The principle of progression is a key component of the Paris Agreement, which is an international treaty designed to tackle climate change. This principle outlines the need for countries to continuously improve their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The Paris Agreement was signed in 2015 by 195 countries and aims to strengthen the ability of countries to deal with the impact of climate change.
The principle of progression is based on the idea that countries should set more ambitious targets for emissions reductions over time. The initial targets set by countries in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) were considered to be insufficient to meet the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the Paris Agreement includes a mechanism to review and update these targets every five years.
The first global stocktake is scheduled to take place in 2023, where countries will be required to assess their progress towards their NDCs and consider whether they need to set more ambitious targets. This process will continue every five years, providing a mechanism for countries to continuously improve their efforts to tackle climate change.
The principle of progression is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that countries are not complacent in their efforts to reduce emissions and are continuously striving to improve their efforts. This is vital as the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, and urgent action is needed to limit its impact.
Secondly, the principle of progression ensures that countries are held accountable for their efforts to reduce emissions. Regular reviews and updates of targets will help to identify areas where countries need to improve their efforts and provide greater transparency in reporting emissions reductions.
Finally, the principle of progression helps to build trust between countries. As countries continue to increase their ambitions and efforts to reduce emissions, others will be more likely to follow suit, leading to a collective effort to tackle climate change.
In conclusion, the principle of progression is a crucial component of the Paris Agreement. It helps to ensure that countries are continuously improving their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the impact of climate change. This principle provides a mechanism for countries to regularly review and update their targets, ensuring that they remain ambitious and that progress is made towards the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. As we move towards the first global stocktake in 2023, it is essential that all countries embrace the principle of progression and work together to tackle this urgent global issue.