NCCAP 2018-2022 sets out the various measures that the government aims to take to realize low carbon climate resilient development. These measures include:
  • increasing renewable energy for electricity generation;
  • enhancing energy and resource efficiency; and
  • promoting clean, efficient, and sustainable energy technologies to reduce over-reliance on fossil fuels.

References

[1] United Nations: Kenya 
[2] United Nations: NDC Registry

• In light of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, and in view of different national circumstances, and the principles of flexibility as inscribed in the Paris Agreement and decision 18/CMA.1, reporting and transparency will improve over time in Mauritius. Following the submission of the Mauritius Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) on 1 October 2021, Mauritius will develop an Action Plan including details about policies and measures.  Future improvements, corrections, recalculations and/or modifications may also follow.
• Mauritius will continue to engage with stakeholders (including businesses, civil society, youths, students, women, senior citizen and the research community) to co-create and co-deliver solutions, amplify awareness and encourage a whole-of-nation effort to address climate change.
• Mauritius believes that setting out the climate policy aspirations and strategies well in advance will help provide a clear sense of direction, minimise any negative disruptions to the economy and workforce and keep Mauritius competitive in a carbon-constrained world.
• Climate Change is reflected, inter alia, in the following national policies and strategy documents:
  • Guideline for Climate Change Adaptation Strategy Coastal Setback (2016);
  • Grid Code for Medium Scale Distributed Generation (MSDG) (2016);
  • Net-Metering (Medium Scale Distributed Generation MSDG) (2016);
  • Green Energy SSDG Scheme for Cooperatives (2017); and
  • Vision 2030. 
• Various sectoral roadmaps include:
  • Renewable Energy Road map 2019 -2030 (being revised);
  • Electric Vehicle Integration Road map  2020-2030.
• Masterplans include:
  • Draft Master Plan on Environment (2021- 2030) (under finalisation);
  • Marine Spatial Planning;
  • Wastewater Master Plan;
  • the Master Plan for Energy Efficiency/Demand Side Management and Action Plan for the period 2016 to 2030;
  • Renewable Energy Strategic Plan 2018-2023), all published by the respective government agencies;
  • Land Drainage Master plan (under finalisation). 
• The Climate Change Act was gazetted on 28 November 2020 and came into force on 22 April 2021. Under the Act, the Department of Climate Change is responsible for the coordination and implementation of relevant commitments to ensure compliance with the international climate change agreements. An Inter-Ministerial Council on Climate Change sets national objectives, goals and targets with a view to making Mauritius a climate resilient and low emission country. A Climate Change Committee has also been set-up to enable multi-stakeholder participation for the preparation of the national climate change strategies and action plans for mitigation and adaptation.
• Further, besides the Climate Change Act, 2020, the existing regulatory framework to fight climate change has been strengthened with the following climate change; related legislations include:
  • Mauritius Renewable Energy Agency Act of 2015;
  • the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2016;
  • Land Drainage Authority Act of 2017;
  • Local Government (Amendment) Act, 2018; and
  • Mauritius Meteorological Act, 2019. 
• In March 2021, Mauritius prepared the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Policy, Strategic Framework and Action Plan reports which are closely aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and provide a pathway for achieving the internationally agreed priorities for action and targets in the Sendai Framework.
• Other initiatives and programmes to improve climate resilience are as follows:
  • The Adapt' Action Programme financed by AFD to the tune of EURO 2 million for the implementation of first Mauritius NDC.
  • Two National Adaptation Plans are being formulated to enhance resilience to climate change: (a) one on Infrastructure, bridges and culverts, Disaster Risk Reduction for flood prone areas and coastal zones, for a total of USD 2.5 million from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and (b) another on health for a total of USD 425,000 from the GCF.
  • Technical assistance on Institutional Gaps and Needs Assessment to operationalize the Department of Climate Change (Euro 100,000).
  • Operational study of the coastal risks in Mauritius and Rodrigues (coastal erosion and coastal inundation) (Euro 1 million).
  • Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis in the Agriculture sector (USD 105,000) under the SADC regional climate change programme.
  • Development of long-term strategies (2050) for the following sectors: energy, transport, agriculture and tourism (Euro 1.1 million) under AFD Facilité 2050.

• Mozambique ratified the relevant international instruments relating to the environment and has actively taken steps towards environmental safeguard and mitigating the effects of pollution as demonstrated below:
  • Through Resolution n. º 23/2017 of 29 December, Mozambique ratified the Paris Agreement on Climate Change;
  • In an attempt to meet the Paris Agreement goals, on 15 November 2018, the country validated and launched a Partnership Plan for Climate Action, aiming at supporting the country implementation of the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (“INDC”) 2020 - 2025, which highlights an ambitious mitigation commitment to reduce about 76.6MtCO2 per year from 2020 to 2030;
  • The INDC also determines the strengthening of the legal and institutional framework and the development and financing of 2.200MW new and renewable energy projects;
  • The enactment of the Decree n. º 23/2018 of 3 May, which approves the Regulation for Increase and Conservation of Carbon Reserve Programs and Projects toward Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (“REDD+ Decree). This Decree provides for the possibility of issuing, transferring and transacting and withdrawing emission reduction securities - Carbon Credits, by the Ministry of Economy and Finance;
  • Recently, in the historic COP 26, Mozambique committed to strengthen the use of less polluting energy sources in order to ensure the energy transition. The natural gas was pointed out as the main to be used by Mozambique bearing in mind the discovery of significant natural gas reserves in Rovuma Basin.

• The Netherlands is committed to several international agreements:
  • United Nations (UN) Climate Treaty of 1992.
  • Kyoto protocol from 1997 
• The UN Climate Treaty of 1992 is the first climate treaty made. The Kyoto protocol from 1997 states that the emission reductions differ from country to country and can be traded among each other. 

UNFCCC – Paris Commitments and beyond

• The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference will convene from 30 November to 12 December 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Incoming Presidency announced that COP 28 will focus on four paradigm shifts:
  • Fast-tracking the energy transition and slashing emissions before 2030;
  • Transforming climate finance, by delivering on old promises and setting the framework for a new deal on finance;
  • Putting nature, people, lives, and livelihoods at the heart of climate action; and
  • Mobilizing for the most inclusive COP ever. 
• In the wake of the Glasgow climate summit in 2021 (COP26), the Netherlands raised its national ambitions and is now aiming for a 60% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. The Dutch economy must be climate-neutral, fossil-free, nature-inclusive and fully circular by 2050 at the latest.
• The Netherlands stepped up its national ambitions after COP26 in Glasgow to bring them in line with the 1.5°C target set under the Paris Agreement.
• Water security will be among key green initiatives taken up by the UAE and the Netherlands ahead of the Cop 28 climate summit in Dubai later this year. Furthermore, the COP28 Presidency announced a partnership with the Netherlands and Tajikistan to serve as COP28 Water Champions. COP28 aims to give unprecedented attention to water risks and opportunities across the agenda, from agriculture to disaster prevention.
• The Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has also pledged to work with the COP28 host, UAE, to mobilize action on a $100 billion package to support lower-income communities around the world affected by climate change. 

Climate agreement

• The Climate Act provides for a roadmap to decrease emissions in line with the path of the Paris Agreement: 49% by 2030 compared to 1990, and 95% in 2050. The Energy production must be carbon neutral in 2050. It is possible that these targets will soon be raised to match the increased target of the European Union, who want to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030. The pace of reduction is currently not high enough to meet the 2030 and 2050 targets.

• New Zealand signed the Paris Agreement on 22 April 2016 and ratified the agreement on 4 October 2016. New Zealand has committed to reducing net greenhouse gas emissions (excluding biogenic methane) to zero by 2050.
• The New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme is the Government’s principal policy response to climate change. It supports global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining economic productivity. The scheme puts a price on greenhouse gas emissions and provides an incentive for industry participants to reduce emissions and plant forests to absorb carbon dioxide. Certain sectors are required to acquire and surrender emission units to account for their direct greenhouse gas emissions or the emissions associated with their products.

• Nigeria signed the Paris Agreement on 22 September 2016 and ratified the agreement on 16 May 2017. Nigeria is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions unconditionally by 20 percent, below business as usual by 2030, and conditionally by 45 per cent in line with Nationally Determined Conditions by 2015.
• The updated nationally determined contribution (NDC), dated 27 May 2021, represents the federal government’s policy response to climate change. Further to the NDC submitted in 2015, the federal government has introduced some key policies showing its commitment to implement the unconditional contribution. This includes, the elimination of kerosene lighting by 2030; a greater uptake of bus rapid transit; and a 50% reduction in the fraction of crop residues burnt by 2030.
• At the UN Climate Change Conference held in Glasgow (Cop26), the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria pledged that Nigeria would achieve a net zero target by 2060. This implies that the government will encourage/pursue renewable projects going forward.

• Norway and the EU have ratified the international Paris Agreement on climate change, and, like the EU, Norway has committed to a target of at least 40% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
• Norway allocates a significant amount of funding to REDD+ (Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries).
• According to CAT (“Climate Action Tracker”) Norway’s policies and actions have so far been rated as “Insufficient”, indicating that Norway’s climate policies and actions towards 2030 need substantial improvements to be consistent with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C temperature limit.

• Peru ratified the Paris Agreement in 2016 through Supreme Decree No. 058-2016-RE, with the objective of recognizing and prioritizing climate change, seeking to reduce net GHG emissions in the atmosphere by 30% by 2030. Peru was the first Spanish-speaking country in Latin America to ratify the Agreement, which entered into force in 2020.
• Peru Emissions Trading Scheme is currently being enhanced by the government to become one of the principal policies responses to climate change. It supports global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining economic productivity, especially in rural areas. The scheme puts a price on greenhouse gas emissions and provides an incentive for industry participants to reduce emissions and plant forests to absorb carbon dioxide.

Poland signed the Paris Agreement on April 22, 2016. As a member of the EU, Poland continues to work toward a major reduction of CO₂ emissions and to halt climate change. The goal set out by the Paris Agreement as well as the goals set out by the EU require immediate action from the Polish authorities, as Poland – with its current pace – is expected to fall behind these thresholds. Polish experts and journalists highlight several issues with Poland’s contribution to fighting climate change and priorities in which immediate action is recommended and required.

Current Polish efforts are guided not only by international commitments but also the Polish goal to transform its aging energy market structure by means of introduction of numerous renewable energy generation units as well as construction of the first nuclear power plant (it’s important to add that although the official plans of the Polish government rely on construction of a nuclear power plant, the whole process has not moved much within the last decade and no construction works have begun). The aim and a goal of these efforts is to reduce the share of coal-generated electricity in the whole electricity mix in Poland. There are many reasons for that: Poland’s coal power plants are old and are damaging the environment, prices of coal continue to rise, as Polish coal resources are decreasing, and its mining is becoming more and more unprofitable, and rapidly increasing prices of CO₂ emission certificates.

In summary, Poland is undertaking numerous efforts to comply to the green transformation and its international commitments, but a common conclusion on the Polish market is that the government is not doing enough to meet the required thresholds. Therefore, it’s widely accepted that in the next few years Poland needs rapid development in renewable energy sector.

• Decarbonization path to achieve emissions reduction of more than 85% in 2050 and compensation for other emissions through land and forest use.
• A 1.3 GW coal-fired power plant located in Sines was closed in January 2021, and a 0.6 GW Pego coal power plant ceased operations in November 2021. The Government indicates that natural gas electricity generation will be maintained until 2040.
• Both residential and service buildings will also make a significant contribution to decarbonization (reduction of over 96% compared to 2005), due to an almost total electrification of energy consumption, further supported by large energy efficiency gains through reinforcing the insulation of buildings, the use of solar heating and heat pumps.
• The use of hydrogen and advanced biofuels in the public transport system will also play an important role in replacing current fuels. The conversion of mobility in private vehicles into other forms of mobility (public, active, shared, autonomous) will significantly increase the volume of passengers or goods transported, without the need to increase fleets, particularly of private cars
• A central aspect of Portugal’s energy and climate policy is the Green Taxation Law, passed in 2014 to better align energy sector taxation with decarbonization goals. As part of the Green Taxation Law, Portugal established a carbon tax in 2015 that covers fossil fuel demand in all non-ETS sectors.

The national energy and climate plans (NECPs) were introduced by EU Regulation 2018/1999 on the governance of the energy union and climate action and serve the purpose of outlining how the EU countries intend to address energy efficiency, renewables, greenhouse gas emissions, research and innovation as well as other related subjects.

In accordance with EU Regulation 2018/1999, Romania developed its Integrated National Plan in the field of Energy and Climate Change 2021-2030, devised in accordance with EU’s five pillars of energy policy, taking into account the following elements:

• The holistic approach to energy, the economy, the environment and climate change should be closely linked to the economic reality of the Member States, so as not to affect the internal macroeconomic and social balance;
• Restructuring the market framework, in the context of transition-induced costs and the capacity of Member States to bear these costs, in terms of accessibility and competitiveness;
• Economic growth and income per household (by 2030);
• Reducing energy poverty.

In Senegal, there is the National Committee on Climate Change (COMNACC), which brings together all the ministries involved, local authorities, private sector, civil society, and institutions., local authorities, private sector, civil society, research institutions, etc. 

• Sweden is part of the Paris Agreement entered into 2015 and which came into force in November 2016. Sweden has committed to reducing net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050. Sweden has taken measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through nationally set climate goals. International implementation support to developing countries has been taken to contribute to the goal set up under the Paris Agreement.
• In 2017, Sweden adopted a climate policy framework. The framework is a key component in Sweden's efforts to honour the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Uganda ratified the Paris Agreement 2016 (an agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) on 21 September 2016. In line with this global commitment, Uganda’s Nationally Determined Contribution Support Programme seeks to help the country reduce greenhouse gas emissions in forestry and wetlands, energy, transport, and agriculture sectors.

It is projected that this programme will catalyse investment towards realizing Uganda’s commitment for a 22% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. In 2018, Uganda became the first country in Africa to sign the United Nations Development Programme Partnership Plan for Nationally Determined Contributions.

Paris Agreement

One of the UK’s main targets under the Paris Agreement was its commitment to reducing economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least 68% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and 100% by 2050 (net zero). 

The Climate Change Committee (an independent, statutory body established under the Climate Change Act 2008) has recommended that the UK take steps to become more energy efficient by switching low-carbon fuels for heating and transport, and moving towards electricity generated from renewables to meet net carbon zero targets. 

Since the Paris Agreement and following the UK's withdrawal from the EU, the UK has withdrawn from the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and has created a separate UK ETS, designed to price carbon emissions from UK participants. 

COP26

The COP26 green energy transition campaign is focused on accelerating the decarbonisation of the power sector by phasing out coal and supporting the rapid scaling up of renewable energy by ensuring renewables are the most attractive option for new power generation in all countries. 

The UK has committed £200 million of investment to the Accelerating Coal Transmission programme, which will be used to fund numerous schemes across several countries including India, South Africa and the Philippines to drive the global transition to greener energy. A reduction of 80% in coal energy is required for the UK to meet their ambitions to be net carbon zero by 2050, with coal accounting for a high proportion of the rising CO₂ emissions. 

Transitioning into more renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power or battery storage technologies will not only be more cost-effective, it will also provide critical climate benefits, as the decarbonisation from using more natural energy sources will reduce emissions. 

In order to meet long term net carbon zero targets, the UK is looking to cut greenhouse gas emissions urgently in the aftermath of COP26 to try and limit global heating to 1.5ºC in 2022. 

With regards to roads and transport systems, some of the largest global car manufacturers are working together to ensure that all new cars sold will produce zero emissions by 2040, which aligns closely with the UK’s own ambitious petrol and diesel car phase out dates as more consumers are switching to electric cars which produce lower emissions. Market leaders such as Tevva for instance, are scaling up their production of electric and hydrogen trucks at their London-based production facility.

These are just a few examples of the investments which the UK government are making both locally and globally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reach 2030 and 2050 net carbon targets which were reinforced in the COP26 agreement.