A file photo of a desert.
By Daisy Okiring
Representatives from nearly 200 countries have convened in Hangzhou, China, to debate the schedule and content of the next major United Nations climate report.
The discussions come at a critical time, following the hottest year on record and mounting concerns over the pace of global warming.
Key point of contention
A key point of contention is whether the upcoming Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report—focusing on climate science, impacts, and mitigation strategies—can be completed in time to inform the crucial 2028 UN stocktake on global climate action.
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Wealthy nations and countries most vulnerable to climate change are pushing for an accelerated timeline, while major polluters like China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Russia argue that the process is moving too quickly.
Absence of US delegation
Adding to tensions, the absence of a U.S. delegation—following former President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement—casts uncertainty over Washington’s role in international climate efforts. The High Ambition Coalition, comprising European and climate-vulnerable nations, insists that using up-to-date science in the 2028 review is essential for maintaining credibility and ensuring effective global climate policies.
The first UN stocktake in 2023 highlighted the lack of progress in tackling global warming, leading to a historic call at the COP28 summit for a transition away from fossil fuels. However, resistance from oil-producing nations has tempered efforts for swift action. The IPCC warns that global temperatures are on track to exceed the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C threshold by the early 2030s, with some studies suggesting this could happen even sooner.
Small island nations, facing existential threats from rising sea levels, have urged global leaders to ensure the timely completion of the IPCC report. “Climate science must remain accessible and actionable for all. Our survival depends on it,” said Ilana Seid, chair of the Association of Small Island States.
As the negotiations continue, experts warn that failure to reach an agreement this week could jeopardize the world’s ability to make informed climate decisions in the years ahead.
