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Could UNFCCC COP 29 be the Watershed For Finding a Solution to Reduce Emissions Equitably? A Pathway to a Level Playing Field for Reaching Net Zero

  1.0           In 2023, the U.N. Secretary-General, António Guterres identified the  “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities” [CBDR-RC Principle]  as a key driver for achieving net zero deadlines - subject to a significant condition: “Every country must be part of  the solution. Demanding others move first only ensures humanity comes last”.

2.0           Existing issues that have limited the adoption of the CPDR-RC Principle over time are identified e.g., conflicts over inequality and competitive advantage; the wide disparity in national contributions of global CO2 emissions between all countries.

3.0           The article outlines the framework for a level playing field for reducing emissions, equitably, to reach net zero by 2050, based on the linkage between the CPDR-RC Principle and the fair treatment Equity guideline.  The CPDR-RC Principle and Equity are both legally binding obligations under the Paris Agreement.

4.0           A level playing field would enable all 195 UN Parties that have ratified the Paris Agreement Parties  to share the responsibility for reducing emissions, equitably, in accordance with their actual contribution to historic global temperature rise.

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KEY WORDS: Paris Agreement; COP 29; emissions; net zero; António Guterres; equity; CBDR-RC Principle; level playing field; relevant and reliable science; IPCC Task Force National GHG Inventories; illusory promise

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