Negotiation Position Paper: Reviewing Progress on the Paris Agreement Working Programme by BC Council for International Cooperation

Policy Position Paper

Reviewing Progress on the Paris Agreement Working Programme Picture/ENB-IISD Kiera Worth

| Reviewing Progress on the Paris Agreement Working Programme (PAWP) PAWP Negotiation: Policy Position Paper By Jianfeng Qi, Colton Kasteel and Benjamin Georges-Picot | NGO Observers, BCCIC

VANCOUVER, BC | 15 October 2018 The resumed 48th sessions of the subsidiary bodies (SB48-2) and the sixth part of the first session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Paris Agreement (APA 1-6) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) took place from September 4th to 9th 2018, at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand. The Parties to the Convention and the signatories of the Paris Agreement are making progress toward a December 2018 deadline for adopting the Paris Agreement Working Programme (PAWP) – a document containing the foundational elements of the implementation guidelines for the operationalization of the Paris Agreement. NGO Observers from the BC Council for International Cooperation (BCCIC)’s Youth Delegation Program monitored the negotiations at the Bangkok Climate Change Conference. As members of the youth constituency of the UNFCCC, we worked with YOUNGO on the negotiation front and participated in core constituency works with the Bottom-Lining Team (BLT) of YOUNGO. The additional session in Bangkok was intended to accelerate the negotiation progress on the draft document of the Paris Agreement Working Program (PAWP), or the Paris Rulebook. The PAWP is “a set of decisions that will operationalize the Paris Agreement on climate change and facilitate its implementation, which is expected to be adopted at the Katowice Climate Change Conference.”i The PAWP is extremely crucial for the timely implementation of the Paris Agreement, which is due to enter into force at COP 24. The goal of the PAWP is to set a common guideline for Parties to be able to communicate, report and review their national climate action, and strengthen their ambitions in accordance with individual Parties’ capabilities in a cohesive and transparent way. For the Paris Agreement to be successful, accountability of the Parties is crucial and international monitoring is required to ensure all Parties to the Paris Agreement accomplish their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These highlight the importance of a clear, robust and ambitious implementation guideline for global climate action. As the World Resources Institute’s Project for Advancing Climate Transparency (PACT) Working Paperii wrote:

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

Clear guidelines will enable all Parties to understand their obligations and how to facilitate implementation of their obligations. Robust guidelines will signal that the Agreement will be implemented on a level playing field, and ensure that countries’ communications about their emissions and efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change match actual emissions and progress. Ambitious guidelines will help guide the Parties to achieve the long-term goal set by the Agreement which is limiting the global temperature rise this century to well below 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Ensuring the timely delivery of the PAWP is vital for Parties to enhance their NDCs by 2020 and a prerequisite for the scheduled first Global Stocktake (GST) in 2023. By December 2018, Parties must finish all necessary negotiation to complete the PAWP. Despite the tight due date, the implementation guidelines cannot sacrifice the ambitious elements in exchange for a speedy delivery. This position paper briefly outlines our views on some of the items under negotiation for the PAWP. These positions and suggestions were developed based on the latest draft texts dated 9 September 2018 at 16:00 (Bangkok time)iii – hereinafter referred to as the ‘SB 48.2 conclusion texts.’ Navigating through the 307-page conclusion texts and assessing all agenda items are challenging tasks. Thus, we focused on a few of the negotiation items that we felt are the most important for the implementation of the Paris Agreement. This is not to say that the ones not included are not vital, but our expertise unfortunately does not cover all of the PAWP areas. Further insights into the agenda items under negotiation were provided by the WRI-PACT’s working paper: Setting the Paris Agreement in Motion: Key Requirements for the Implementing Guidelines (see endnote ii).

The BCCIC Youth Delegation is a member of YOUNGO, the children and youth constituency of the UNFCCC. The delegation is administered by the BC Council for International Cooperation (BCCIC), a member of Climate Action Network Canada (CAN-Rac).

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Table of contents: APA-3

Guidance on the mitigation section of NDC

Page 4

SBI-6

NDC registry

Page 10

SBI-5

Common time frames

Page 12

SBI-17(b)

Forum on the impact of the implementation of response measures

Page 14

APA-4

Guidance on the adaptation section of NDC

Page 18

SBI-7

Adaptation communications registry

Page 24

SBI-11 & 12

Report of the Adaptation Committee and matters relating to least developed countries

Page 26

APA-8(a)

Adaptation Fund

Page 31

SBI-14(a)

Periodic assessment on the Technology Mechanism

Page 37

APA-5

Transparency framework

Page 40

APA-6

Global stocktake

Page 55

APA-7

Facilitating implementation and promoting compliance

Page 59

Article 6 of the Paris Agreement

SBSTA-12

Matters relating to cooperative approaches and non-market mechanism

Page 64

Article 9, paragraph 7, of the Paris Agreement

SBSTA-13

Matters relating to climate finance

Page 67

Article 9, paragraph 5, of the Paris Agreement

SBI-15

Climate Finance: Identification of the information to be provided by Parties

Page 73

Article 4 of the Paris Agreement and paragraphs 22–35 of decision 1/CP.21 Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and paragraphs 36–40 of decision 1/CP.21 Article 7 of the Paris Agreement and paragraphs 41, 42 and 45 of decision 1/CP.21 Article 9 of the Paris Agreement and paragraphs 52–64 of decision 1/CP.21 Article 10 of the Paris Agreement and paragraphs 66–70 of decision 1/CP.21 Article 13 of the Paris Agreement and paragraphs 84–98 of decision 1/CP.21 Article 14 of the Paris Agreement and paragraphs 99–101 of decision 1/CP.21 Article 15 of the Paris Agreement and paragraphs 102 and 103 of decision 1/CP.21

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APA-3: Further guidance in relation to the mitigation section of decision 1/CP.21 APA-3 concerns further guidance in relation to the mitigation section of decision 1/CP.21 on: a) features of nationally determined contributions, as specified in paragraph 26; b) information to facilitate clarity, transparency and understanding of nationally determined contributions, as specified in paragraph 28; and c) accounting for Parties’ nationally determined contributions, as specified in paragraph 31 One of the core components of the Paris Agreement is the requirement for Parties to submit their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) containing the type of climate action the Party is intending to implement in the implementation period. Further guidance provided would help Parties to understand what information and level of detail Parties are required to submit. The guidance will also serves as a guideline on what GHGs, sectors, and targets are under review to achieve comparable reporting. Parties should follow the TACCC principles prescribed by Article 4.13 of decision 1/CP.21 – namely: transparency, accuracy, completeness, comparability, and consistency. Parties should also avoid double accounting in the further guidance. Features of Nationally Determined Contributions For the first section, contention arose due to differing understanding and definitions by Parties of the ‘features’ of NDCs, and over the fact that some NDC features are already addressed by Articles 3 and 4 of the Paris Agreement and under other agenda items. There are three parts to the first section of APA-3: (a) Existing features (b) New/additional features, and (c) Guidance/Elaboration on features In the SB 48.2 conclusion texts, the co-facilitators compiled 3 options for the first part: • • •

Option 1: Lists all features prescribed under different articles of the Paris Agreement; Option 2: Mentions features are prescribed under different articles of the Paris Agreement, and includes flexibility for LDCs and SIDS and further guidance as required for consideration; Option 3: No text.

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Position APA-3.1.1 It is of our opinion that Parties should adopt option 2 of the proposed texts for the features required in the NDCs already exist in the various articles of the Paris Agreement; and the inclusion of flexibility consideration for the LDCs and SIDS is crucial for the principle of CBDR and climate equity.

For the second part (New/additional features): •

•

Option 1: List of any new and additional features including the sectors under accounting and not under accounting, quantified support for developing countries, mitigation features related to bunker fuels, low-carbon and climate resilience (long-term) development strategies, quantifiability of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent), conditions and circumstances of capacity without support, linkage to long-term strategy, meaningful data and baselines, information required, and linkages to domestic development or poverty eradication strategies; Option 2: No text.

Position APA-3.1.2 We believe Parties may include features not specified in the Agreement to increase their climate ambition, while in accordance to the nationally determined nature of the NDCs. Textualizing additional features such as bunker fuel mitigation, carbon dioxide equivalent quantifiability, linkages to long-term development and poverty eradication strategies, and meaningful data and baselines is important for enhancing the ambition of the Parties and assist in the success of the Paris Agreement.

For the third part (Guidance/Elaboration on features): • •

Option 1: Guidance addressing all or a subset of features set out in the first and second part, where such guidance would assist Parties in preparing and communicating their NDCs; Option 2: No text.

Position APA-3.1.3 Providing further guidance on the features addressed in the first and second part of the NDC feature section is crucial for a common understanding by Parties on the features of the NDCs. Such guidance should reflect the Fiji Spirit of ambition and inclusivity and able to reflect future ambitions over time. Necessary flexibility should be provided to the LDPs and SIDS.

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Information Provided by Parties to Facilitate Clarity, Transparency, and Understanding of NDCs The second section of the APA-3 presents the most divergence of views from Parties. The guiding questions by the co-facilitator are: • • •

How could the ICTU elements within different sections be better organised and expressed more succinctly? Which elements of the guidance for ICTU needs to be decided by COP 24? Which elements of the guidance for ICTU, if any, can be addressed under APA item 3 sub-item on Accounting; which elements could be addressed under the transparency framework; and which elements could be addressed elsewhere?

ICTU is a complex topic for it guides Parties to achieve many of the key requirements of the Paris Agreement. Parties are held accountable to the requirements by ICTU under the prescription of articles 4.3-4.5 and 4.13 of the Paris Agreement which ask Parties to prepare, communicate, maintain and be accounted for their NDCs. Its main objectives are summarized by WRI-PACT’s working paper (see page 17 of the working paper mentioned in endnote ii): • • • • • •

Enable accountability to the Paris Agreement requirements and goals; Assess collective progress towards global GHG emissions reduction; Provide context on the Parties’ national circumstances and improve the understanding of the impacts on the Parties’ NDCs; Explain plans and actions of the Parties’ mitigation measures to achieve their NDCs; Provide information on Parties’ financial and other support needs; Explain the Parties’ individual efforts recognizing CBDR.

Position APA-3.2.1 We support Option 1 in section II.C.(c). Revision that revision of guidance at a future point following experience with implementation is welcomed. We recommend the appropriate timing for this revision should be after each mandated global stocktake – meaning the first revision to the ICTU section should be in 2024.

Position APA-3.2.2

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With regard to substantive elements mentioned in line 138 to line 267 in the SB 48.2 conclusion texts, we believe the Parties should adopt the third proposed reporting requirement: Those parties with GDP/emissions/per capita cumulative historical emissions above a particular level to provide information on all the following elements and other Parties to provide information at their discretion/provide information on the following elements over time. We believe this is a way to ensure all Parties, including both developing and developed, that have contributed or is contributing to anthropogenic global climate change, will be held accountable under the Paris Agreement to maximize global climate action. Such historical emission figures should be determined by CMA without prejudice and based on IPCC methodologies.

Position APA-3.2.3 With regard to substantive elements mentioned in line 268 to line 403 in the SB 48.2 conclusion texts, we believe the Parties should agree to include the information mentioned, especially the following: • • • • • •

Specific information on compliance to implementation (line 279); Specific information on review & verification (line 280); Information on economy-wide absolute emission reduction targets (line 301); Information on domestic measures, including both existing and anticipated additional laws, plans and policies (line 313-314); Expected emissions trajectory that will be followed by the Party to meet its mitigation goal (line 324); Reported emission level changes due to improvements in transparency, accuracy, completeness, comparability and consistency of data, if applicable (line 325-326);

We believe the inclusion of the majority of the elements mentioned in line 268 to 403 will better Parties’ accountability and provide more information on their NDC actions.

Position APA-3.2.4 With regard to substantive elements mentioned in line 404 to line 490 in the SB 48.2 conclusion texts, we believe the Parties should agree to include some of the information mentioned as some of the elements are not within APA-3 mandate, especially the following:

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• • • • • •

Line 404-419 on Adaptation is not within APA-3 mandate; Line 420-431 on Support is within APA-3 mandate; Line 432-450 on Finance is within APA-3 mandate, insofar as to mitigation projects; Line 451-470 on Technology is within APA-3 mandate, insofar as to mitigation; Line 471-486 on Capacity-Building is not within APA-3 mandate; Line 487-489 on Support Needs/Received is not within APA-3 mandate.

Although adaptation communications are not within APA-3’s mandate, we strongly believe that NDCs should include extensive information on adaptation. The same goes to capacity-building and support needs/received. These items should not be discussed under the mitigation section agenda, but in other agenda items. However, as mentioned, we support a comprehensive and strong NDC guideline that would require Parties to provide as much information as possible for an ambitious implementation.

Accounting for Parties’ NDCs (Mitigation Section) Parties are expected to account for their NDCs. The accounting of NDCs will help Parties enhance their subsequent NDCs and inform the international community on their climate action progresses. The need for accounting guidance is summarized in WRI-PACT’s working paper (see page 18 of the working paper mentioned in endnote ii): • • • •

Defining how to track and report progress in a comparable and transparent manner; Ensuring measurable emissions reduction, in line with Paris Agreement principles; Enabling comparability; and Enabling participation in cooperative approaches and the transfer of internationally transferable mitigation outcomes (Article 6 mechanism).

Position APA-3.3 We concur with the suggestions by WRI-PACT (see page 19 of the working paper mentioned in endnote ii). On a few specific points: 1. Channel (line 574) a. On Channel, there should be a specification of the channel of reporting, including the NDC document, the Enhanced Transparency Framework, and other necessary reports. b. Such accounting methodologies should be consistent throughout. 2. Revision (Line 592) a. Parties should be able to review and revise the guidance at a future point following the experience with the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

b. The CMA should define the year of the first review of the guidance, upon consultation with the Parties as well as the civil societies and UN organizations. 3. Harmonization of accounting rules with those developed by ICAO and IMO a. We believe it is important to ensure transparency, clarity and understanding of what is reported by and how are accountings done by ICAO and IMO. Such guidance should harmonize respective accounting rules with those developed by ICAO and IMO. 4. The specific elements a. We believe that there should be a consistency in accounting of the specific elements. b. We believe that Accounting for Adaptation (line 857) is outside of the mandate of APA-3, nevertheless an important element to consider. c. We believe Accounting for Support (line 862) is within the mandate of APA-3, insofar as to mitigation support provided.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

SBI-6: Development of modalities and procedures for the operation and use of a public registry referred to in Article 4, paragraph 12, of the Paris Agreement (NDC Registry) SBI-6 concerns the development of the Nationally Determined Contribution Registry referred to in Article 4, paragraph 12 of the Paris Agreement. It is a registry designed to store all NDCs from Parties for public access and custodianship in order to fulfil Agreement requirement as a mean of submission. Until the modalities and procedures of the public NDC registry are finalized, communicated NDCs are registered and available in the interim NDC registry. The current interim NDC registry stores all INDCs and already submitted NDCs of Parties and is maintained by the Secretariat and is accessible at http://www4.unfccc.int/ndcregistry/Pages/Home.aspx. We view the current interim NDC registry as fully functional and without issue. We do agree that the current interim NDC registry can be improved in terms of usability and the inclusion of 6 UN languages as well as clearer tabular functions as suggested by Parties. Position SBI-6.1 On the establishment and the operationalization of the NDC public registry, we believe Parties should adopt Option 3: Improve the interim registry based on the detailed elements of the public registry referred to in Article 4, paragraph 12 of the Paris Agreement including those presented below; The interim NDC registry is fully functional with minor details to be improved for the final operationalization.

Position SBI-6.2 It is of our opinion that Parties should conform to a single file format requirement for the NDC registry to ensure the security, accessibility, and readability of the NDC documents. We believe Parties should consider the following file format: A portable document format (PDF) file in accordance with ISO 32000-2:2017 (PDF 2.0) that is technologically secured against editing after completion (not password-protected).

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

Position SBI-6.3 On the maintenance of the NDC public registry, we believe Parties should adopt Proposal 1: The public registry constitutes an archive and continue to record all previously submitted NDCs, as a matter of public record; It is important that past NDC communications are kept for public record purposes to ensure maximum accountability of the Parties.

Position SBI-6.4 We strongly against the proposal that no search and/or tabular functions should be included in the NDC registry. The reasoning provided for this proposal is incompatible with the principles of the Agreement. The search and tabular functions are crucial for the usability of the registry and for public accessibility.

The interlinkages between this agenda item and SBI-7 (Adaptation Communications Registry) is an opportunity to explore potential measures to reduce workload and simplify the reporting process. This will be address in the SBI-7 section (Position SBI-7.4).

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SBI-5: Common time frames for nationally determined contributions referred to in Article 4, paragraph 10, of the Paris Agreement In the first round of NDC submission, Parties’ NDC implementation timeline varies as some with an end date in 2025 and others in 2030. Paragraph 23 and 24 of decision 1/CP.21 requests Parties to update their NDCs in 2020 regardless of their first-round end date(s) and do so every 5 years thereafter. Although Article 4.9 indicates that Parties need to submit NDCs every 5 years starting 2020, there are no requirements in decision 1/CP.21 regarding implementation periods. Further, if Parties do not have a unified timeframe for implementation, it will complicate the stocktaking of NDC progress and the assessment of collective implementation level. Thus, it is important for the PAWP to include a common timeframes guidance for comparability across Parties. Morgen et al. cited in the WRI-PACT’s working paper believe the 5-year cycle was an international acknowledgement that dynamic political response to climate change would be driven by “innovation, economic, and technological changes, and scientific updates, resulting in regular and rapid scaling up of actions and investments” (see Box 2/p. 13 of the working paper mentioned in endnote ii). Position SBI-5.1 We believe Parties should adopt the following common timeframe consideration, similar to what has been proposed under the 5-year section: •

•

• •

Parties to communicate NDCs with Dynamic Contribution 5+5 approach which containing 5year targets + 10-year indicative targets in 2025, with implementation starting 1 January 2031 and 1 January 2036, respectively; Both the 5-year and the 10-year targets will be communicated in 2025; and o the 5-year targets later updated by 2030, taking into account the outcome of the global stocktake in 2028; and o the indicative 10-year targets later updated by 2035, taking into account the outcome of the global stocktake in 2033; Subsequent NDCs with the same cycle shall be communicated every 5 years thereafter with a reference to the most recent global stocktake referred to in Article 14 of the Paris Agreement; Flexibility applies to LDCs and SIDS: [5-year indicative/firm targets], [10-year indicative/firm targets], [5-year firm + 5-year indicative targets], [5-year firm + 10-year indicative targets] at their discretion/over time based on national circumstances and implementation capacity.

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A reporting schedule under Position SBI-5.1 for Parties excluding LDCs and SIDS would look like: 5-Year Target

Indicative 10-Year Target

Implementation Target Period Year

2028+2033

2031-2035

2035

2036-2040

2040

2033+2038

2036-2040

2040

2041-2045

2045

Domestic Communication Planning Date Period

GST Update Year

2025

2025-2030

2030

2030-2035

Continue with the same cycle of reporting

Position SBI-5.2 We disagree with the approach that all developing countries require flexibility in terms of the common timeframe for implementation periods. We believe the flexibility given in light of CBDR and climate equity under the NDC elements is enough for developing country Parties excluding LDCs and SIDS. Thus, in our approach to common timeframes, we only considered flexibility for the most vulnerable Parties.

Position SBI-5.3 We believe it is useful that the same common time frames should be applied for mitigation component, adaptation component and provision of support of NDC.

Position SBI-5.4 We believe developed country Parties should provide support for and strengthen cooperation in terms of capacity-building for developing country Parties to achieve the implementation periods prescribed by the set common timeframes: enhancing developing country Partiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; capacity to implement mitigation and adaptation project domestically and adjust, adapt, enhance developing country Partiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, inter alia, domestic institutions, research and monitoring facilities, and enforcement capability.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

SBI/SBSTA 17 (b)/9(b): Modalities, work programme and functions under the Paris Agreement of the forum on the impact of the implementation of response measures Article 4.15 of the Paris Agreement asks Parties to take into consideration in the implementation of the Agreement the concerns of Parties with economies most affected by the impacts of response measures, particularly developing country Parties. The international community recognizes that Parties may be affected not only by climate change but also by the impact of measures taken in response to it, that these impacts may be both positive and negative. The Paris Agreement established a forum that facilitates discussion on ways to maximize the positive and minimize the negative impact of response measures. Position SBI-17(b).1 We concur with the SB 48.2 conclusion texts regarding the Principles of the Forum that it should be: • • • • • • •

Action oriented; Permanent; Facilitative; Collaborative and enhances cooperation; Interactive; Transparent; Enhanced governance of response measures.

Such forum is of great importance for the developing country Parties and the impacts of the implementation of response measures must be addressed to ensure the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, just transition, and climate equity being conformed to.

Position SBI-17(b).2 In terms of the Functions section, we believe textual recognition of the functions of the forum is needed to ensure all Parties are clear as to what this forum would perform. Thus, we hope Parties would adopt Option 1 from the SB 48.2 conclusion texts for the final decision text.

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Position SBI-17(b).3 On the Work Programme, we believe Parties should adopt the following texts for the final decision text: 3. The work programme to be flexible and take a dynamic approach; (Option 1) 4. In the work programme, the forum will recognize the different needs, stages of economic development and levels of current and potential economic diversification of Parties, to reflect the principle of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances; (Option 2 with modification) 5. The work programme to address the concerns of Parties with economies most affected by the impacts of response measures, particularly developing country Parties, to comprise the following areas of work: (Option 2) (a) Economic diversification and transformation; (b) Just transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs; (c) International trade and investment, value chain integration, inclusive growth and poverty reduction; (d) Study or assessment of the impacts of implementation of response measures, taking into consideration all relevant policy issues of concern; (e) Any other areas identified in line with the functions above. 6. The detailed work programme includes: (Option 1) (a) Developing sector-specific case studies aimed at sharing success stories and lessons learned and addressing the barriers to implementing diversification strategies for sectors and industries vulnerable to or affected by response measures; (b) Capacity-building through regional training programmes to enable countries to use existing methodologies and tools and/or the tools developed by the forum, including modelling tools; (c) Developing specific guidelines for developed countries on how to report of actions and impacts related to the implementation of response measures in such a way as to promote actions to minimize adverse impacts; (d) Examining and reviewing the impacts of response measures comparatively (domestic versus cross-border impacts); (e) Developing guidelines for monitoring and reporting impacts and measures undertaken to address or minimize negative impacts of the implementation of response measures; (f) Increasing private investment flows to help economic diversification; (g) Designing policies to facilitate trade competitiveness in line with the mitigation outcomes referred to in Article 4 of the Paris Agreement; 15

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

(h) Maximizing the net positive effects of mitigation actions on employment creation, unemployment and underemployment, which could take into account key economic sectors and issues, and help inform national policy options to achieve optimal outcomes; (i) Bringing together stakeholders relevant to a just transition and the creation of decent work and quality jobs; (j) Developing training and retraining systems for workers affected by the implementation of mitigation outcomes.

Position SBI-17(b).4 On Governance, we agree with Parties that this forum must be inclusive, interactive, and transparent. Further, we believe: 1. The forum should operate as a permanent executive committee on the impact of implementation of response measures to be established under the CMA, with a negotiating arm (forum under the PA) and a permanent technical arm (technical expert group); 2. This executive committee shall be composed of majority of members from developing country Parties, to be elected by CMA 3. This executive committee shall develop its rules and procedures, as well as determining its membership composition for approval by the CMA; 4. The committee and its arms should meet in conjunction with the sessions of the SBI and the SBSTA; 5. The forum will determine 5-year workplans with a review every three years, in line with its work programme and functions.

Position SBI-17(b).5 We believe the forum should operate on the following modalities to implement its work programme: • • • • • • •

Technical studies and reports; Sharing of experience, best practices and views; Reviews; Technical expert groups; Guidelines; Case studies, concrete examples and best practices; Pilot projects;

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• • •

In-session and intersession workshops; Working with external stakeholders and organizations; Regional training workshops.

These modalities should be in line with decision 11/CP.21.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

APA-4: Further guidance in relation to the adaptation communication, including, inter alia, as a component of nationally determined contributions, referred to in Article 7, paragraphs 10 and 11, of the Paris Agreement The Paris Agreement requires Parties to “submit and update periodically an adaptation communication, which may include its priorities, implementation and support needs, plans, and actions, without creating any additional burden for developing country Parties” (Article 7.10 of the Paris Agreement).The adaptation communication will help Parties enhance adaptive capacity, reduce risk vulnerability, and build resilience. The communication will also help the Secretariat to assess global adaptation needs and determine the support needed to facilitate undertaking appropriate actions to address the gap in implementation. The role of the adaptation communication is further defined in Article 7.14 and paragraph 99 of the Paris Agreement and decision 1/CP.21, as summarized in the WRI-PACT’s working paper (see page 20 of the working paper mentioned in endnote ii): • • • •

Recognize the adaptation efforts of developing country Parties; Review the adequacy and effectiveness of adaptation and support provided for adaptation; Review the overall progress made in achieving the global goal on adaptation; Provide guidance to enhance the implementation of adaptation action taking into account the adaptation communication.

Parties need to take the quality, scope, specificity, measurability, and timeline of the communication into their consideration for enhancing the overall ambition of the PAWP. There were difficulties in finding a common ground during the negotiation on this agenda item. Parties cannot agree on the right vehicle to communicate their adaptation communications. This would jeopardize the important element of consistency and comparability needed to inform the global stocktake and the assessment. In addition, Parties have different views on what elements should constitute the adaptation communications. The current broad consensus on the core elements are as follow: • • • •

National circumstances Assessment of impacts, vulnerabilities, and risks Adaptation priorities, plans, policies, strategies, and planned actions Adaptation support needs of developing country Parties

The Need for Climate Adaptation Adaptation is a top priority for many developing country Parties. Climate change exacerbates natural disasters and increase the risks in many developing countries. Climate change affects the most

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

vulnerable population the most. The need for adaptation in disaster-prone areas is a matter of people’s lives and livelihoods. Position APA-4.1 We believe that developed country Parties need to recognize the adaptation need for developing country Parties. Addressing climate adaptation is addressing human rights and global climate and intergenerational equity. In an abstract way, the focus on mitigation versus the focus on adaptation can be summarized to a 65:35 ratio. Although mitigation would reduce the future need for adaptation, but we cannot sacrifice the lives of billions of people living in the presence. Therefore, in our view, climate justice also encompasses the idea that we need to balance the need to reduce emissions for a sustainable future and the lives of the people living on this planet today.

Potential Vehicles for Adaptation Communications There are three potential vehicles for adaptation communications. However, each one of them carries a specific purpose, and thus may be the best candidate for the adaptation communications prescribed under the Paris Agreement: •

• •

Nationally determined contributions (NDCs): It is a commitment and communications vehicle for the ease international readership. It contains an overview of the national adaptation plan and what the country is doing in terms of climate adaptation. The reporting timeframe is every 5 years prescribed by the Paris Agreement. National Adaptation Plans (NAPs): Started in 2011, NAP is a national planning process that contains detailed adaptation plans domestically. The reporting timeframe was not set for NAPs. National Communications (NCs): An optional communication vehicle for Parties to report adaptation and mitigation efforts described in decision 5/CP.17 at COP 17. It contains detailed and both backward- and forward-looking information but lacks readership and follow-up. The reporting timeframe is every 4 years.

Position APA-4.2 It is of our opinion that National Communications (NCs) is not an appropriate vehicle for adaptation communications for its flexibility and the optional nature prescribed by the language used in decision 5/CP.17 (“invites”). Parties should balance the elements under consideration and decide to include the

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

adaptation communications in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) or the National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).

Purpose and Principles The Adaptation Communications must not place additional reporting burdens on countries, especially on developing country Parties. However, such communications must “primarily be a mechanism for advancing adaptation action and securing political commitment” (WRI-PACT working paper, p. 23). Position APA-4.3 On section 2 (Purpose), we believe Parties should partially adopt Option 1 in the SB 48.2 conclusion texts for the final decision text, providing the following changes be made: (d) Strengthen adaptation action, enhance and catalyse technological and financial support for developing countries; (g) Communicate adaptation efforts of developing countries for recognition, at developing country Parties’ discretion; We believe there should be an emphasis on technological transfer and financial support to the developing country Parties by the developed country Parties. We also believe that the recognition of efforts should be optional for developing country Parties to avoid procedural scrutiny over their adaptation efforts.

Position APA-4.4 On section 4 (Principles), it is of our opinion that mentioning the principle of equity and CBDR and respective capacities in light of different national circumstances (4.1.1.a) is vital. Thus, we hope Parties adopt option 1 from the SB 48.2 conclusion texts for the final decision text.

Non-Mandatory Nature of the Adaptation Communication Position APA-4.5 On the optional nature of the adaptation communications, although prescribed by the Agreement and decision 1/CP.21, we still would like to voice our opinion that due to the importance of such 20

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communications to developing country Parties, we believe the adaptation communications should be mandatory for all Parties, or at least all Annex II Parties (OECD members). Thus, we call on all Annex II Parties to voluntarily submit their Adaptation Communications, whichever vehicle it might be, to support developing country Parties strengthening their resilience.

Financial Support Position APA-4.6 On section 7 (Modalities of support for the preparation, updating and implementation of the adaptation communication), we believe it is important to urge and request developed country Parties and entities of the financial mechanism to provide further support to developing country Parties to assist their adaptation plans and efforts. Therefore, we hope Parties adopt option 1 from the SB 48.2 conclusion texts for the final decision text.

Linkages Position APA-4.7 On section 8.1 (Linkages to the global stocktake), Parties should agree on a timeline to resolve the linkages with the global stocktake before the first scheduled one in 2023. Recall our Position APA-4.3, we hope Parties will adopt option 3 from Section 8 {Option 1} (a) in the SB 48.2 conclusion texts for the final decision text: enhance adaptation action as established in Article 7, paragraph 14 (b), and to recognize adaptation efforts of developing countries.

Specific Elements included in the Adaptation Communications Position APA-4.8 On the specific elements to include in the adaptation communications, recalling our Position APA-4.2 that both NDCs and NAPs could be potential vehicles for adaptation communications, we believe that option 2 of the ANNEX II of the informal note at APA 1.5 in the SB 48.2 conclusion texts APA-4 section captures the consideration that different vehicles may carry the communications. We also believe that the core elements listed in option 2 of the ANNEX I of the informal note at APA 1.5 are

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suitable for adaptation communications. Thus, we believe the following text is the most appropriate for this section:

Vehicle-specific guidance for an adaptation communication NDC-specific and NAP-specific guidance contained in this annex is intended for parties that choose to use this guidance to submit their adaptation communication as component of or in conjunction with NDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or NAPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Parties that choose to use this guidance may include the elements listed below without creating any additional burden. A. NDC-specific guidance for an adaptation communication 1. National circumstances including where appropriate, subnational context. 2. Risk assessments, including information on expected impacts, risks, exposure, vulnerability and adaptive capacity. 3. Adaptation priorities, policies, plans, actions, strategies and/or programs, resiliencebuilding activities, expected results and national goals, including the following guiding points: i. Policy formulation and planning; ii. Policy implementation and progress towards goals; iii. Monitoring and evaluation of adaptation actions. 4. Adaptation support needs of developing country Parties including the costs of meeting those adaptation needs. 5. Communication of indicative projected levels of public financial resources to be provided by developed country Parties to developing country Parties, including finance, technology, and capacity-building. 6. Information on adaptation actions and/or economic diversification plans and/or national development plans that result in mitigation co-benefits, if applicable. 7. Good practices, lessons learned and information sharing. 8. Information on economic diversification efforts, if applicable. 9. Information on sustainable development efforts, if applicable. 10. Timeframe. 11. Traditional knowledge or community-based adaptation climate change and local communitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; involvement, if applicable. B. NAP-specific guidance for an adaptation communication 1. Parties could include in their adaptation communications information related to the formulation, preparation and implementation of national adaptation plans. Such information could include: (a) Identification and assessment of institutional arrangements, programmes, policies and capacities for overall coordination and leadership on adaptation;

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(b) Assessment of available information on climate change impacts, vulnerability and adaptation, measures taken to address climate change, and gaps and needs, at the national and regional levels; (c) Comprehensive, iterative assessments of development needs and climate vulnerabilities; (d) Design and development of plans, policies and programmes, to address the gaps and needs referred to above; (e) Assessments of medium- and long-term adaptation needs, and, as appropriate, development needs and climate vulnerabilities; (f) Activities aimed at integrating climate change adaptation into national and subnational development and sectoral planning; (g) Participatory stakeholder consultations; (h) Communication, awareness-raising and education; (i) Prioritizing work according to development needs and climate change vulnerability and risk; (j) Strengthening institutional and regulatory frameworks to support adaptation; (k) Training and coordination at the sectoral and subnational levels; (l) Public dissemination of information on the national adaptation plan process, to be made available to the public and to the UNFCCC secretariat; (m) Considering other relevant multilateral frameworks and international programmes and initiatives, with a view to building on and complementing existing adaptation planning. 2. These activities, including national adaptation plan documents, could be submitted to the UNFCCC secretariat as the information requested by Art.7, paragraph 10, of the Paris Agreement. C. Other communications â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or documents-specific guidance for an adaptation communication 1. Parties wishing to submit an adaptation communication in a vehicle other than a NAP or NDC may do so, taking into account the guidance available for the before-mentioned vehicles.

Nevertheless, we hope Parties adopt option 2 of the ANNEX II of the informal note at APA 1.5 with appropriate headings transferred from part IV (Element headings and subheadings from section II) in the SB 48.2 conclusion texts APA-4 section for the final decision text.

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SBI-7: Development of modalities and procedures for the operation and use of a public registry referred to in Article 7, paragraph 12, of the Paris Agreement (Adaptation Communications Registry) SBI-7 concerns the development of the Adaptation Communications Registry referred to in Article 4, paragraph 12 of the Paris Agreement. It is a registry designed to store or show communications by Parties regarding climate adaptation. The divergence under this negotiation item comes from its interlinkage with SBI-6 (NDC registry) and the issue of no-prejudgement of negotiation outcome of APA-4 concerning the right vehicle for adaptation communications. Position SBI-7.1 On the establishment and the operationalization of the adaptation communication public registry, we believe Parties should adopt Option 2, as proposed by the Canadian delegation: A new registry for adaptation communications with hyperlinks to various websites/registries where adaptation communications can be found. The registry will contain only adaptation communication documents that are submitted as stand-alone documents and hyperlinks to adaptation communications submitted in any vehicles that Parties may choose.

Position SBI-7.2 Recalling our Position SBI-7.1, we hope Parties adopt Option 2 of Section 2 (Procedures) bullet point 1 (Submitting/Uploading) read: The registry will contain only adaptation communication documents that are submitted as stand-alone documents and hyperlinks to adaptation communications submitted in any vehicles that Parties may choose.

Position SBI-7.3 On the maintenance of the adaptation registry, we believe Parties should adopt Proposal 1:

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The public registry constitutes an archive and continue to record all previously submitted NDCs, as a matter of public record; It is important that past adaptation communications are kept for public record purposes to ensure maximum accountability of the Parties.

Position SBI-7.4 We believe the Parties should resolve any interlinkages between this registry with the SBI-6 NDC registry to avoid double-work and ensure the efficient use of relevant resources, either provided by the Secretariat or any other institutions.

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SBI-11 & 12: Report of the Adaptation Committee and matters relating to least developed countries As part of the Cancun Adaptation Framework, Parties established the Adaptation Committee (AC) to promote the implementation of enhanced action on adaptation in a coherent manner under the Convention, inter alia, through the following functions:iv 1. Providing technical support and guidance to the Parties; 2. Sharing of relevant information, knowledge, experience and good practices; 3. Promoting synergy and strengthening engagement with national, regional and international organizations, centres and networks; 4. Providing information and recommendations, drawing on adaptation good practices, for consideration by the COP when providing guidance on means to incentivize the implementation of adaptation actions, including finance, technology and capacity-building; 5. Considering information communicated by Parties on their monitoring and review of adaptation actions, support provided and received. SBI-11 and SBI-12 operates under paragraphs 41, 42 and 45 of decision 1/CP.21 that: â&#x20AC;˘

â&#x20AC;˘

Recommend a draft decision that undertake a work programme under the framework for nonmarket approaches to sustainable development referred to in Article 6.8 of the Paris Agreement, with the objective of considering how to enhance linkages and create synergy between, inter alia, mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology transfer and capacity-building, and how to facilitate the implementation and coordination of nonmarket approaches; The Adaptation Committee and the LDCs Expert Group need to jointly develop modalities to recognize the adaptation efforts of developing country Parties, as referred to in Article 7.3 of the Paris Agreement, and make recommendations for consideration and adoption by the CMA at its first session; Parties need to strengthen regional cooperation on adaptation where appropriate and, where necessary, establish regional centres and networks, in particular in developing countries, taking into account decision 1/CP.16, paragraph 13.

Synthesis Report by the Secretariat Position SBI-AC.1 We believe the synthesis report which CMA requests of the secretariat, under the guidance of the Adaptation Committee and the Least Developed Countries Expert Group, should include all adaptation-

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related communications, inter alia, adaptation communications (AC), national adaptation plans (NAP), national communications (NC), and nationally determined contributions (NDC).

Events and Recognition of Adaptation Efforts Position SBI-AC.2 We welcome the Global Stocktake High-Level Event to provide developing country Parties with an opportunity to present their adaptation efforts, in a nationally determined and country-driven manner, for recognition.

Position SBI-AC.3 We welcome the decision to make use of existing national, regional and global events, including NAP Expos and adaptation forums, to showcase the adaptation efforts of developing country Parties. It is of our opinion that no new or additional ad hoc event should be organized in the interest of conserving resources. We also strongly encourage the invitation of civil society (including those that are outside of the Framework Convention), especially youth from the Global South to the events made use of for adaptation efforts recognition.

Position SBI-AC.4 Recalling our Position SBI-AC.3, we believe organizations outside of the Framework Convention should also be invited to prepare and develop the synthesis report focusing on lessons learned and good practices in developing country Parties and drawing on the outcomes of the events and outputs referred to in our Positions SBI-AC.2-3 (Paragraphs 3 and 4 of the final decision text).

Position SBI-AC.5 In regards to the recognition of adaptation efforts by developing country Parties during the political phase of the Global Stocktake, read:

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6. Decides, during the political phase of the global stocktake, to recognize the adaptation efforts presented, following a country-driven approach, by developing country Parties in the high-level event referred to in paragraph 3(b) above;] Recalling our Position APA-4.3 that the recognition of efforts should be optional for developing country Parties to avoid procedural scrutiny over their adaptation efforts. We believe paragraph 6 of the final text should add textual recognition of the optional nature for the recognition event, and this should not hinder the eligibility for adaptation support of developing country Parties.

Matters relating to the AC and LDCEG serving the Paris Agreement Position SBI-AC.6 We welcome the decision that the Adaptation Committee and the Least Developed Countries Expert Group will serve the Paris Agreement.

Position SBI-AC.7 Recalling our Position APA-4.1 that addressing climate adaptation is addressing human rights and global climate and intergenerational equity. In an abstract way, the focus on mitigation versus the focus on adaptation should be a 65:35 ratio. We believe the language regarding institutional arrangements related to finance, technology development and transfer and capacity building should be firm (‘request’), while taking into consideration their respective mandates, to strive for a balance between adaptation and mitigation, while respecting a country driven approach.

Methodologies for assessment – Indigenous Peoples and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Position SBI-AC.8.1 On developing the methodologies for assessing adaptation needs, we believe that the inclusion of Indigenous peoples and their traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is vital under the framework provided by the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIP) adopted at COP 23.

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We would like to recognize that TEK is particularly useful in climate adaptation and mitigation baseline establishment, ecological management, biodiversity preservation, agricultural adaptation, and traditional solutions, as well as food systems enhancement. We recommend the implicit inclusion of Indigenous peoples and the translation and integration of their TEK in the text. The literal inclusion and recognition will recommend the various entities to gather TEK from the Indigenous peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; communities for adaptation solutions. It will also reinforce the notion that countries and the society respect the rights of their Indigenous peoples and are willing to engage with the population to derive modern innovative solutions from their traditional knowledge.

Position SBI-AC.8.2 We hope Parties will adopt all recommended texts in the SB 48.2 conclusion texts into the final decision text as experience with and knowledge of adaptation are required from all sectors and entities, including the civil society. We strongly recommend Parties considering the addition of civil society in the assessment methodology section to recognize the importance of and the potential contribution of the civil society, especially non-governmental organizations under the Framework Convention.

Facilitation of the mobilization of support Position SBI-AC.9 We hope that Parties should adopt Option 1 in the SB 48.2 conclusion texts as is into the final decision text as we believe that Option 1 provides the most ambitious requests, invitations, and climate action that are in-line with the Fijian Spirit of Talanoa and ambition-raising.

Reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of adaptation and support Position SBI-AC.10 We believe the inclusion of the Standing Committee on Finance in the review process is important to address the financial gaps and barriers faced by developing country Parties in terms of adaptation needs. We welcome Option 1 in the SB 48.2 conclusion text that notes the barriers and constraints faced and the invitation to conduct future works to improve the adequacy and effectiveness of adaptation and its support mechanism.

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Position SBI-AC.11 We believe the Adaptation Committee, the Least Developed Countries Expert Group, in collaboration with the Standing Committee on Finance should provide all of the contributions mentioned in Alt 1 and Alt 2 of the SB 48.2 conclusion text, that we recommend adopting, read: 39. Also invites the Adaptation Committee and the Least Developed Countries Expert Group, in collaboration with the Standing Committee on Finance, and relevant experts to contribute to the technical work referred to in paragraph 38 above by: (a) Providing a compilation of existing methodologies and tools, used to develop monitoring and evaluation and learning systems/frameworks, for reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of adaptation and support, taking into account the context specific nature of adaptation; (b) Continuing the analysis of methodologies for reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of adaptation and support, taking into consideration the submissions referred to in paragraph 40 below; (c) Exchanging information on methodologies, including metrics, for reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of adaptation and support, and making it available; It is of our opinion that the compilations of existing methodologies and tools mentioned in (a) is a prerequisite to the activities mentioned in (b) and (c) and that activities mentioned in both options are needed in the reviewing process.

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APA-8(a): Further matters related to implementation of the Paris Agreement: (a) Preparing for the convening of the first session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (Matters related to the Adaptation Fund) At COP 23 in Bonn, after a marathon negotiation amongst Parties, the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP) decided that the Adaptation Fund (AF) will continue to serve the Paris Agreement after its second commitment period. It effectively asked for the transfer of the AF from the Kyoto Protocol process to the Paris Agreement process before or when the Paris Agreement enters into force. The AF was established under the Kyoto Protocol in 2001 to finance concrete adaptation projects in developing countries that are vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. It currently funds 70 concrete adaptation projects in vulnerable communities of 58 developing countries with US$ 462 million committed fund, benefiting nearly 5.5 million direct beneficiaries.v At COP 21, the Parties decided that the AF “may” serve the Paris Agreement; and at COP 22, the language changed from “may” to a more affirmative “should.” After the COP 23 safeguard (“shall”), the Parties are left with a few issues to address. The most important one being which institution – CMP or CMA (Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement) – will the AF serve until the end of its second commitment period and until the last session of the CMP. Recalling our Position APA-4.1 that addressing adaptation is addressing the preservation and the protection of human lives and livelihoods today, especially those in the developing country Parties. The need for the AF is immense and a seamless transition from the CMP to the CMA will be important to ensure all project and proposals will not be affected. Developed country Parties should continue to fund the AF, especially through goodwill voluntary contributions. Governance and Institutional Arrangements Position APA-8.1 On the Governance/institutional arrangements/date/exclusivity, we believe Parties should adopt Option 3 which makes AF serve the Paris Agreement only and the AF will only be accountable to CMA: Decides that from 2020 the Adaptation Fund shall serve the Paris Agreement, subject to a CMP decision at CMP 15 (2019) that the AF serves the PA exclusively from 2020.

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Decides that from that date the AF shall be under the guidance of, be accountable to, and report to the CMA. The CMA recommends to the CMP 15 (2019), that the AF stops serving the KP from the date specified in the paragraph above. It is vital to ensure the transition is seamless and all works of the AF will continuously function during this transition.

Board Composition and Practices After the transition, the Board of the AF will either stay the same as agreed in accordance with Paragraph 6 of decision 1/CMP.3 which designed the current Board structure: The Board is the governing body of the Adaptation Fund. It is composed of 16 members and 16 alternates representing Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. A majority of membersâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;about 69 percentâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;represent developing countries: (a) (b) (c) (d)

Two representatives from each of the five United Nations regional groups; One representative of the small island developing States; One representative of the least developed country Parties; Two other representatives from the Parties included in Annex I to the Convention (Annex I Parties); (e) Two other representatives from the Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention (non-Annex I Parties). An alternate is elected for each representative. Position APA-8.2.1 On eligibility of Board membership, we believe Parties should decide the Board will comprise only Parties to the Paris Agreement: The CMA decides that the Adaptation Fund Board shall comprise members representing Parties to the Paris Agreement only. It is of our opinion that since the Paris Agreement will replace the Protocol after 2020, and some Parties are not Party to the Kyoto Protocol, it is best to only have Parties to the Paris Agreement as Board members.

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Position APA-8.2.2 On representation, we believe Parties should choose Option 2 ter and Option (a) therein as the final decision text: Decides that, effective immediately after the AF serves the PA, the Adaptation Fund be governed by a board consisting of 18 members and 18 alternates representing Parties to the Paris Agreement and aiming to achieve gender balance on the board, each composed as follows: (a) Three representatives from the African Group, including at least one from SIDS and at least one from LDCs; (b) Three representatives from the Asia-Pacific Group, including at least one from SIDS and at least one from LDCs; (c) Three representatives from the Eastern European Group; (d) Three representatives from the Latin American and Caribbean Group; including at least one from SIDS and at least one from LDCs; (e) Three representatives from the Western European and Others Group (f) [Three representatives from the Parties providing contributions to the Adaptation Fund] It is of our opinion that this arrangement provides the most logical composition for the AF Board as the developing country Parties â&#x20AC;&#x201C; direct beneficiaries of the fund â&#x20AC;&#x201C; will be the majority while still having developed country Parties representation (without judgement of the voluntary contribution provided).

Position APA-8.2.3 On timing, recalling our Position APA-8.1 and APA-8.2.1, we believe Parties should choose to change the eligibility and representation immediately after the Adaptation Fund serves the Paris Agreement, that Option 2 can be edited to: Decides that the change to eligibility to and representation on the Board shall be effective immediately after the Adaptation Fund serves the Paris Agreement in 2020. We believe it is important to allow the changes to be effective as early as possible to mark the end of the Protocol and the new beginning of a new global agreement.

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Position APA-8.2.4 On decision making, recalling our Position APA-8.2.1, we believe Parties should adopt the following text based on SB 48.2 conclusion texts for final consideration: Notes that a change in the composition of the Board should take into account the number of members required to be present to constitute a quorum for decision-making by the Adaptation Fund Board. Decides that three quarters of the members of the Adaptation Fund Board must be present at the meeting to constitute a quorum.

Operating Modalities Position APA-8.3.1 On whether or not the operating modalities of the AF need to be changed, we believe Parties should ask the CMA to invite the CMP to request the AF Board to undertake further work on whether changes are required to the operational policies and guidelines, including inter alia the fiduciary risk management standards, the environmental and social safeguards policies and the gender policies and action plan for the AF to serve the Paris Agreement (Option 4).

Position APA-8.3.2 We hope the Parties will consider joining the AF with other operating entities under the Financial Mechanism of the Convention no later than 1 January 2022 to ensure coherence and complementarity.

Position APA-8.3.3 We believe that a portion of the AF funding (35%) should be prioritized for the LDCs and SIDS while ensuring the rest of the funding (65%) continue to be allocated in a balanced and equitable manner for eligible countries prescribed by paragraph 1(b) of decision 5/CMP.2.

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Project proponent should continue using the guiding principle set by paragraph 1(d) of decision 5/CMP.2 to provide cost basis of the proposed adaptation project(s), and no duplication with sources of funding for adaptation in the use of the AF, compatible with paragraph 1(g) of decision 5/CMP.2.

Position APA-8.3.4 Recalling our Position APA-8.1 and APA-8.2.1, the Parties should adopt the following texts for the final decision text on Sources of funding – Eligibility: The CMA decides that from 1 January 2019, developing country Parties to the Paris Agreement that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change are eligible for funding from the Adaptation Fund to assist them in meeting the costs of adaptation. The CMA also takes note that following the transition between CMP and CMA, only developing country Parties to the Paris Agreement will be eligible for funding from the Adaptation Fund. The definition for developing country Parties “that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change” shall come from the “Preamble” section of decision 28/CMP.1 cited in paragraph 1 of decision 1/CMP.3.

The definition for developing country Parties “that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change” shall come from the “Preamble” section of decision 28/CMP.1 cited in paragraph 1 of decision 1/CMP.3: Low-lying and other small island countries, countries with low-lying coastal, arid and semi-arid areas or areas liable to floods, drought and desertification, and developing countries with fragile mountainous ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.vi Position APA-8.3.5 Recalling our Position APA-8.1 and APA-8.2.1, the Parties should adopt the following texts for the final decision text on Sources of funding – Eligibility:

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The CMA decides that the Adaptation Fund shall be financed from the share of proceeds in line with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, as well as voluntary public funding and other sources of funding including innovative sources of funding. The CMA invites Parties and international organizations to continue providing funding to the Adaptation Fund. The CMA recommends to the CMP that the Adaptation Fund shall continue to be financed from the share of proceeds on the clean development mechanism project activities of the Kyoto Protocol during the transitional period, should it occur. [Placeholder for legal matters to allow the Fund to serve the Paris Agreement] The CMA decides that the Adaptation Fund shall be financed from a share of proceeds from activities under the mechanism referred to in Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement, voluntary public funding and other sources of funding. The CMA decides that the Adaptation Fund shall be financed from the share of proceeds on the clean development mechanism project activities and other sources of funding as defined by paragraph 2 of decision 10/CP.7.

Safeguards Position APA-8.4.1 We believe the Parties should ask the CMA to invite the CMP to request the AF Board to review whether amendments are needed to existing policies and guidelines on safeguards, and amend and enhance its policies (Option 3). No Ad Hoc body should be set up for the amendments.

Position APA-8.4.2 Recalling our Position APA-8.1, APA-8.2.1-4 and APA-8.3.1, APA-8.3.3-4, the Parties should ask the CMA to invite the CMP to request the AF Board to undertake preparatory work starting at CMA 1 and report back to the CMA by 2020 related to the subitems listed under III.B.20 of the SB 48.2 conclusion texts (page 182).

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SBI-14(a): Scope of and modalities for the periodic assessment of the effectiveness and adequacy of the support provided to the Technology Mechanism in relation to supporting the implementation of the Paris Agreement (Technological Development and Transfer) Parties have confirmed the importance of enhancing technology development and transfer to developing countries. To facilitate this, Parties established the Technology Mechanism at COP 16 in Cancun, Mexico. The Technology Mechanism consists of two bodies: the Technology Executive Committee and the Climate Technology Centre and Network.vii The Technology Executive Committee is the Technology Mechanism’s policy body. It analyses issues and provides policy recommendations that support country efforts to enhance climate technology development and transfer. The committee consists of 20 technology experts representing both developed and developing countries. It meets several times a year and holds climate technology events that support efforts to address key technology policy issues. The Climate Technology Centre and Network is the implementation body of the Technology Mechanism. It accelerates the development and transfer of technologies through three services: • • •

Providing technical assistance at the request of developing countries on technology issues Creating access to information and knowledge on climate technologies Fostering collaboration among climate technology stakeholders via its network of regional and sectoral experts

The centre is hosted by the UN Environment in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and is supported by 11 partner institutions. It also has a network of national, regional, sectoral and international organizations which support it to undertake its services. The Climate Technology Centre and Network is accountable to and guided by the Conference of the Parties through an advisory board. Developing countries may send a request to the centre through their national focal point, called a national designated entity. Paragraph 70 of decision 1/CP.21 reads that the COP: “decides to undertake a periodic assessment of the effectiveness of and the adequacy of the support provided to the Technology Mechanism in supporting the implementation of the Agreement on matters relating to technology development and transfer.”

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The SBI was tasked with the elaboration of the scope of and modalities for the periodic assessment, taking into account the review of the Climate Technology Centre and Network and the modalities for the global stocktake referred to in Article 14 of the Paris Agreement, for consideration and adoption by COP 25 (November 2019). Position SBI-14.1 We want to stress the importance of technological developments and the transfer of technologies to developing country Parties, for both adaptation and mitigation. The development and transfer of technology should take into consideration the common but differentiated responsibilities and climate equity mentioned in the Paris Agreement and facilitate and support developing country Parties in the acquirement, implementation, and utilization of the technology developed and transferred.

Position SBI-14.2 We concur with the Parties that such assessment should be concise, lean, workable, transparent, efficient, results-oriented, inclusive and participatory, and it should avoid complexity and duplication and also minimize additional costs and efforts in the interest of the best allocation of resources.

Position SBI-14.3 On the Scope of the assessment, we believe that in addition to the effectiveness of the Technology Mechanism and the adequacy of support provided to the Technology Mechanism, Parties need to assess if there are any gaps in or barriers to implementation and identify areas where improvements can be made for raising ambition and accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement. We believe neither of the options for I.(B).4.e is sufficient to address the gaps and barriers faced by the Technology Mechanism and its work programmes. The scope on assessing the gaps and barriers should not be limited to existing budget and plans. We believe the pre-requisite for completing the assessment on the supported needed for the implementation of the Paris Agreement should be the full identification of gaps in and barriers to implementation of the Technology Mechanismâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work programmes. These two steps are irreplaceable and not interchangeable.

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Position SBI-14.4 We welcome the decision of including civil society as a source of information for the periodic assessment. At the same time, we would like to stress the important role youth play in global climate action. Addressing intergenerational equity and intergenerational justice is crucial for the implementation of the Paris Agreement. We believe Parties should agree to and change the Board composition of the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) to include (at least) one youth member as a way for Parties to respect, promote, and consider their respective obligations on the rights of children and youth, as well as intergenerational equity.

Position SBI-14.5 We believe that the first periodic assessment should be initiated as early as possible. As the guideline for the periodic assessment should be adopted before or at COP 25 (2019), it is of our opinion that the first periodic assessment should be initiated in 2020 with a view to completing the assessment in 2021.

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APA-5: Modalities, procedures and guidelines for the transparency framework for action and support referred to in Article 13 of the Paris Agreement The enhanced transparency framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement support the implementation accounting and review efforts by the global communities. The ETF is essential for holding Parties accountable to their NDCs and increase ambition for global climate action. The ETF under the Paris Agreement will be built on the original transparency system that UNFCCC developed – measurement, reporting, and verification system (MRV). The previous MRV reporting tracks progress towards the 2020 pledges and a smooth transition between the previous transparency framework to the ETF mandated under the Paris Agreement is crucial for both the implementation of the Paris Agreement as well as the first global stocktake in 2023. The ETF will be mandated to provide a clear understanding of climate action, including clarity and tracking national progress towards mitigation and adaptation, as well as to provide clarity on finance and other support provided or received by relevant Parties for advancing climate action. For reporting, the following are the elements that Parties would provide in the first stage of the ETF: • • • • •

National inventory reports (as per Art. 13.7a); Information necessary to track progress (as per Art. 13.7b); Information related to climate change impacts & adaptation (as per Art. 13.8); Information on support provided (as per Art. 13.9); and Information on support needed and received (as per Art. 13.10).

For the review stage of the ETF, the Paris Agreement mandates two phases: • •

Technical Expert Review (TER) as per Art. 13.11 Facilitative and multilateral consideration of progress (FMCP) as per Art. 13.11

The TER will consider information submitted under national inventory and information necessary to track progress, as well as the support provided. And the FMCP will review efforts under support and the implementation and achievement of the NDCs. The outcome of the ETF will supplement the global stocktake (GST) and the mechanism to facilitate implementation and promote compliance.

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Position APA-5.1 We concur with the suggestions by WRI-PACT (see page 33 of the working paper mentioned in endnote ii), that the ETF should be a process that “create tools, venues, and processes that encourage Parties to share their progress, exchange lessons, and strengthen capacity, based on identified gap and needs from developing countries.” It should also “support improved data and encourage evidencebased decision-making.” We believe transparency and cooperation are crucial in a multilateral system that promotes compliance and encourages global cooperation and collaboration to enhance climate action.

Financial Support through the Financial Mechanisms Position APA-5.2 We believe that the COP and the CMA should request the operating entities of the Financial Mechanism of the Convention to support developing country Parties in preparing their first and subsequent transparency reports, including for capacity building, through voluntary contributions and elements of their replenishment cycle. We also believe that the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) should consider options to improve the efficiency of the process for providing support for reporting. Thus, we hope the Parties will use strong and affirmative language (“requests”) to bind the GEF to implement the recommendation of providing an avenue for Parties to apply for funding for more than one biennial transparency report and national inventory report though a single application.

MPGs and Flexibility Position APA-5.3.1 On the structural design of the modalities, procedures, and guidelines (MPGs), we believe that single/common MPGs should be applicable to all Parties with built-in flexibility to developing country Parties that need it in the light of their capacities. This flexibility should be given to LDCs and SIDS only.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

Position APA-5.3.2 It is of our opinion that the flexibility should only be given to LDCs and SIDS in light of their capacities and such flexibility should not jeopardize the objective of the transparency framework and the gradual improvements overtime. The types of flexibility should be limited to the scope, level of detail in reporting, and the scope of the review only; the frequency of reporting and review should be the same for all Parties to ensure a common timeframe is followed and suggestions from each review can be used as means for improvement for the next round of reporting and review.

Position APA-5.3.3 We believe a diversified range of means for flexibility should be adopted, like combining tiers, optin/opt-out, improvement plans, and criteria-based decisions.

Continuous Improvements Position APA-5.4 We believe all Parties should be working towards continuous improvement over time. To achieve this, addressing gaps in reporting and the inclusion of capacity-building needs are crucial during each reporting and reviewing cycle.

National GHG Inventories Reporting Position APA-5.5.1 We believe all Parties should adopt Option 4 from Section B.1 (APA-5) of the SB-48.2 conclusion texts as the final decision text for it serves the purpose of redefining the role of the MPGs process under the newly established enhanced transparency framework.

Position APA-5.5.2 We believe that a common set of IPCC Guidelines should be applicable to all Parties, and that supplementary GHG inventories guidance provided by the IPCC should be agreed upon by the CMA.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

Position APA-5.5.3 We believe that ensuring the transparency, accuracy, completeness, consistency, and comparability of the reporting under the ETF is vital for multilateral cooperation and implementation accountability.

Position APA-5.5.4 Recalling our Position APA-5.3.1, we believe all Parties should follow the same national circumstances and inventory planning, preparation and management institutional arrangements procedure. Thus, it is of our opinion that Option 3.2.1 from Section B.3 (APA-5) of the SB-48.2 conclusion texts is suitable for this purpose. We would like to note that flexibility should still be given to LDCs and SIDS as per previously mentioned Position(s). We would also like to note that the improvement of national institutional arrangements should not create unnecessary burdens to the Parties, especially the developing country Parties and avoid double-work.

Position APA-5.5.5 On the methodology, recalling our Position APA-5.3.1 and subsequently Position APA-5.5.2, that Parties should use a common set of IPCC Guidelines with any supplementary or further methodological guidance from the IPCC and any addition refinements to be considered and agreed upon by the CMA. We believe Parties should use the most recent IPCC Guidelines for GHG inventories accounting, with note that the 2006 IPCC Guidelines (with its 2013 refinement) should be the basis for GHG inventories accounting should the most recent IPCC Guidelines not released by the first reporting period.

Position APA-5.5.6 We believe that Option 4.1.2.2 from Section B.4.2 (APA-5) of the SB-48.2 conclusion texts captures our Positions APA-5.3.1, 5.5.2, 5.5.5 the best. Option 4.1.2.2 reads:

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

2. Each Party shall use methods (tiers) contained in the most recent IPCC Guidelines agreed upon by CMA and may use national methodologies which could reflect better the national situation, and produce the most accurate estimates, except those developing country Parties that need flexibility in the light of their capacities that may apply a lower tier approach (methodological tier in the most recent IPCC Guidelines agreed upon by CMA) for key categories, if justified due to limitations of time and data availability. In those cases, where national circumstances prohibit use of a recommended method, those developing country Parties that need flexibility in the light of their capacities shall provide explanations in the national inventory report, and identify the gap as part of reporting on constraints and inventory improvement planning, as a priority for future improvements.

Position APA-5.5.7 We believe each Party shall use a recommended method for key categories in accordance with the most recent IPCC guidelines agreed upon by CMA, including for refining estimates in the LULUCF sector, and follow IPCC good practice guidance and other good practice guidance relevant to key categories. We also believe that developed country Parties should voluntarily apply higher tier methods for key categories and for refining estimates in LULUCF sector.

Position APA-5.5.8 For Time series consistency and recalculations, we believe that developed country Parties should perform recalculations in accordance with the latest IPCC guidelines ensuring that changes in emission trends are not introduced as a result of changes in methods or assumptions across the time series. We believe that developing country Parties should be encouraged to perform recalculations in accordance with the most recent IPCC guidelines ensuring that changes in emission trends are not introduced as a result of changes in methods or assumptions across the time series. We also believe that each Party should perform recalculations in a transparent manner, including when new information is introduced, to ensure consistency of time series and improve accuracy and/or completeness.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

Position APA-5.5.9 On Quality assurance and quality control, we believe that each Party should elaborate: • • •

an inventory quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) plan (including information on the inventory agency responsible for conducting QA/QC); information on general inventory QC procedures and QA procedures in accordance with the QA/QC plan; and comparison of the national estimates of CO2 emissions from fuel combustion with those estimates obtained using the reference approach;

in accordance with the most recent IPCC guidelines, except for LDCs and SIDS which are encouraged to do so.

Position APA-5.5.10 On Reporting guidance, we believe that each Party should report all methods, including their choice and rationale in the context of IPCC good practice, sources of emission factors and activity data used to compile the GHG inventory including descriptions, assumptions, references and sources of information used, with the exception of LDCs and SIDS which are encouraged to do so if their capacity meets the workload demand. Each Party, shall: • •

• • • •

provide transparent information on the methods, data and assumptions in line with IPCC good practice; provide information on the category and gas, and the methodologies, emissions factors and activity data used [at the most disaggregated level], including related data references for reported emission and removal estimates for any country-specific category and gas that is not included in the most recent IPCC guidelines; describe the national key categories, including information on the approach used for their identification, and information on the level of disaggregation used; report the individual and cumulative percentage contributions from key categories, for both level and trend; report the QA/QC plan and information on QA/QC procedures already implemented or to be implemented in the future; report the results of uncertainty analysis as well as methods used and underlying assumptions; at least for base year and the latest inventory year;

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

• •

report information on the reasons for lack of completeness, including explanations on any methodological or data gaps; report on methodological consistency between the GHG inventory and the communication and implementation of NDCs.

Developed country Parties shall: •

report recalculations for the base year and all subsequent years of the time series, together with explanatory information and justifications for recalculations with an indication of relevant changes and their impact on the emissions trends.

Those developing country Parties that need flexibility in the light of their capacities may: •

simplify the reporting format in accordance with their national circumstances.

Position APA-5.5.11 On Sector and gases, we believe that, Each Party shall: •

•

report emissions and removals on a gas-by-gas basis in units of mass, with emissions by sources listed separately from removals by sinks, except in cases where it may be technically impossible to separate information on emissions and removals in the land sector; report emissions and removals at the most disaggregated level of each source/sink category, providing that a minimum level of aggregation is needed to protect confidential business and military information; report estimates of emissions and removals for all IPCC categories, gases and carbon pools considered in the GHG inventory throughout the reported period including a descriptive summary and figures underlying emission trends; include all categories of anthropogenic emissions or removals in the NDC and, once a source, sink or activity is included, continue to include it;

with the exception of LDCs and SIDS which are encouraged to do so. All Parties should be required to report the 7 Kyoto Protocol greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, SF6, NF3) in the following sectors: Energy, Industrial Processes and Product Use, Agriculture, Land use, Land-use change and forestry, and Waste.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

All Party should provide information on the precursor gases: carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOX) and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), as well as Sulphur oxides (SOX); while developing country Parties are encouraged to provide estimates for precursor gases, if data is available. All Party should report indirect CO2 from the atmospheric oxidation of CH4, carbon monoxide (CO), and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs). For Parties that decide to report indirect CO2, the national totals are presented with and without indirect CO2, while developing country Parties are encouraged to provide estimates for precursor gases, if data is available. Developed country Party should report international aviation and marine bunker fuel emissions as two separate entries, and if disaggregated data are available, making every effort to both apply and report according to the method contained in the most recent IPCC guidelines for separating domestic and international emissions, and include the domestic emissions in national totals. All Party should report information on approach taken, if any, to ensure identification of natural disturbances and corresponding emissions and removals, in accordance with the most recent IPCC guidelines, and should indicate if these estimates are included in national totals; while developing country Parties are encouraged to report information on approach taken, if any, to ensure identification of natural disturbances and corresponding emissions and removals, in accordance with the most recent IPCC guidelines, and should indicate if these estimates are included in national totals.]

Position APA-5.5.12 On Constraints and capacity-building needs, we believe that those developing country Parties that need flexibility in the light of their capacities shall identify and provide transparent updated information related to the planning, preparation, management compilation and report of the inventory, including what would be needed to improve transparency, accuracy completeness, comparability and consistency of future reports, on constraints and gaps (both domestic and external) based on national circumstances and related financial, technical and capacity-building needs.

Position APA-5.5.12 On Future areas of improvement, we believe that each Party shall prepare and periodically update an improvement plan that includes improvements related to: TACCC; methodologies; activity data collection; preparation of emission factors; key category analysis and uncertainty estimation; QA/QC plan and procedures; and inventory management and include timelines and funding needs.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

Those developing country Parties that need flexibility in the light of their capacities should prepare and periodically update an improvement plan that includes improvements related to: completeness; methodologies; activity data collection; preparation of emission factors; key category analysis; uncertainty estimation; QA/QC plan and procedures; inventory management, including timelines and funding needs. We also believe that each Party should report in the NIR a summary of the improvement plan and report on implemented and planned inventory improvements based on the recommendations from the technical expert review.

Position APA-5.5.13 On Frequency and reporting formats, we believe that Parties should maintain at least the current reporting frequency under the previous transparency framework and developing country Parties should be encouraged to report annually over time as support grows and institutions strengthen through the improvement plan and suggestions through the technical expert review process. We also believe that Parties should report comprehensively and use common reporting and tabular formats to disclose data.

Position APA-5.5.14 On Uncertainty assessment, Assessment of completeness, Metrics, Feedstocks and non-energy use of fuels, and Time series, due to constraints on our expertise, we believe that a common requirement should be applicable to all Parties, except for LDCs and SIDs as explained in our previous positions.

Information Necessary to Track Progress Position APA-5.6.1 We welcome the addition of Option 4 from Section C.0 (APA-5) of the SB-48.2 conclusion texts that a three-layer accounting system captures our view on the organizational and procedural aspects of the MPGs in Section C (information necessary to track progress made in implementing and achieving the NDCs):

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

1. First layer containing non-quantifiable and quantifiable information to “account for NDCs”, as stipulated by Article 4.13 of the Paris Agreement; 2. Second layer containing quantifiable information related to the “accounting for anthropogenic emissions and removals corresponding to a Party’s NDC”; 3. Third layer applying only to Parties that decide to participate in “cooperative approaches” and transfer of ITMOs (Article 6.2) and/or the “mechanisms” (Article 6.4), following additional guidance established for these Articles.

Position APA-5.6.2 We believe Parties should provide the necessary background information on institutional arrangements, national circumstances, mitigation co-benefits, adaptation actions, economic diversification plans, and social and economic impact of response measures for the report.

Position APA-5.6.3 Recalling paragraph 27 of decision 1/CP.21 that the information required for the transparency framework include, inter alia, “quantifiable information on the reference point (including, as appropriate, a base year), time frames and/or periods for implementation, scope and coverage, planning processes, assumptions and methodological approaches including those for estimating and accounting for anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and, as appropriate, removals, and how the Party considers that its NDC is fair and ambitious, in the light of its national circumstances, and how it contributes towards achieving the objective of the Convention.” We believe Parties should aim for the maximum amount of information that could be obtained and reported to inform the global community about their NDC progress, but to a minimum the elements mentioned in paragraph 27 of decision 1/CP.21. We believe Option 4.3 from Section C.4 (APA-5) of the SB-48.2 conclusion texts presents the most ambitious reporting elements required and we hope Parties will adopt this option as the final decision text. Parties should also provide additional detailed information on NDC-specific and common elements based on the information outlined in the Agreement to facilitate clarity, transparency, and understanding.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

Position APA-5.6.4 On Mitigation policies and measures, actions, and plans, we believe Option 6.2 from Section C.6 (APA-5) of the SB-48.2 conclusion texts presents the most ambitious reporting elements required and we hope Parties will adopt this option as the final decision text. We welcome the inclusion of identification of actions that influence GHG emissions from international transport and the assessment of the economic and social consequences of response measures.

Position APA-5.6.5 On Projections of greenhouse gas emissions and removals, we believe Option 8.3 from Section C.8 (APA-5) of the SB-48.2 conclusion texts presents the most ambitious reporting elements required and we hope Parties will adopt this option as the final decision text. However, we want to note that including projections with data including LULUCF impacts is important for emissions accounting.

Position APA-5.6.6 On Reporting format, we believe that a common framework should be applicable to all Parties that they should report on progress made and information necessary to track progress in implementing and achieving NDCs under Article 4 to date biennially. We also believe that a common reporting and tabular formats should be adopted for all Parties.

Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Position APA-5.7.1 We believe a sensible approach to reporting climate change impacts and adaptation efforts would be for Parties to report the current and projected climate impacts on their particularly vulnerable regions, areas, and sectors; with an emphasis on increasing climate adaptation planning and efforts.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

Position APA-5.7.2 It is to our understanding that subheadings “National circumstances and institutional arrangements” and “Vulnerabilities, risks and impacts, and methodologies used” are covered under previous sections of the ETF, thus no need in the adaptation section to prevent double-work.

Position APA-5.7.3 We believe that every Party should provide information on adaptation goals, actions, undertakings, efforts, plans (e.g. process to formulate and implement NAPs and sub-national plans), strategies, policies, priorities (e.g. priority sectors, and integrated plans for coastal management, water, and agriculture), programmes, and efforts to build resilience. It is of our opinion that if such information exists in other submissions already, especially in the adaptation communication prescribed by Article 7, paragraph 12, of the Paris Agreement, then Parties may choose to insert a link to the relevant document for this part of the ETF. For implementation progress, we believe every Party should submit relevant information, insofar as to facilitate the monitoring and the evaluation of the implemented climate adaptation efforts and take stock of the progress made on implementing the adaptation pledges made in their respective NDCs. An exemption could be made to the LDCs and SIDS in light of issues regarding their capacities.

Position APA-5.7.4 On Loss and Damage, we believe Parties should be encouraged to include the following information, inter alia, in their reporting: a. Impacts: past, current and projected impacts, including impacts associated with extreme weather events and slow onset events; b. Adaptation to impacts and limits to adaptation: efforts, and associated costs, to avert, minimize and address loss and damage when impacts exceed best efforts to adapt; c. Loss and damage and related costs: past, current and projected loss and damage, and related costs, including noneconomic losses, residual damage, and irreversible and permanent loss and damage; d. Responses to Loss and Damage, including, in so far as relevant:

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

i. The Party’s own efforts: Information on actions undertaken in response to loss and damage, institutional arrangements, early warning systems, rehabilitation plans, resources invested and any other information that that the Party considers relevant, including on climate-related displacement; ii. International cooperation: Information on activities undertaken on a cooperative and facilitative basis to enhance understanding, action and support with respect to loss and damage, including on climate-related displacement; iii. Financial, technological and capacity-building support provided: Information on quantified resources invested, financial instruments employed, including risk

Position APA-5.7.5 In terms of Cooperation, good practices, experiences, and lessons learned, we believe all Parties, especially the developed country Parties, have a responsibility to share climate adaptation information, good practice, experiences and lessons learned regarding scientific integration, planning, innovative policy solutions, measures to improve durability and effectiveness of adaptation actions, institutional arrangements, and area, scale and types of cooperation and good practices. We encourage all Parties to improve their adaptation efforts and actions through learning from this sharing of information, good practices, experiences, and lessons learned. Developing country Parties should use the scientific research information to improve their climate (including RSO and early warning) systems, to inform climate services and decision-making, assess vulnerability and adaptation needs, integrate adaptation into policies and financial mechanisms, and improve monitoring and evaluation.

Support Provided and Mobilized and Support Needed and Received Position APA-5.8.1 We concur in principle with the suggestions by WRI-PACT (see page 38 of the working paper mentioned in endnote ii), particularly: • •

A single set of guidance should be developed to govern reporting for all Parties providing support, especially for developed country Parties; Biennially report including ex-post data on the previous two calendar years should be required to keep in-line with other reporting requirement’s timeframe;

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

•

Matters relating to Article 9.7 of the Paris Agreement that are being negotiated under the SBSTA could feed into the guidance on reporting on finance provided and mobilized in the ETF.

Position APA-5.8.2 We concur in principle with the suggestions by WRI-PACT (see page 38 of the working paper mentioned in endnote ii), particularly: •

•

Developing country Parties should use information provided in the NDCs, national action plans (NAPs), national adaptation programs of action (NAPAs), technology needs assessment (TNAs), adaptation needs assessments and other sources. However, it is important to prevent double-work to avoid unnecessary burden put on developing country Parties, especially the LDCs and SIDS. A tiered system of reporting should be adopted for support received section as a mean to provide flexibility in accordance to Parties’ capacities.

Review Phase Position APA-5.9.1 On technical expert review (TER), we believe such reviews should be conducted in a manner that is facilitative, non-intrusive, non-confrontational, non-punitive manner, respectful of national sovereignty, and avoid placing undue burden on Parties. And such review should pay particular attention to the respective national capabilities and circumstances of developing country Parties.

Position APA-5.9.2 On the information reviewed, we believe on top of a national inventory report of anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases, information necessary to track progress made in implementing and achieving its nationally determined contribution, and information on financial, technology transfer and capacity-building support provided to developing country Parties, Parties may and are encouraged to provide further information beyond that are required.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

Position APA-5.9.3 In regards to the composition of the expert review team, more civil society experts should be included to diversify the perspectives and promote civil society engagement. Such inclusion of civil society members should fall in-line with the Gender Action Plan to ensure gender balance.

Position APA-5.9.4 On timing and frequency of the TER, we believe that Each Partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transparency report submitted under Article 13 of the Agreement should be subject to a technical expert review, except those developing country Parties that need flexibility in the light of their capacities that may go through the TER every 2 reports.

Position APA-5.9.5 We believe the two review processes should be designed in a more collaborative and effective manner. Including addressing the interlinkages and the exchange of information, experience, knowledge, and lessons learned throughout the review process; communications between the two reviewing process are also key to the success of a multilateral review process.

Position APA-5.9.6 On the facilitative multilateral considerations, we believe the FMCR should be aimed to improve support supplied under Article 9 of the Agreement and monitor the progress of implementation of the NDCs. In fact, both the FMCR and the TER should identify the capacity-building needs and support needed to improve the progress of achieving the NDCs and global climate action.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

APA-6: Matters relating to the global stocktake referred to in Article 14 of the Paris Agreement Article 14 of the Paris Agreement mandates the CMA to “periodically take stock of the implementation of this Agreement to assess the collective progress towards achieving the purpose of this Agreement and its long-term goals (referred to as the “global stocktake”). It shall do so in a comprehensive and facilitative manner, considering mitigation, adaptation and the means of implementation and support, and in the light of equity and the best available science.” The GST will inform Parties in updating and enhancing their actions and support in accordance with the relevant provisions of this Agreement, as well as in enhancing international cooperation for climate action. With the first global stocktake (GST) soon to commence in 2023 and every five years thereafter, it is important for the APA to negotiate an outcome on the purpose and scope of GST, and its phases and workstreams, participation, and specific thematic areas for taking stock. We have to acknowledge that the current pledges under the Parties’ NDCs will not guide us to achieve the long-term goal of the Paris Agreement. We also have doubt regarding the implementation plan by some Parties, developed and developing, that such plan may be unrealistic under their current national circumstances and political climate. The GST, along with various communications and the transparency framework will help the global community to assess the progress made under the Paris Agreement and improve and enhance countries’ climate action and resilience to climate impacts, and ensure global climate finance flows are aligned with the actual needs of the Parties. Purposes of and the overarching elements of the GST Position APA-6.1.1 We believe the GST should be a platform for Parties to: collectively assess the implementation efforts of the Paris Agreement and take stock of global climate action, with the intention of informing Parties and the global community of the actions needed to achieve the long-term temperature goal and improve global climate action; identify the gaps and barriers in implementing NDC pledges and climate actions both locally and on a national level, and ensure such gaps will be closed to allow Paris Agreement to achieve its full potential; communicate and exchange views, experiences, knowledge, and lessons learned in a cooperative and multilateral manner that would increase ambition and address common barriers and gaps in implementation. Meaningful climate action on a global scale requires the support and actions of all countries in the world. The global community needs to act together to achieve the long-term goals set by the Paris Agreement.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

Position APA-6.1.2 We welcome the option to include equity into the final text of the PAWP. Equity will inform how Parties will consider fairness and ambition, in a nationally determined manner and GST will be an avenue for Parties to work towards a shared view of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities in the light of different national circumstances.

Structure, workstreams, timing and duration, and other administrative aspects Position APA-6.2.1 We agree with paragraph 11 (APA-6) of the SB-48.2 conclusion texts that there should be three phases serving different purposes at GST: 1. A preparatory phase (Activity A): Along with the technical phase, allowing stakeholders to gather information and provide guidance for the technical phase of the GST; 2. A technical phase (Activity B): Allowing technical discussions to take place between experts, government representatives, and civil society to provide technical consideration of inputs, take stock, assess collective progress and prepare outputs; 3. A political phase (Activity C): Inform and develop key messages in line with the purposes of the GST with political guidance and technical guidance by the technical phase.

Position APA-6.2.2 On Timing and duration, it is in our view that Parties should negotiate a decision text that is in-line with Article 14.2 of the Agreement that the first GST will be in 2023 and every five years thereafter. We believe a reasonable adjustment on the timing in light of the development of different phases outlined in our Position APA-6.2.1 that: â&#x20AC;˘

Activity A, for preparing and/or collecting inputs for the global stocktake, will begin at least 24 months or four sessions before the CMA in 2023 and will continue every five years thereafter;

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

Activity B will begin at least 12 months, or two sessions before the CMA in 2023 and continue every five years thereafter; Activity C will take place during the CMA in 2023 and every five years thereafter.

Position APA-6.2.3 We concur with Climate Action Network International that on Thematic considerations and workstream, we believe that financial flows, support and means of implementation, the principle of equity, loss and damage, and mitigation and adaptation must be considered in the GST. In order to achieve the long-term goals of the Agreement, necessary financial support and MOI are vital for developing country Parties to enhance and achieve their pledges under their respective NDCs. MOI and the financial flow should be an overarching element that require consideration for any other workstream or thematic consideration. Recalling our Position APA-6.1.2 that the principle of equity must guide the GST process to ensure it respects the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and take national circumstances and capacity needs into consideration. The equity principle must also apply to the participation of civil society, recognizing the vital role of non-party stakeholders in the process. It is of our opinion that loss and damage does not receive the attention that equate to its importance at UNFCCC processes. To achieve the long-term goals set by the Paris Agreement, Parties must recognize the need for climate risk adaptation and the support for building and re-building resilience to climate risks. In conjunction to the technology mechanism, Parties must consider the progress made in technological and knowledge transfer, especially on adaptation (for example, early warning system).

Position APA-6.2.4 On Support for effective and equitable participation, we want to note that many developing country Parties lack the capacity to undertake the preparation for the GST, and therefore developed country Parties must take the lead in ensuring the mobilization of capacity-building support for and the provision of adequate funding for the participation and representation of LDCs, SIDS, and other eligible developing country Parties in all activities under the GST, inter alia, meetings, technical dialogues, workshops, round tables and sessions of the subsidiary bodies and CMA that are part of the GST process and uptake of relevant GST information.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

We would also like to stress the vital role civil society play in global climate action. Providing the necessary support for the participation of civil society is crucial for creating a transparent, effective, and meaningful GST process that will ensure accountability and sustainable policy-making and implementation. We believe that Annex Parties must take lead in providing funding support for the inclusion and participation of civil society representatives to GST.

Specific Elements of the Phases Position APA-6.3 Recalling our Position APA-6.2.1 that three phases should be established for the GST: preparatory, technical, and political. On Preparatory Phase, we believe it is important for Parties to allow civil society (UNFCCC Observer Organizations) to submit questions to Parties on their submissions to ensure a diversified pool of ideas that will improve the GST process. On Technical Phase, we believe it is crucial to include the IPCC experts and other experts in the process to assist in the development of technical guidance in preparation for the GST. On Political Phase, we believe that Parties must show their willingness of international cooperation and collaboration, and embrace a multilateral approach to global climate action. Solving climate crisis requires all Partiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; participation and action. Global climate movement needs everyone to move together and no one left behind.

With support from the Global Stocktake Working Group of Climate Action Network International.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

APA-7: Modalities and procedures for the effective operation of the committee to facilitate implementation and promote compliance referred to in Article 15, paragraph 2, of the Paris Agreement To facilitate implementation and promote compliance with the provision of the Paris Agreement, the Agreement established a new mechanism with an expert committee to promote effective implementation and support greater cooperation and trust amongst Parties. Article 15.2 of the Paris Agreement prescribes the committee to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;expert-based and facilitative in nature and function in a manner that is transparent, non-adversarial and non-punitive.â&#x20AC;? The committee will also pay close attention to the respective national capabilities and national circumstances of the Parties. According to WRI-PACTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s working paper (see page 45 of the working paper mentioned in endnote ii), the new Article 15 mechanism is built on the following rationales: 1. Assisting countries in pursuing, and holding them accountable for, their commitments; 2. Complementing the enhanced transparency framework mainly by addressing failure to submit reports under Article 13 and to submit NDCs in accordance with Article 4, as well as any persistent or recurring failure to implement related requirements; and 3. Taking account of and exploring crosscutting, systemic implementation issues faced by a number of Parties, which might feed into the global stocktake. Position APA-7.1 We believe the expert committee referred to in Article 15.2 of the Paris Agreement must now be made operational and functional. The scope of the review should be to facilitate implementation of and promote compliance with the provisions of the Paris Agreement, with particular attention to Article 4, 7, and 9.

Position APA-7.2 We welcome the recognition that the membership of the committee will be selected on the basis of equitable geographical representation, with two members each from the five regional groups of the United Nations and one member each from the SIDS and the LDCs, while taking into account the goal of gender balance.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

We believe that the members and an alternate for each member of the Committee are to be elected by the CMA, taking into account the expert-based nature of the Committee in accordance with Article 15 of the Paris Agreement, giving consideration to diversity of the relevant fields of expertise as referred to in paragraph 8 (APA-7) of the SB-48.2 conclusion texts. We also believe that members and their alternate members of the committee should serve in their expert capacity, not individual capacity.

Position APA-7.3 We believe the meetings of the committee should be held at least once a year beginning in 2020, with additional sessions added as needed; and such meetings should be open as a default to foster inclusiveness and transparency of the decision-making of the committee.

Position APA-7.4 On decision making, we believe the committee should make every effort to reach agreement on any decision by consensus. However, if all efforts at reaching consensus have been exhausted, as a last resort, the decisions to be adopted by at least two-third of the members present and voting, in accordance with the decision-making protocol of other major international institutions with similar capacity.

Position APA-7.5 On conflict of interest, we believe that when the member or their alternate memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s country is of concern, it should be considered as a competing or conflict of interest, even in the context that their participation in the committee is in their expert capacity. We welcome the inclusion of a clause on conflict of interest in the work programmes of the committee, that the member or their alternate member must: â&#x20AC;˘

Disclose any interest in any matter under discussion before the Committee which may constitute a conflict of interest or which might be incompatible with the requirements of independence and impartiality expected of a member / or alternate member / of the Committee; and

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

•

Refrain from participating in the work of the Committee in relation to such matter.

Position APA-7.6 We agree with the recommendations made by WRI-PACT’s working paper (see page 47 of the working paper mentioned in endnote ii), that Parties should frame operational guidance for the committee to take into account: • • • • • •

The cause, type, degree, and frequency of implementation difficulties facing countries that are referred for compliance issues; The special needs of LDCs and SIDS; Efforts underway by the country concerned to receive support when it is facilitating assistance; The need to avoid double-work and enhance synergy with other relevant mechanisms and processes; The stronger measures should be applied only to cases of noncompliance with specific binding obligations under the Agreement as a last resort; Overarching guidance to the operation of the committee must be established, with focus on the application of measures.

Position APA-7.7 On initiation of process or referral, we believe that all three methods of referral should be adopted: 1) self-referral, 2) referral by a third party, and 3) initiation by the committee. Concerning referral by a third party: it should be considered with respect to implementation of or compliance with all provisions under the Paris Agreement. Concerning initiation by the committee: the Committee may initiate the consideration of issues related to, as appropriate: •

a Party’s or a Party’s or a group of Parties’ implementation of and compliance with the obligations contained in Articles 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13 and 14 of the Paris Agreement and applicable to a Party or a group of Parties on the communication of the most updated reports, as well as provisions expressed through language of a mandatory nature contained in decisions of the CMA related to these obligations on the communications under Articles 4, 7 and 9.5;

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

â&#x20AC;˘

and a situation where a Party has failed to communicate an NDC, to provide the mandatory information or a mandatory report, or to participate in the facilitative, multilateral consideration of progress; and if there presents a significance or recurring nature of inconsistencies with the modalities, procedures and guidelines referred to in Article 13.13 give rise to questions of compliance with Article 13.

Such referrals should be based on: (a) information contained in the registry of nationally determined contributions (NDC registry), (b) information contained in the registry of nationally determined contributions (NDC registry), and up to date status of communication of obligations under Articles 7 and 9; (c) information received through the secretariat, including, but not limited to: Information on the most up-to-date status of communication of nationally determined contributions by Parties as reflected in reports to be prepared by the secretariat, based on information contained in the public registry referred to in Article 4, paragraph 12, of the Agreement; (d) information contained in any relevant registries established under the Paris Agreement, (e) any status reports by the secretariat prepared in accordance with Article 13 of the Paris Agreement, (f) technical expert review reports under Article 13 of the Paris Agreement, and/or (g) information provided by other bodies and arrangements under or serving the Paris Agreement;

Position APA-7.8 We believe for the initiation of the process, except for issues of compliance with legally binding provisions, the Committee is to seek the consent of the Party concerned to proceeding with the consideration of the matter, to be in-line with a nationally determined manner and to ensure all legallybinding provisions are followed. The committee should also make every effort to engage and hear the views from the country or a group of countries concerned. The committee should also make public of its findings regarding the concerned matter, with a simple majority vote of the committee.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

Position APA-7.9 We agree with the recommendations made by WRI-PACT’s working paper (see page 47 of the working paper mentioned in endnote ii), that Parties should provide the committee with the authority to take the following measures, as appropriate: • • • • • • •

Provision of information or advice Recommendations for a particular course of action Facilitation of access to assistance Action plans for countries Issuance of cautions A declaration of noncompliance or a finding on compliance Suspension of certain rights and privileges under the Paris Agreement

The final three stronger measures could be limited to cases where countries fail to meet specific legally-binding obligations, and could be applied as a last resort, that require confirmation by the CMA.

Position APA-7.10 On consideration of systemic issues, we believe the committee should examine systemic issues of implementation and compliance including recurrent issues and common sources of difficulties for implementation and compliance in regard to the provisions of the Agreement faced by a number of Parties that it may identify in the course of its work on the basis of information in section G of the SB48.2 conclusion texts or upon the request of the CMA. The committee upon the consideration of the issue is to report back to the CMA and where appropriate make recommendations, including that this report may serve as an input into the GST. We believe that in considering such issues, the committee should aim to avoid duplication of effort and take into account mandates of other constituted bodies and arrangements under or serving the Paris Agreement.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

SBSTA-12(a), (b), (c): Matters relating to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement (Matters relating to cooperative approaches and non-market mechanism) The background information on this agenda item is provided by WRI-PACT’s working paper (see page 2832 of the working paper mentioned in endnote ii). We concur with the recommendations mentioned in the working paper. Article 6.2 enables Parties to voluntarily engage in cooperative approaches that involve the use of internationally transferrable mitigation outcomes (ITMOs) toward their NDCs on the condition that such engagement promotes sustainable developments, ensures environmental integrity and transparency, and applies robust accounting to avoid double counting. Article 6.4 offers a more centralized carbon market instrument – Sustainable Development Mechanism (SDM) – following the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Article 6.8 offers non-market approaches. The children and youth constituency of the UNFCCC, YOUNGO’s Finance and Market Working Group has also prepared a position paper on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. It is attached below:

YOUNGO Position Paper on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement Drafted by: Lhavanya Dharmalingam (Malaysia) and Shaqib Shahrilnizam (Malaysia) from the Malaysian Youth Delegation, and Nani Sunya (India) and Nugraha Akbar Nurrochmat (Indonesia) from the International Forestry Students’ Association ----------

YOUNGO would like to present its stance on Article 6 and provide recommendations to parties on the guidelines and procedures of developing the text for Article 6. Overall, we would like to emphasise the role of Article 6 as an incentive for parties to voluntarily increase ambition beyond emission reductions listed in their NDCs. We would like the modalities and procedures of market and non-market mechanisms that are to be included into the outcome of Article 6, to be guided by the principles of equity, transparency and environmental integrity. Article 6.2 clearly delivers the term ‘sustainable development’, therefore the subsequent mechanisms should also reflect the three pillars of sustainable development. Transparency as outlined in Article 13, should be equally applicable to Article 6 as it is to the other relevant articles. Aligned with this principle, there should be development of a public registry which 64

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

could help to track trades in real time. We also encourage counterbalancing in all transactions for both buying and selling parties to maintain equity. Market Mechanisms We strongly believe that the incoming Sustainable Development Mechanism (SDM) should not wholesale adopt the modalities, procedures and governance of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), post 2020. The text should provide clear guidelines on transitioning to an SDM that is in line with principles of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sustainable Developmentâ&#x20AC;? as reinforced in Article 6. Various reasons come into play while we make this statement. Firstly, since the Partiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; approaches to co-operate are primarily voluntary, the participation process should be strictly monitored in terms of environmental integrity and accountability. In fact, the working body assigned by the CMA to oversee the activities during the transfer of ITMOs should have if not absolute, at least a substantial amount of say in the final decision-making process in order to avoid political motivations or monopoly. The governing body must strive to make the mechanism as efficient and apolitical as possible. It should be a non-party body, involving policy and technical experts. The SDM framework should be such that it takes into consideration processes that comply with environmental and social safeguards and includes grievance mechanisms, public consultation or consultation with local stakeholders, so as to practically and effectively implement the relevant projects locally. Article 13 has important applicability to market mechanisms in terms of encouraging the quantification and standardization of tonnes of CO2 equivalent emitted in order to maintain transparency for effective implementation. We recommend a guideline be formulated on how to define the scope of the ITMOs to ideally be adhered to by parties and non-participating bodies. Robust laws on inventory making are needed to prevent double counting. This measurement will ensure the stability of transfers and effect on orienting an economy towards green development and involving less carbon pollution. We would encourage parties to use market mechanisms to achieve emissions reductions outside their NDCs, in the spirit of increasing ambitions. However, understanding that achieving emissions reductions can be challenging especially for developing country parties, the market mechanism can be used to partially achieve NDC targets, up to a set lowest-possible limit as decided by parties. Such an approach should be more restricted and allowed only when inevitable circumstances arise. We strongly encourage parties to transition from coal fired power plant projects to renewable energy projects under the SDM. Non-Market Mechanisms Non-market mechanisms could be given priority to achieve NDCs. In accordance to Article 6.8, the nonmarket approaches to achieve the NDCs are useful and crucial, especially in terms of national policy-

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

making and formulation of regulations. Not only do non-market approaches increase the cost effectiveness of mitigation actions, it also promotes sustainable development in a more transparent and freer of business motives manner; particularly in developing countries. In terms of the specificities of the non-market mechanisms, in addition to the policies and regulations referred to above, we strongly encourage the inclusion of carbon sinks. They are a valuable tool for mitigation and are not covered by REDD+. In conclusion, we would like to reinforce that we echo the voices of many other observer bodies in that we hope for a speedy process in the development of the Article 6 text and are iterative in our recommendations about issues of transparency, equity, environmental integrity, avoidance of double counting, inclusion of public consultation, social safeguards, smooth but strict governing mechanism and increased ambition. A concrete and well-defined mechanism, keeping in mind the very essence of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sustainable developmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, should be outlined in a decision text, as soon as possible. ---------With support from the YOUNGO Finance and Market Working Group, under the facilitation of the Policy Operations Team.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

SBSTA-13: Matters relating to Article 9 of the Paris Agreement (Matters relating to climate finance); Modalities for the accounting of financial resources provided and mobilized through public interventions in accordance with Article 9, paragraph 7, of the Paris Agreement Position SBSTA-13.1 On national circumstances, institutional arrangements and country-driven strategies, we believe developed country parties shall, and developing country parties should provide information to track and report on support provided/mobilized: Developed country Parties shall and developing country Parties should provide information on national circumstances and institutional arrangements relevant to reporting on the provision and mobilization of support, such as a description of the systems and processes used by Parties to identify, track, and report on support provided and mobilized, including a description of the challenges and limitations. It is of our opinion that consistent, transparent monitoring and reporting must be part of the Paris Agreement, in order to share best practices, as well as ensure each party to the agreement is contributing their fair share.

Position SBSTA-13.2 On [Cross-cutting] underlying assumptions, definitions, and methodologies, we believe the following text should be adopted: 4. In order to enhance transparency on reporting, each developed country Party shall and developing country Party should describe its underlying assumptions, methodologies and definitions used in reporting, as applicable and available, including those used to: (a) Report in the chosen reporting year, including methodology used to calculate annualized information; (b) Convert between domestic currency and USD exchange rate calculation; (c) Identify and report status (i.e., committed, disbursed), including official documentation; (d) Identify and report the channel (i.e., bilateral, regional, multilateral;) (e) Identify and report support as coming from the specified sources (i.e., ODA,

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

OOF, private, or other; (f) Identify and report support as being “adaptation,” “mitigation,” or “crosscutting,” “loss and damage”; (g) Identify and report support as being a “grant,” “concessional loan,” “non-concessional loan,” “equity,” “guarantee,” “insurance,” or “other financial instrument.” ; (h) Identify and report both face value and grant-equivalent value, for instruments which can be practically translated in grant-equivalent terms; (i) Identify and report sectors; (j) Identify and report sub-sectors; (k) Identify and report sub-sectors; (l) Identify and report support as going to the recipient; (m) Identify and report net finance provided, in case where loan repayments by recipient countries the period of reporting is done, as well as loan repayments and return on investments; (n) Identify and report how it has supported capacity-building and technology-transfer objectives, including the share of support that contributes to this objective; (o) Identify and report support as being “climate-specific”; (p) Avoid double counting among multiple Parties involved in the provision and mobilization of support; (q) Identify and report resources as provided; (r) Identify and report finance as being mobilized (i.e., those related to assumptions establish causality between a public intervention and mobilized finance, including evidence, boundaries, time-period, leveraging factor per type of public intervention reported;) (s) Identify how resources are considered to implement Paris Agreement efforts in developing countries; (t) Identify and report how support is considered new and additional and how it represents a progression from previous levels; (u) Identify and report how resources have been targeted at NDCs/NAPs/country needs, including for loss and damage, and how they have facilitated the implementation of the Paris Agreement; (v) Identify and report how resources are consistent with Article 2.1(c) and contribute to the fulfillment of finance goals; (w) Report on outflows through multilateral channels to developing country Parties, including methodologies, information from financial institutions by financial instrument and recipient; (x) Criteria used by Parties and international financial institutions to identify contributions and outflows as being climate specific; (y) How information submitted was mutually agreed/cross-checked with recipients before submitting;

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

(z) Identify and report the amount of funding disbursed per each beneficiary country, in cases where a project involves more than one country; (aa) Calculate the amount of resources provided to mobilize support; (bb) Report qualitative information such as good practices on public policy and regulatory frameworks to incentivize further private climate financing and investments; (cc) Identify and report on how the resources used through emission trading schemes with developing countries were not counted as support provided or mobilized; (dd) Information on how developed country Parties have been enhancing comparability and ensuring harmonization of their information with those of other developed country parties reported information; (ee) Information on imputed multilateral contributions, i.e. a percentage of their core contribution, based on the totals reported by the MDB on overall climate-specific financing by MDBs. Obviously reporting needs to avoid double-counting; (ff) Defining public and private finance, in particular in cases where entities or funds are mixed (gg) Attributing mobilised private finance, where multiple public actors are involved; (hh) Assessing causality between public interventions and flows of private finance; 4.bis In order to improve comparability of reporting, Parties shall use international standards, to the extent possible, in the provision of information of financial support provided and mobilized through public interventions; It is our opinion that these textual changes represent important inclusions in the PAWP, and are critical to ensuring equitable, necessary and appropriate levels and types of climate finance. It is also our opinion that where developing country parties cannot fulfill the above requirements, due to differentiated abilities and circumstances, developed country parties should provide technical assistance to developing country parties, to help improve the overall body of reported data. It is in the best interest of all parties to ensure that reported data is as accurate as possible, in order to better inform future decision-making.

Position SBSTA-13.3 On Information on financial support provided and mobilized under Article 9, relating to bilateral, regional, and other channels, we believe the following text should be adopted: 5. Developed country Parties shall and developing country Parties should include, for the previous two reporting years without overlapping with the previous reporting periods, relevant information on bilateral and regional financial support provided, specifying, as applicable and available: (a) Year (i.e., calendar year, fiscal year); 69

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

(b) Amount (i.e., in USD and domestic currency) (including face value and grantequivalent value); (c) Status (i.e., disbursed, committed); (d) Channel (i.e., bilateral, regional); (e) Source (i.e., ODA, OOF, and other); (f) Type of support (i.e., mitigation, adaptation, cross-cutting, loss and damage;) (g) Financial instrument (e.g., grant, concessional loan, [non-concessional loan, equity, guarantee, insurance, other (specify)); (h) Sector (i.e., energy, transport, industry, agriculture, forestry, water and sanitation, cross-cutting, other (specify)); (i) Sub-sector; (j) Recipient (e.g. country, region, global, project, programme, activity, other (specify)); (k) How it contributes to technology development and transfer objectives (i.e., yes or no), including the share of support that contributes to this objective; (l) How it contributes to capacity building objectives (i.e., yes or no), including the share of support that contributes to this objective; (m) Additional information; (n) Transaction and overhead costs, loan repayments and return on investments; (o) Climate-specific; (p) New and additional; (q) Link to mobilized resources; (r) Needs of the recipient It is of our opinion that these additions/inclusions in the text are critical elements of a completed PAWP.

Position SBSTA-13.4 On Information on financial support provided and mobilized under Article 9, relating to multilateral channels, we believe the following text should be adopted: 6. Developed country Parties shall and developing country Parties should also include, for the previous two reporting years without overlapping with the previous reporting periods, relevant information on financial support provided through multilateral channels, including the Operating Entities of the Financial Mechanism and the entities of the Technology Mechanism, specifying, as applicable and to the extent possible: (a) Year (i.e., calendar year, fiscal year); (b) Institution; 70

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

(c) Recipient (e.g. country, region, global, project, programme, activity, multilateral fund, international organization, other (specify)); (d) Amount (i.e., in USD and domestic currency) (including face value and grantequivalent value); (e) Status (i.e., disbursed, committed); (f) Source (i.e., ODA, OOF, and other); (g) Nature (i.e., core/general, climate-specific), as appropriate; (h) Type of support (i.e., mitigation, adaptation, cross-cutting, loss and damage;) (i) Financial instrument (e.g., grant, concessional loan, non-concessional loan, equity, guarantee, insurance, other (specify)); (j) Sector (i.e., energy, transport, industry, agriculture, forestry, water and sanitation, cross-cutting, other (specify)); (k) Sub-sector; (l) Transaction and overhead costs, loan repayments and return on investments; (m) How it contributes to technology development and transfer objectives (i.e., yes or no), including the share of support that contributes to this objective.; (n) How it contributes to capacity building objectives (i.e., yes or no), including the share of support that contributes to this objective.; (o) Outflows It is of our opinion that these additions/inclusions in the text are critical elements of a completed PAWP.

Position SBSTA-13.5 On Information on finance mobilized through public interventions, we believe the following text should be adopted: 7. Recognizing the important role of climate-specific support mobilized through public interventions, as referred to in Article 9, paragraph 3, developed country Parties shall and developing country Parties should report, for the previous two reporting years without overlapping with the previous reporting periods, relevant information on support mobilized through public interventions through bilateral, regional and multilateral channels, including the Operating Entities of the Financial Mechanism, and the entities of the Technology mechanism, (a) Year (i.e., calendar year, fiscal year); (b) Amount (i.e., in USD and domestic currency) (including face value and grant-equivalent value); (c) Amount of resources used to mobilize the support (i.e., in USD and domestic currency); 71

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

(d) Recipient (e.g. country, region, global, project, programme, activity, other (specify)); (e) Type of public intervention used to mobilize the support reported (i.e., grant, concessional loan, non-concessional loan, equity, policy intervention, capacity building, technology transfer, technical assistance; (f) Type of support (i.e., mitigation, adaptation, cross-cutting, loss and damage.); (g) Sector (i.e., energy, transport, industry, agriculture, forestry, water and sanitation, cross-cutting, other (specify)); (h) Sub-sector; (i) Recipient country share of mobilization; (j) Additional information; (k) Good practice and public policies/ regulatory framework It is of our opinion that these additions/inclusions in the text are critical elements of a completed PAWP.

Position SBSTA-13.6 On Reporting format (paragraph 8), we believe the following text should be adopted: A common tabular reporting format shall be developed to facilitate the accounting of financial resources provided and mobilized through public interventions in accordance with Article 9, paragraph 7 of the Paris Agreement.

Position SBSTA-13.7 On Reporting format (paragraph 9), we believe the following text should be adopted: Requests the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice to develop the common tabular format referenced in paragraph 8 above for consideration by the Conference of the Parties Serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement by no later than its 51st session.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

SBI-15: Matters relating to climate finance: Identification of the information to be provided by Parties in accordance with Article 9, paragraph 5, of the Paris Agreement Position SBI-15 On the communication and mobilization of climate finance, the following text represents potential and further considerations included in the most recent informal note submitted by the co-facilitators. We believe the following considerations, with particular emphasis on underlined text, should be endorsed by Parties and operationalized as part of the PAWP.

Potential considerations for the preparation of quantitative and qualitative information to be biennially communicated in the context of Article 9, paragraph 5, of the Paris Agreement 4. Enhanced information to increase clarity on the expected levels of provision and mobilisation of climate finance from different sources. 5. Expected levels of financial resources to be provided to developing country Parties, including time frame. 6. Information on the nature of support/parameters, including: a. Amounts and currencies b. Financial instruments c. Channels i. Operating entities and the specialized funds and UNFCCC Trust Fund for Supplementary Activities ii. Other multilateral climate change funds iii. Multilateral financial institutions, development banks iv. Specialised United Nations bodies. d. Purposes/types of support/sector (mitigation, adaptation, cross-cutting), loss and damage i. On how Parties are ensuring balance between adaptation and mitigation, in particular, the needs of developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. e. Expected levels of support for technology transfer and capacity building to be provided for mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and cross-cutting f. Status of commitment g. Information on the baseline reference to facilitate comparison with indicative quantitative information on expected levels of climate finance. 7. Information on recipient countries, geographies, beneficiaries, targeted groups 73

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

9. 10. 11.

12. 13.

14. 15.

16. 17. 18.

a. Information on the factors that providers of climate finance look for in evaluating proposals, to help inform developing countries. Information on how support takes into account the needs and priorities of developing countries, including: a. By supporting country driven strategies to implement the Paris Agreement b. Gender responsive processes. Information on programmes, including information channels and instruments. Information on how the need for public grant-based resources is taken into account. Information on actions and plans to mobilize additional finance, as part of the global effort to mobilize climate finance flows consistent with low greenhouse gas and climate resilient development. Information on national circumstances and internal processes in Parties providing support of relevance to the provision of ex-ante information. Information on actions taken and plans to mobilize finance for the implementation of mitigation and adaptation actions, including for the implementation of nationally determined contributions and national adaptation plans and identified priorities and implementation plans, and to avert, minimize and reduce the risk of loss and damage. Overview of trends, including baseline references/quantitative information over time. Information on efforts to mobilize financial resources for developing countries from the widest array of sources, including: a. The relationship between public interventions used and the private finance mobilized b. Concrete initiatives and measures to facilitate private sector engagement in SIDS and LDCs. Information on efforts to integrate climate change considerations, including resilience, into their development strategies/assistance. Information on efforts by Parties to improve the effectiveness of their climate finance provided and mobilized. Information on challenges and barriers encountered in the past to facilitate/mobilize support and/or investments and measures taken to overcome them.

Further consideration required 19. Information should aim at enhancing predictability, transparency, comparability and clarity in the information provided on expected levels of climate finance. 20. Quantitative vs qualitative information. 21. Reference to review of the types of information to be provided in relation to Art. 9.5 to ensure the information remains relevant to the GST. 22. Consideration on broadening the base of support providers.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

23. Flexibility/recognition that some countries cannot provide some information, and qualitative information can fill gaps in quantitative information which may arise due to practical constraints. 24. Alignment of efforts with Article 2.1(c), of the Paris Agreement. 25. Definition of climate finance. 26. Determination of resources as new and additional. 27. Funding sources of climate finance.

It is our opinion that Parties must communicate the deliverance of climate finance in an effective, transparent manner; particularly relating to information on the nature of support/parameters, and Information on how support takes into account the needs and priorities of developing countries.

Position Paper: The Paris Agreement Working Programme

BCCIC technical observers:

Benjamin Georges-Picot

Colton Kasteel

Jianfeng (Jeffrey) Qi

Benjamin is a BCCIC youth delegate to UNFCCC processes and a YOUNGO working member since COP 23. He focuses on the APA, especially on agenda items concerning climate mitigation and adaptation.

Colton is the Project Coordinator for BCCIC Youth Delegation to COP 24 and has been a YOUNGO working member since COP 23. He focuses on climate finance and market mechanisms in the Paris Agreement.

Jeffrey was the Project Coordinator for BCCIC Youth Delegation to COP 23 and has been a YOUNGO working member since SB-46. He focuses on climate mitigation and adaptation, as well as the PAWP negotiation process.

PAWP. See http://sdg.iisd.org/news/bonn-climate-change-conference-advances-work-on-pawp-negotiations-toresume-in-september/ ii WRI-PACTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s working paper: Setting the Paris Agreement in Motion: Key Requirements for the Implementing Guidelines. See https://www.wri.org/publication/pact-implementing-guidelines iii PAWP Negotiation Texts Compilation. See https://unfccc.int/paris_agreement/items/10528.php iv Adaptation Committee. See https://unfccc.int/process/bodies/constituted-bodies/adaptation-committee-ac v The Adaptation Fund. See https://www.adaptation-fund.org/adaptation-fund-shall-serve-paris-agreement-cmp13-parties-formally-recognize-concrete-actions-vulnerable/ vi Decision 28.CMP.1 [Particularly vulnerable countries]. See http://www.ciesin.columbia.edu/repository/entri/docs/cop/Kyoto_COP001_028.pdf vii Technology Mechanism. See http://unfccc.int/ttclear/support/technology-mechanism.html