The entry into force of the Paris Agreement on 4 November, just before the climate talks opened in Marrakech, was heartening news for delegates. It was one of the fastest global agreements to enter into force, ever. This happened a month after 55 countries responsible for 55% of the world’s greenhouse gas ratified it – it was so quick that its ‘rulebook’ hadn’t even been written yet.
Countries met in Marrakech to start deciding how their national commitments (Nationally Determined Contributions or ‘NDCs’) will be monitored, measured and reported. What’s more, the spectre hung over them of how to increase ambitions to cut greenhouse gas emissions before 2020 – the starting line for new action. It’s a troubling and well known fact that there’s a huge ‘Emissions Gap’ to keep global warming in check below 2 or even 1.5 degrees.
Governments made reasonable progress on the rules of the game and gearing up to deliver the promise of Paris (and more). Parties to the Paris Agreement mapped a clear pathway that will see them convene again at COP23 next year – under Fiji’s leadership – and then at COP24, where the Paris Agreement work programme will be concluded and ready to go.
In summary: governments kept up the momentum from Paris.