International work done on Climate Action Plans
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is an intergovernmental body established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1988. It has a secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, and 195 member states. The IPCC informs governments about climate change knowledge by examining relevant scientific literature, including natural, economic, and social impacts and risks. Its work is objective and comprehensive, with thousands of scientists and experts reviewing publications and compiling key findings into Assessment Reports. The IPCC began its seventh assessment cycle in 2023, publishing its Working Group I contribution to the Sixth Assessment Report in August 2021. The report warned of “major inevitable and irreversible climate changes.” The IPCC released three special reports during this period, including the 2018 Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C, 2019 Special Report on Climate Change and Land, and 2019 Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate. (https://www.ipcc.ch/)
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) coordinates responses to environmental issues within the UN system, providing leadership, science, and solutions on climate change, ecosystem management, and green economic development. Established in 1972, UNEP develops international environmental agreements, promotes environmental science, and assists national governments in achieving environmental targets. It also hosts secretariats for multilateral environmental agreements and research bodies. UNEP is involved in various activities related to climate change, disasters, ecosystem management, environmental governance, and environment under review. It partners with the Territorial Approach to Climate Change to engage governmental entities in climate resilience efforts. The UNEP also supports countries in developing laws and policies to protect them from severe damage from disasters. It also provides information on the global environment, chemicals and waste, and resource efficiency to stakeholders, ensuring effective policy-making and achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
The G8 Climate Change Roundtable, established in 2005, aims to address global climate change issues through a global plan of action. It was formed by 23 leading international businesses, with support from G8 President Tony Blair, to establish a long-term policy framework for market-based solutions. The group includes companies like Ford, British Airways, HSBC, Électricité de France, and BP. The group has a membership of 150 businesses worldwide. However, environmentalists argue that the statement lacks targets or timetables. The G8 Climate Change Roundtable emphasized five key points: recognizing companies’ responsibility, requiring international attention, considering market forces, incorporating consumer support, and adopting specific policies for climate mitigation. (https://changeoracle.com/2013/06/19/the-g8-climate-change-roundtable/)
- COP28. The 2023 COP28 conference (Conference of the Parties) held in Dubai, aimed to limit global temperature rises and adapt to climate change impacts. It committed signatory countries to transition away from carbon energy sources and achieve net zero by 2050. The pact was the first to explicitly mention the need to shift away from all fossil fuels. COP28 is the first COP to address climate change’s impact on public health, with over 46 million health professionals advocating for a phase-out of fossil fuels. The World Health Organisation urges ministers to lead climate action, advocate for climate finance, and prioritize public health in climate meetings and policies to ensure sustainable climate futures. (https://www.cop28.com/en/)
