Climate conference in Marrakesh: Slow progress

The 2015 Paris Agreement obliges all countries to formulate climate targets for the first time. The aim is to limit average global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with a maximum temperature rise of 1.5 degrees. The agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016. At the 22nd UN Climate Change Conference in Marrakech, which ended on November 19, 2016, countries began discussing the modalities for implementing the agreement.

Goal: Uniform specifications

The aim of the negotiations in Marrakech was to start drawing up uniform provisions and binding guidelines - the so-called "Paris Rules Book" - namely for the definition of nationally defined climate targets and reporting. This is intended to make the progress made by individual countries and the impact on global climate policy measurable and verifiable in the future.

The negotiations have shown that the road to a common understanding is long. The pace presented was slow, but in line with the differences that still exist between the countries, some of which are fundamental. The negotiations were slowed down in particular by the efforts of various developing countries to return to the pre-Paris status and reintroduce the rigid dichotomy between industrialized and developing countries.

"Paris Rules Book" launched

Despite the delays, partial successes were achieved. For example, the next steps in the various negotiation tracks have been set in motion: subgroups will address specific issues in greater depth and submit proposals to the UNFCCC Secretariat. Based on these findings, technical workshops will be held between now and COP 23. The aim is to conclude the negotiations on the Paris Rules Books in 2018.

Individual topics such as transparency and market mechanisms were discussed in depth. In the area of climate financing, the donor countries presented the "Roadmap", which aims to provide USD 100 billion annually from 2020. USD annually to support climate policy in developing countries. With the "Climate Action Day", a platform was created for the first time at the COP to make the great commitment of non-state actors (cities, regions, companies, NGOs) visible. This is an important impulse for civil society for an ambitious climate policy. After all, private funds and initiatives are also needed to achieve the Paris goals.

The focus of the Swiss delegation was on the areas of formulation of climate targets, market mechanisms and transparency; it also led negotiations on climate finance, among other issues. At COP 22, Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard announced financial support for developing countries for reporting (CHF 1 million) and technology transfer (CHF 4 million). Both areas are central to the progress of an ambitious climate policy.

First Conference of the Parties to the Paris Convention

The first Conference of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA) opened in Marrakech. It adopted the Marrakesh Action Proclamation and agreed on the way forward. Switzerland, which has not yet ratified the agreement, participated only as an observer, but was nevertheless able to make an active contribution. The CMA will meet again in 2017 to take stock of the implementation of the Paris Agreement. In 2018, all relevant resolutions on this are then to be adopted in a single package at the CMA. At the COP 23 climate conference, which will be held in Bonn in 2017 under the presidency of Fiji, the focus will accordingly be on further work on the Paris Rules Book.

Marrakech Action Proclamation for our Climate and Sustainable Development

At the invitation of the King of Morocco, the heads of state and government adopted the Marrakech Action Proclamation at the 22nd Climate Change Conference. In it, they underscore the urgent need for action in the face of global warming and emphasize the irreversibility of international momentum in the fight against climate change. In their call, the ministers refer to both the Paris Climate Agreement and the UN's 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. In this sense, the proclamation calls for action on poverty reduction, food security and targeted activities to address the challenges of climate change in agriculture.

Furthermore, the industrialized countries confirm the goal of mobilizing USD 100 billion annually from 2020 for climate measures in developing countries. USD annually for climate action in developing countries. They call on non-state actors to participate in the ambitious climate targets and underline the opportunities for business that arise from this process.

Source: FOEN