[This article originally appeared on sdg.iisd.org]
The eighth Petersberg Climate Dialogue, which focused on the theme ‘Working together on solutions,’ concluded with a commitment to the Paris Agreement and its ambitious implementation. Attended by Ministers from 35 countries, the Petersberg Climate Dialogue took place from 22-23 May 2017, in Berlin, Germany. Participants discussed measures needed for the complete, effective and swift implementation of the Paris Agreement in the face of new challenges in a multilateral world. Along with adaptation to climate change, the talks focused on national long-term strategies and development paths towards a greenhouse gas (GHG)-neutral global economy.
"On the margins of the Dialogue, the OECD released a report that presents an analysis of how low-emission and climate-resilient development can be achieved without compromising economic growth, competitiveness or well-being."
On the Dialogue’s first day, ministers addressed the current political challenges for climate diplomacy and expectations for the 23rd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 23) to the UNFCCC. Addressing the Dialogue, Frank Bainimarama, Fiji’s Prime Minister and incoming COP 23 President, indicated that he intends to work with the Moroccan COP 22 Presidency to design the process for the 2018 Facilitative Dialogue, and work with the Polish Presidency of COP 24 to “ensure its success.” The Facilitative Dialogue to take place in 2018 was agreed to in Paris in 2015. It is tasked to take stock of the collective efforts of parties in relation to progress towards the mitigation long-term goal referred to in the Paris Agreement and to inform the preparations of nationally determined contributions (NDCs).
Bainimarama also stressed the need for making “demonstrable progress on the implementation guidelines of the Paris Agreement.” In concluding, he stressed the global nature of the climate change “crisis,” stating that “we are all vulnerable and we all need to act.” In the afternoon of the first day, ministers discussed ambitious NDCs and adaptation strategies.
On the second day of the Dialogue, Ministers discussed a report released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) titled, ‘Investing in Climate, Investing in Growth.’ Prepared in the context of the German Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20), the report presents an analysis of how low-emission and climate-resilient development can be achieved without compromising economic growth, competitiveness or well-being. It describes the development pathways required to meet the Paris Agreement objectives and underlines the value of well-aligned policy packages in mobilizing investment and social support for the transition while enhancing growth. The report also sets out the structural, financial and political changes needed to enable the transition.
The German Government has been organizing the Petersberg Climate Dialogue since 2010, when it was held on the Petersberg near Bonn. This meeting is now an important event for international climate diplomacy and is held in an informal setting to foster open debate. The co-chair at the Climate Dialogue is the country presiding over the next Climate COP.
