IPU, Alm.del - 2023-24 - Bilag 6: Outcomes of the 148th Assembly in Geneva

Dansk Interparlamentarisk Gruppes bestyrelse 2023-24
IPU Alm.del Bilag 6
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148th IPU Assembly

Geneva, 23–27 March 2024

Partnerships for climate action: Promoting access to

affordable green energy, and ensuring innovation,

responsibility and equity

Resolution adopted by consensus* by the 148th IPU Assembly

(Geneva, 27 March 2024)

The 148th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union,

Recalling

the objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

(UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement to strengthen the global response to climate change, as well as the

outcomes of the United Nations Climate Change Conferences (COPs), which underline the urgent need

for immediate, deep, rapid and sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions across all

applicable sectors based on available means of implementation, including through increased use of

low-emission and renewable energy, just energy transition partnerships, and other multilevel and

cooperative actions in the light of national circumstances,

Recalling also

the IPU resolution

Climate change – Let us not cross the line,

adopted at the

139th IPU Assembly in October 2018, the

Parliamentary action plan on climate change

endorsed by the

IPU Governing Council at its 198th session in March 2016, and the COP28 Parliamentary Meeting

outcome document of December 2023,

Noting

the importance of strengthening partnerships between all countries, parliaments,

public and private institutions (governmental, non-governmental and inter-parliamentary), and civil

society (especially vulnerable groups) to combat climate change, and that without such cooperation to

facilitate climate action, the impacts of climate change will be inevitable at all levels,

Recalling

the

COP28 UAE Consensus,

which has the potential to become a benchmark for

partnerships for climate action by laying out a response to the global stocktake, putting forward a plan to

close implementation gaps by 2030, calling on Parties to transition away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly

and equitable manner to reach net zero, recognizing the crucial need to scale up adaptation finance, and

introducing targets to triple renewable energy capacity globally and double the global rate of energy

efficiency improvements by 2030,

Recalling also

the ultimate objective of the UNFCCC to achieve stabilization of greenhouse

gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic

interference with the climate system,

Considering

that the Paris Agreement has established mechanisms and procedures

allowing countries to define their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to reduce greenhouse gas

emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change;

expressing appreciation

that all Parties to the

Paris Agreement have communicated NDCs that demonstrate progress towards achieving the Paris

Agreement temperature goal; and

noting

that more ambitious mitigation targets in NDCs are needed to

reduce emissions rapidly,

#IPU148

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Noting

the launch, during the COP26 meeting in Glasgow, of the Global Methane

Pledge, which is based on solid scientific data and contains a commitment to reduce global

methane emissions by at least 30% below 2020 levels by 2030,

Noting also

that, presently, more than 155 countries have signed the Global Methane

Pledge, and

recognizing

that only by drastically reducing methane emissions in the current decade

will it be possible to stay on track to avoid the average temperature rise in the atmosphere

exceeding the 1.5°C target,

Bearing in mind

that, despite making up only 16% of greenhouse gases, methane is

responsible for approximately a third of global warming and traps 80 times more heat than carbon

dioxide, although it dissipates in the atmosphere within decades, rather than centuries as is the

case for carbon dioxide, and

recognizing

both forestry activity, thanks to its vital importance in

capturing carbon dioxide, and the production of renewable raw materials for construction, such as

wood and its derivatives, as strategic for the sustainable development of countries,

Acknowledging

that the right to a clean and healthy environment, including the right to

have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations, is a fundamental

right enshrined in both national and international laws,

Considering

that parliaments play a fundamental role in the oversight and control of

government policies on environmental matters as well as in budgetary allocations and enacting

legislation, monitoring the implementation of corresponding legislation and regulations, and

ensuring alignment between national policies and international commitments,

Considering also

that many parliamentary initiatives address the need for urgent

financing and climate action, including the parliamentary platforms taking shape for climate action

against methane emissions,

Acknowledging

that reducing carbon emissions is critical in dealing with climate

change and mitigating environmental damage, and that renewable energy that does not degrade

ecosystems provides a cleaner and more sustainable means to meet energy demand, bringing

environmental sustainability and offering the further advantage of being able to provide power to

even the most underprivileged people living in the remotest areas,

Acknowledging also

that armed conflicts instigated by States or non-States have a

considerable impact on the climate, causing the release of significant amounts of carbon dioxide

and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to the destruction of ecosystems that

currently store carbon and absorb and remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, and

resulting in ecocide,

Acknowledging further

that the deployment of renewables in the power, heat and

transport sectors is one of the main enablers of keeping the rise in average global temperatures

within reach of 1.5°C, that the need to encourage the deployment of renewable energy has

increased in recent years, that more cities, regions and countries, both developed and developing,

are promoting and adopting policies to deploy renewable energy, and that concrete and easily-

measured environmental goals are paramount in this respect,

Emphasizing

the need for deep, rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas

emissions in line with 1.5°C pathways, as expressed in the decision on the first global stocktake at

COP28, by tripling renewable energy capacity globally and doubling the global average annual rate

of energy efficiency improvements by 2030 as well as through accelerating zero- and low-emission

technologies and transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems,

Welcoming

the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, which emphasizes accelerating

clean, sustainable, just, affordable and inclusive energy transitions through various pathways, as a

means of enabling strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth and achieving climate

objectives, and which calls for recognition of the needs, vulnerabilities, priorities and different

national circumstances of developing countries and support of strong international and national

enabling environments to foster innovation, voluntary and mutually agreed technology transfer, and

access to low-cost financing,

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Recognizing

the need expressed in the decision on the first global stocktake at

COP28 for States to contribute to global climate change efforts by accelerating zero- and

low

emission technologies, including renewables, nuclear, abatement and removal technologies,

and low-carbon hydrogen production,

Recognizing also

the importance of the agreement reached at COP27 to provide loss

and damage funding for vulnerable countries hit hard by floods, droughts and other climate

disasters, and

welcoming

the subsequent operationalization of the global fund for loss and damage

at COP28,

Recognizing further

the role of developed countries in providing support to and

enhancing cooperation with developing countries in transitioning to low-carbon, low-emission

economies;

emphasizing

the imperative to significantly scale finance to meet the urgent and

evolving needs of developing countries, including access to technology and low-cost financing;

advocating

a collective approach for technology transfer and development, knowledge sharing, and

cultivating innovative solutions as crucial to fostering socially just, sustainable and effective

progress; and

emphasizing

that every nation is responsible for creating an attractive investment

climate that can draw in both domestic and international capital to speed up change,

Noting

that developed countries, as the largest contributors to carbon dioxide and

greenhouse gas emissions, should bear the greatest responsibility,

Noting also

that the world’s population is growing at an unprecedented rate and that

this has resulted in a dramatic increase in energy demand globally, at a rate likely to be even more

rapid than population growth,

Aware

that, in an effort to meet this ever-increasing energy demand and address the

issue of global warming, breakthrough advances have been made in the design of technologies

that can control emissions and harness power from renewable and alternative energy sources, but

their costs remain unaffordable to many developing countries,

Recognizing

the need to promote and encourage new technologies to scale up

integration of battery energy storage systems, aimed at enabling greater integration of variable

renewable energy sources and fulfilling the dynamic energy requirements of a growing population,

Encouraging

the harmonization of zero- and low-carbon hydrogen standards with the

goal of fostering worldwide collaboration, facilitating trade and igniting innovation, which holds the

capacity to unlock economies of scale, promote technology transfer and development, expedite the

transition towards cleaner energy sources, and reach the full potential of renewable energy,

Welcoming

the collaborative initiatives on universal energy access from civil society

organizations for increased deployment of green energy technologies to bring energy access,

ensure energy security and drive energy transition,

Recognizing

the crucial role of grid interconnections, resilient energy infrastructure

and regional/cross-border power systems integration in enhancing energy security, fostering

economic growth, and facilitating universal energy access for all, in an affordable, reliable and

sustainable manner,

Highlighting

that climate change impacts individuals and communities differently, with

women, youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities, the populations of small island developing

States, indigenous groups and communities in vulnerable situations often bearing the brunt of its

consequences, and

calling for

coordinated efforts to ensure that actions to address these

challenges reflect a comprehensive and equitable approach to climate action, including through the

promotion of just transition pathways,

Recognizing

that women and girls are uniquely affected by the damaging effects of

climate change and that steps should be taken to support women’s leadership and decision making

in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, resilience-building and sustainable natural

resource management,

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Acknowledging

that youth are the most important and dynamic segment of the

population in a society, that they are agents of change, entrepreneurs and innovators, and that,

through education, science and technology, they are scaling up their efforts and using their skills to

accelerate climate action, taking account of their common needs, such as access to quality

education to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow, the availability of decent work, equality among

men and women, and a planet that is healthy, clean and sustainable,

Bearing in mind

that promoting climate culture and harnessing the perspectives, new

ideas and energy of young people constitute vital components in the broader efforts to address key

issues affecting people of all ages, such as achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),

peace and security, the right to education, health and social protection, gender equality, equal

socioeconomic and political opportunities, and fighting climate change,

Acknowledging

the importance of investments in sustainable, healthy lifestyles, just

and sustainable energy transitions, and accelerating progress with and achievement of the SDGs,

especially in developing countries, as well as in the context of the fight to eradicate poverty in all its

forms and dimensions,

Recognizing

that sustainable and responsible consumption, production and trade,

coupled with environmentally friendly life choices and lifestyles such as zero-waste approaches,

are key to achieving the SDGs, including climate goals and inclusive economic growth,

Recognizing also

the leadership of subnational governments in accelerating and

scaling up climate mitigation and adaptation action through the implementation of local and

regional climate plans and actions, while effectively engaging citizens and industry in the

transformative process towards responsible consumption and production,

Envisaging

a comprehensive transformation in energy efficiency measures and global

reduction in consumption, with the ambitious target of doubling the global annual rate of energy

efficiency improvement by 2030 in a nationally determined manner, taking into account the

UNFCCC and Paris Agreement and different national circumstances, pathways and approaches to

foster a sustainable and responsible energy landscape on a global scale, and

acknowledging

that

the global transition provides opportunities for and poses challenges to sustainable development,

economic growth and eradication of poverty, and thus requires a coherent, just transition in

different sectors of the national economy,

Recognizing

the importance of accelerating the development, transfer, deployment,

and dissemination of technologies, and of adopting policies to transition towards zero- and

low-emission energy systems, including, inter alia, renewables, nuclear, abatement and removal

technologies such as carbon capture and utilization and storage, particularly in hard-to-abate

sectors, and

emphasizing

the need to make these technologies available and as affordable as

possible to all,

Highlighting

the importance of addressing environmental challenges through united

climate actions and partnerships to safeguard the planet for present and future generations,

Emphasizes

that global warming is a collective challenge requiring strengthened

international cooperation and multilateral processes under the aegis of the UNFCCC

framework, based on the principles of equity and common but differentiated

responsibilities as outlined in Article 3.1 of the Convention and Article 2.2 of its Paris

Agreement; and

underscores

the need for added international support for developing

countries;

Encourages

parliaments to ensure a transition away from fossil fuels in energy

systems in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical

decade to achieve the goal of net zero emissions;

Stresses

the importance of enhancing a clean energy mix in line with 1.5°C pathways,

including zero- and low-emission and renewable energy, at all levels as part of

diversifying energy mixes and systems, in line with national circumstances and

recognizing the need for support towards just transitions; particularly for workers

whose jobs are affected by the transition away from fossil fuels;

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Affirms

support for promoting reliable, diversified, sustainable and responsible supply

chains for energy transitions, including for critical minerals and materials through

responsible sourcing practices and international cooperation;

Reaffirms

parliaments’ steadfast commitment, in pursuit of the objectives of the

UNFCCC, to tackle climate change by strengthening the full and effective

implementation of the Paris Agreement and its temperature goals, reflecting equity

and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective

capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances;

Encourages

parliaments to urge their respective governments to undertake policy

measures to combat climate change, promote renewable, zero- and low-emission

energy, implement various schemes and initiatives, including based on the COP28

global stocktake, and establish regulatory frameworks to support green energy

initiatives to the benefit of the people;

Calls on

parliaments to actively commit to collective climate action to cut methane

emissions, and ensure that:

(a) NDCs explicitly include reductions of methane emissions,

(b) legislative initiatives in national parliaments reduce methane emissions in the

energy and waste management sectors,

livestock farming as strategic economic activities,

(d) resources are allocated, including funding for research, technology development

and implementation of methane emissions reduction strategies;

Also calls on

parliaments to monitor whether government policies are effectively

aligned with the commitments and emission reduction goals established in the Global

Methane Pledge and the International Energy Agency’s 75% reduction goal;

Further calls on

parliaments to ensure that international funding in the coming years

focuses on aid, investments and deployment of innovative green technologies to

reduce methane emissions, namely by:

(a) detecting and repairing methane emissions from oil, gas and coal production and

distribution, upgrading obsolete equipment, reducing flaring and venting waste,

and applying drastic emissions controls,

(b) implementing better livestock and manure management practices,

reduction, requiring landfills to strictly control methane emissions, and diverting

organic waste to valorization processes such as composting, protein extraction

and energy production;

10.

Recognizes

that the unprecedented global energy crisis underlines the urgency to

rapidly transform energy systems to be more secure, reliable and resilient, including

by accelerating the clean, equitable, affordable and just transition to renewable,

zero- and low-emission energy;

Encourages

the collective actions and efforts to triple renewable energy capacity

globally through existing targets and policies, as well as to demonstrate similar

ambition with respect to other zero- and low-emission technologies, including, inter

alia, renewables, nuclear, abatement and removal technologies such as carbon

capture and utilization and storage, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors, and

low-carbon hydrogen production, in line with national circumstances;

Encourages

parliaments to urge their respective governments to meet their

international commitments to contribute to global climate change efforts by

accelerating zero- and low-emission technologies, including renewables, nuclear,

abatement and removal technologies, and low-carbon hydrogen production;

11.

12.

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13.

Urges

parliaments to press their governments to create international, national,

regional and local enabling environments and partnerships to foster innovation,

voluntary and mutually agreed upon technology development and transfer, and access

to low-cost financing, including capacity-building, grant-based finance and non-debt

instruments, taking into account the needs, vulnerabilities, priorities and different

national circumstances of developing countries;

Also urges

parliaments to press their governments to allocate specific budgetary

resources for climate action initiatives, focusing on the implementation of sustainable,

zero- and low-emission development strategies, and to prioritize capacity-building to

empower all nations, particularly those facing significant socio-economic challenges

and the adverse effects of climate change;

Encourages

parliaments to establish a parliamentary mechanism to systematically

monitor and report, through an evidence-based approach, the progress of

climate-related legislation and the mainstreaming of green budgeting in parliamentary

procedures, to ensure transparency and accountability of the climate actions taken;

Encourages

national parliaments to cooperate with other regional and international

parliaments on knowledge exchange and the transfer of best practices, policy

standards and legislation regarding climate action for sustainable development and

clean technology transfer and development;

Recommends

that the IPU, other inter-parliamentary institutions and platforms, and

national parliaments closely engage with relevant international climate stakeholders

including the UNFCCC finance architecture and its climate technology framework as a

means to strengthen parliamentary exposure and awareness on climate issues;

Urges

parliaments to cooperate with the public and private sectors to create a

conducive environment for investing in clean energy technologies and infrastructure,

capacity-building and technology transfer and development, as well as to promote

greater public-private partnership at the regional and international level, and to deliver

a more people-centred energy transition and climate-resilient development for all;

Calls upon

parliaments to urge their governments to work towards facilitating access

to low-cost financing for developing countries, for existing as well as new and

emerging clean and sustainable energy technologies, and for supporting just and

sustainable energy transitions;

Recognizes

the role of parliamentarians in raising awareness of climate change issues

and of the fact that children and youth will be significantly affected in the future by

climate change, and

calls on

governments to include youth in all climate negotiations;

Encourages

parliaments to ensure the meaningful and equal participation of women in

climate action, including gender-responsive implementation of climate goals;

Applauds

the initiative of the IPU to engage parliaments and parliamentarians in its

Parliaments for the Planet

campaign, which highlights that parliaments and

parliamentarians can be agents of change by contributing to ensure a just, inclusive,

equitable and sustainable transition through collective, individual and institutional

efforts;

Encourages

national parliaments to take stronger climate action by implementing the

IPU climate change tools, such as the

10 actions for greener parliaments,

to align their

work with greening initiatives, to take greater part in NDC processes and to call for

more ambitious climate action plans and goals that focus on people-centred and

community-led adaptation and a just and equitable energy transition at all levels;

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

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24.

Recognizes

that climate equity is impossible when entities responsible for climate

damage are not held accountable;

Emphasizes

the importance of considering climate change-related damages within

reparation mechanisms arising from internationally wrongful acts and of

acknowledging that major past, present and future large emitters have a great

responsibility in this respect;

Highlights

the need to define ecocide as unlawful or wanton acts committed with

knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or

long-term damage to the environment being caused by those acts.

25.

26.

India

and

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

expressed their opposition to the entire text of the resolution.

China

expressed reservations on preambular paragraphs 7 and 8, and operative paragraphs 7, 8

and 25.

Türkiye

expressed reservations on operative paragraphs 24, 25 and 26.