Ahead of COP28 Ecoaction presented a Position with the vision of the decisions that must be adopted at the international and national level in Ukraine to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement – Ecoaction’s Position on the Priorities of Climate Policy in Ukraine and the world before the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28).
- Phasing out fossil fuels.
During last year’s Conference of the Parties (COP27), a proposal to phase out fossil fuels received the support of more than 80 countries, but countries rich in oil and gas opposed such an initiative. And then at the G20 summit in September 2023 agreed to triple the world’s renewable energy capacity by 2030 while failing to reach an agreement on phasing out fossil fuels and reducing emissions. This year it is important the Parties approve the phase out of fossil fuels as the main way to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and define the time frame for the transformation and the renunciation of fossil fuel subsidies
- Settlement of liability for climate damage from international armed conflicts.
According to calculations, direct and indirect emissions of GHG from military operations may amount to about 5.5% of global emissions. Still, they are still optional for reporting and reducing under the Paris Agreement. We consider it important to start discussions to work out a solution regarding responsibility for emissions related to international armed conflicts. At the same time, we consider it inadmissible to continue the inclusion of emissions (not related to military operations) from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine (the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and other temporarily occupied territories) to the emissions inventory of the russian federation.
- Climate justice: adequate climate finance to countries that need it.
120 developing countries are responsible for less than 20% of the global carbon dioxide emissions that have caused the climate crisis. However, the populations of these countries often suffer the most devastating effects of climate change. One of the attempts to solve this problem was the creation of the Loss and Damage Fund following the results of COP27. Regardless of its current capabilities, Ukraine should support the global call to accelerate the resolution of the issue of climate justice by streamlining the activities of the Loss and Damage Fund
- Ecosystems and biodiversity preservation
Within Global Stocktake (GST) framework, the Parties should strengthen joint actions to address climate change and biodiversity protection, in particular by better integrating these actions into their updated national climate goals, including nationally determined contributions, long-term strategies and adaptation strategies. Harmonization of the climate goals with the goals for biodiversity preservation, which are provided for by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, is also an important task for the UNFCCC Parties.
Regarding the Priorities of Ukraine’s Climate Policy
- Climate neutrality by 2050
On 23 June 2022, Ukraine received the status of a candidate for EU membership, which provides for the implementation of European legislation, including the European Green Deal, which aims to achieve climate neutrality on the European continent by 2050. Therefore, taking into account the commitments undertaken, Ukraine must officially approve the course for climate neutrality by 2050.
- Climate-friendly reconstruction of infrastructure and economy
Ukraine has the opportunity to become a model of sustainable climate-friendly reconstruction with the best approaches and technologies of the 21st century. This is important because, according to calculations, a significant part of the GHG emissions associated with the war will occur during reconstruction. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce mechanisms that would ensure climate-neutral reconstruction, in particular, by introducing new energy efficiency standards for buildings. In addition, the reconstruction planning, as well as direct actions to rebuild the infrastructure of settlements, take into account climatic aspects, in particular in the context of adaptation.
- Strengthening Ukraine’s participation in global climate initiatives
During COP28, Ukraine needs once again to emphasize its readiness to phase out coal in energy by 2035 and ensure a phase-out in a fair way; improve national legislation for the successful implementation of the approved Plan to reduce methane emissions; present a clear plan that would demonstrate readiness to implement the provisions of the Declaration on Forests and Land Use; join the BOGA countries, which is an international coalition of governments and partners working together to promote the phasing out of oil and gas production; develop and approve a national strategy and action plan for biodiversity preservation until 2030 within the next 1–2 years.
- Carbon markets
During the negotiations, Ukraine should not support initiatives that call into question the transparency of monitoring under Article 6 and any initiatives that would allow the transfer of emission reduction units from past periods. Ukraine’s position regarding market-based bilateral instruments within the framework of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement must meet the criteria for additionality and the prevention of double accounting of emission reduction units.
- Involvement in the development of climate policy
During the next year, Ukraine must develop a new Nationally Determined Contribution until 2035, as well as adopt a National Energy and Climate Plan. In the framework of their development, it is important to ensure access and take into account the proposals of all interested parties, including civil society and representatives of local authorities.
- Issues related to increasing export potential
In its pursuit of climate goals, Ukraine should not concentrate efforts and investments on the development of expensive nuclear energy capacities that would generate energy in the distant future. Instead, the focus should be on the development of decentralized renewable energy sources.
