Brundtland Consulting

𝐂𝐎𝐏29 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬  The 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, resulted in significant advancements in climate finance, carbon markets, transparency, adaptation, and gender equality. Key outcomes of COP29 include the agreement to triple climate finance to developing countries to $300 billion annually by 2035, a breakthrough agreement on carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, progress on transparent climate reporting through Biennial Transparency Reports, the establishment of a support program for National Adaptation Plans, the adoption of the Baku Workplan for Indigenous Peoples, and the extension of the Lima Work Programme on Gender and Climate Change. These accomplishments demonstrate progress in global climate efforts, while acknowledging the need for continued cooperation and accelerated action.     𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬   🔹A new climate finance agreement was reached, with wealthy countries committing to $300 billion per year by 2035. https://lnkd.in/dCy-QcDc  🔹An agreement was reached on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, finalizing rules for international carbon markets. This breakthrough enables UN-approved crediting and international trade of mitigation outcomes.https://https://lnkd.in/d2ha8cXz  🔹COP29 host Azerbaijan received the Fossil of the Day award from Climate Action Network due to concerns about their approach to the presidency and engagement with civil society. https://lnkd.in/dfDaRMsC  🔹Colombia was recognised with the Ray of the COP award for being the only major oil-producing country supporting the Fossil Fuel Non-proliferation Treaty.https://https://lnkd.in/d3jHnUcU  🔹Thailand announced it would reach its net zero target earlier than the original 2065 goal, according to Phirun Saiyasitpanich, director-general of the Department of Climate Change and Environment. https://lnkd.in/dahVVamM  🔹The first wave of Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) began arriving, with Azerbaijan reporting a 15.7% GHG reduction below 1990 levels, and the EU reporting a 37% reduction.https://https://lnkd.in/drYe7xY4   𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧!     #COP29 #ClimateAction #ClimateFinance #EmissionsReduction #Article 6 #NetZero #ParisAgreement

Day 11 of COP29, known as Nature Day, featured significant developments in climate finance, carbon markets, and global climate commitments. Here are some of the key outcomes from the day: 𝐃𝐚𝐲 11 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬:  🔹Updated texts on climate finance and Article 6 were released, prompting immediate responses from parties and negotiating blocs. (read more here) https://lnkd.in/edH6k-Te  🔹Argentina confirmed it will not withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Minister Gerardo Werthein emphasised a review of the nation's climate commitments under the new administration, led by President Javier.   🔹Launch of the 2035 NDC ambition initiative, with ministers from EU, UK, Canada, Mexico, and others pledging to align mid-term milestones with long-term net-zero commitments. (read more here) https://lnkd.in/dMjuV_kq  🔹World Resources Institute unveiled a new NDC Tracker on its Climate Watch data platform to monitor country commitments.  🔹Nearly 50 countries endorsed the Baku Declaration on Water for Climate Action, signalling a collective commitment to integrate water management into climate strategies. (read more here)  https://lnkd.in/d5F3KfBB  🔹Norway announced joining the ADB Article 6 carbon fund with a $50 million pledge. (read more here) https://lnkd.in/d4y9H_Dz  🔹Singapore signed an Article 6 Implementation Agreement with Peru. (read more here). https://lnkd.in/d8Bu5aZ7     𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧  Day 11 marked a pivotal moment in the COP29 negotiations, particularly in advancing climate finance frameworks and carbon market mechanisms. The release of new texts on climate finance and Article 6 highlighted the urgency of establishing concrete financial commitments from developed nations. The day witnessed a significant push toward standardising carbon market approaches, exemplified by Norway's $50 million pledge to the ADB Article 6 fund and Singapore's agreement with Peru. The launch of the 2035 NDC ambition initiative demonstrates growing momentum for aligning medium-term goals with long-term net-zero targets. However, challenges remain, particularly in reconciling diverse national interests, as illustrated by Argentina's nuanced position on climate commitments. These developments signal a shift toward more concrete implementation mechanisms while highlighting the ongoing complexity of balancing national circumstances with global climate objectives. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐎𝐏29 𝐛𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧! #COP29 #ClimateFinance #CarbonMarkets #NatureDay #Baku2024 #Article6 #Brundtland

𝐂𝐎𝐏29 𝐃𝐚𝐲 10 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 Day 10 of COP29, focused on Urban and Transport Day, a significant theme as the summit edges closer to its conclusion. Negotiations are becoming critical, with expectations that key agreements must soon be finalized to avoid protracted debates. Here are some of the key outcomes from Day 10: 𝐃𝐚𝐲 10 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬  🔹No Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) for India, as negotiations with the US and Germany failed. India resisted the coal phaseout, emphasizing the financial strain it might bring. https://lnkd.in/dgm7QT5a  🔹A coalition of 27 countries plans to submit a GHG emissions pricing proposal to the OECD and China, specifically targeting agri-food systems to reduce emissions by up to 3% and channel funds toward the Loss and Damage Fund.   🔹Concerns were raised by the Africa Make Big Polluters Pay (MBPP) coalition, criticizing the carbon market provisions under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The coalition called for more equitable and non-market-based approaches. https://lnkd.in/duwxyMrH  🔹The Move to -15C Coalition announced new members, expanding its efforts to lower temperatures in frozen food logistics to reduce emissions, with significant support from the food and logistics sectors.  🔹Nigeria is developing a national carbon registry and preparing for engagement with Article 6 compliance, signalling readiness for enhanced climate action. https://lnkd.in/edH6k-Te  🔹The EU was awarded "Fossil of the Day" for its insufficient climate finance offer, considered inadequate in addressing historical emissions responsibilities. https://lnkd.in/ewMGgFUW  🔹It was revealed that 10 countries are responsible for around 60% of global emissions from exported fossil fuels, with Russia being the biggest contributor.https://https://lnkd.in/en_BYpBt    𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧  Discussions centered around implementing emissions reductions in urban areas and sustainable transport solutions. The day's emphasis on pricing greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture underlined a strong push for integrating food systems into broader climate goals, aiming to address both emissions and financial flows for developing nations. While diverse perspectives emerged, particularly around financial commitments and carbon market mechanisms, these conversations reflect the nuanced process of global climate cooperation. Key texts on finance and carbon markets are set to be pivotal in COP29's final stages, offering a opportunity to consolidate global climate commitments and drive meaningful international cooperation.  𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐎𝐏29 𝐛𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧!    #COP29 #ClimateAction #ClimateFinance #EmissionReduction #UrbanTransport #ParisAgreement

𝐂𝐎𝐏29 𝐃𝐚𝐲 9 Day 9 sees continued negotiation efforts between global leaders, with progress made in the agricultural sector regarding methane reduction. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐚𝐲 9:   𝐃𝐚𝐲 9 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬  🔹The coalition against fossil fuel subsidies (COFFIS) now includes 16 nations aiming to eliminate dependency on fossil fuels in the public sector. The latest members of the coalition include Colombia, the UK and New Zealand.  🔹Germany has announced its pledge of $63 million to the Adaptation Fund, bringing this year’s amount from $61 million to $124 million. Although this is a significant increase, the fund is still short of its $300 million annual target.  🔹Over 30 countries representing 47% of global methane production from organic waste (including Russia, U.A.E and the US), have endorsed the Reducing Methane from Organic Waste Declaration.   🔹Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with UNEP’s Climate and Clean Air Coalition has announced its intention to develop a roadmap for methane reduction for the agricultural sector, supporting the Global Methane Pledge’s 2030 targets.  🔹The Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers was launched by the COP29 Presidency in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO). The program focuses on fostering collaboration across food and agricultural initiatives.     𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧   Despite controversy in relation to COP29’s host nation being a petrostate, Azerbaijan has made history in becoming the first country to receive the IS020121 Certification for Sustainable Management and Delivery. ISO 20121 is an international standard for sustainable event management. The framework provides a set of guidelines for planning, organizing and executing sustainability events in a socially inclusive manner.  Although the award is one of firsts, it still does not address key negotiations that are waiting to be concluded here at COP29. With the conclusion of the G20 summit there is hope that its leadership declaration will put pressure for the development of a new climate finance goal by the end of COP29 (Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gsC5vkcq ).  𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐎𝐏29 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧! #COP29 #AdaptationFund #OrganicWasteDeclaration #GlobalMethanePledge #G20Summit

𝐂𝐎𝐏29 𝐃𝐚𝐲 8 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬  After the first week of COP29, there is a widespread concern over the slow progress on several key issues. As week 2 unfolds, various parties are eager to push negotiations forward and secure concrete outcomes. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐚𝐲 8:  𝐃𝐚𝐲 8 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬  🔹Article 6 has been a key focus of COP29. Despite slow progress regarding negotiations parties have reached a mutual agreement on Article 6.8.   🔹The Climate Action Center of Excellence together with Emsurge have launched a new platform to help measure the risks associated with trading carbon credits. The program is known as the CACE Article 6 Readiness tracker. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dMd5rWr4 🔹NCQG is back in the spotlight with discussions around its annual global threshold still ongoing. The EU are currently estimating a global target between $200-$300 billion.    🔹11 different countries including the Netherlands and Spain, as well as a variety of other parties have submitted their Biennial Transparency Reports (BRTs) one month before the deadline on December 31st, 2024.  🔹UN agencies, multilateral development banks, as well as other international organizations and climate funds have released a joint statement known as the Baku Initiative on Human Development for Climate Resilience. Read more https://lnkd.in/dNBF7NrT 🔹The adoption of the Baku Initiative on Human Development for Climate Resilience includes the establishment of Guiding Principles. Read more : https://lnkd.in/dNkPbsbe 🔹A new roadmap was launched by the Commonwealth Secretariat with the aim of providing accessibility and climate funding to voluntarily carbon markets for developing countries.     𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬  Over the weekend, countries were unable to reach an agreement on mitigation in relation to climate action plans and emission cutting. Despite efforts to postpone discussions to next year, President Mukhtar Babayev has stated that efforts to revive negotiations will continue this week. This has gained support from a variety of LDC’s and Latin American countries placing emphasis on transitioning away from fossil fuels through the Mitigation Work Program. Although there have been concerns regarding numerous key issues at COP29, there has been progression on the priority of Article 6. With completion of Article 6.8, and revised 6.4 standards, there are only certain aspects of article 6.2, and 6.4 that now remain to be finalized before Article 6 negotiations are concluded.     𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐎𝐏29 𝐛𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧!    #Article6.8 #BRT #BakuInitiative #HumanDevelopment #NCQG #Brundtland

𝐂𝐎𝐏29 𝐃𝐚𝐲 5 & 6 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 Day 5 & 6 saw discussions around the themes of climate resilience, green energy, and modern solutions for technological and digital innovation. Here are some of the key takeaways from this weekend: 𝐃𝐚𝐲 5 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 🔹Article 6 has been revised from 43 pages to 19, streamlining the process for finalizing international carbon trade rules and fostering a clearer consensus. Key issues, including the international registry and rule authorization have been addressed. 🔹The carbon crediting mechanism as stipulated by Article 6.4 has been officially renamed to the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM). 🔹Approval for the deployment of 1500 GW of global energy storage, as well as increasing global grid capacity by an additional 25 million km by 2030. 🔹Endorsement of renewable energy by increasing green hydrogen production from its annual target of 1 million tons per annum, through reducing its reliance on production from unabated fossil fuels by 96mt. 🔹Commitment to improving accessibility of green energy through the development of green energy zones and corridors, enabling communities to secure electricity transmission over long distances. 🔹Donar pledges have only secured $61m to the Adaption Fund at this year’s COP despite its annual goal of $300m. However, trends show that pledges have steadily decreased over the last 3 years seeing a significant drop from 2021’s $335m. 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝 🔹Developing countries have received most of their climate funding from international public banks in comparison to foreign governments, and the private sector. 🔹NCQG will seek to fund 20% of its public finance initiative through the main multilateral climate funds including – the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Loss and Damage Fund (FRLD), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) 🔹A new financing goal is set to replace the current $100 billion annual target, with climate groups estimating a new target of over $1 trillion. 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 Despite three new renewable energy initiatives introduced at Day 5 of COP29— including the Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge, Green Energy Zones and Corridors, and the Hydrogen Declaration—an open letter signed by former UN Climate Chief Christina Figueres and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon called for petrostates to be excluded from attending or hosting COPs. Former US Vice President Al Gore also agreed with the idea, calling it "absurd” and that stricter eligibility criteria needs to be developed for member and host nations. Read more on Article 6 : https://lnkd.in/diRpzKPx #COP29 #GreenEnergyZones #GlobalEnergyStorage #HydrogenDeclaration #Brundtland

𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐂𝐎𝐏29 𝐃𝐚𝐲 4   As day 5 of 𝐂𝐎𝐏29 commences, here are some of the main highlights of yesterday’s conference. Throughout COP29 there has been significant emphasis placed on the development of the NCQG, with focus on addressing a variety of concerns within the framework including – accessibility to climate finance for lower-income countries, transparency of climate finance, the inclusion of finance from the Lost and Damaged Fund, as well the amount that should be allocated. The discussion around the new climate finance goal has increased geopolitical tensions between developing and developed countries, with the suggestion that the new climate finance annual target should be scaled up from the previous goal of $100 billion to $1.3 trillion per annum for developing countries.  Despite growing tension regarding agreements surrounding NCQG, Multilateral Development Banks (MDB’s) continue to play a significant role in the mobilization of international climate finance, stating that they exceeded their 2025 projections by increasing direct finance by 25% over the past year. Furthermore, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched a regional program called “Glaciers to Farms” promoting sustainable water use and food security in response to the implications of melting glaciers in the region. The ADB, Green Climate Fund (GCF) as well as other development partners in the private sector aim to mobilise up to $3.5 billion for the program. On the other hand, Sweden has illustrated its commitment to climate action at COP29 yet again. On Day 2 of the summit, we saw Sweden pledge $19m to the Loss and Damage Fund. Then on Day 4, we saw Sweden make another significant contribution, announcing that the country will be a donating $730 million to the UN Green Climate Fund. The investment will focus on supporting low-middle income countries help adapt their economies to become more climate resilient. Whilst Sweden have pledged increased commitments to the fight against climate change, we have seen a firm resistance to discussions being held at COP29 from a variety of countries. One of these countries being Argentina, who have announced their withdrawal from the summit. Not much is known about why Argentina have decided to withdraw; however, we do know that Argentinian President Javier Milei has assumed a climate change denial outlook in the past. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐎𝐏29 𝐛𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧!     #COP29DAY4 #GCF #ADB #NCQG #Sweden #Bruntland    

📢 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚’𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐱 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 – 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐰𝐨📢 The National Treasury has published the Phase Two of the Carbon Tax discussion paper, detailing important policy updates effective January 1, 2026. This phase includes changes to tax rates, tax-free allowances, and incentives for carbon offsets, aimed at supporting South Africa’s low-carbon transition. Read the full document on the Brundtland website under " 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧". https://lnkd.in/d5qwaEGu #CarbonTax #Sustainability #ClimateAction #SouthAfrica #Brundtland

🌍 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 2024 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧! 🌍 Yesterday, Wendy Rasikhanya from Brundtland Consulting had the honor of attending the 2024 Earthshot Prize event in Cape Town. The Earthshot Prize, launched by Prince William, is an inspiring initiative designed to incentivize and support innovative solutions to the world’s most critical environmental challenges, from climate change to biodiversity loss. 🌱✨ The event brought together leaders and sustainability advocates focused on finding practical solutions for a sustainable future. At Brundtland Consulting, we look forward to applying these insights in our work and continuing to support positive change. Congratulations to the nominees and winners working towards a greener, healthier planet!💚 #EarthshotPrize #Sustainability #BrundtlandConsulting #Innovation #CapeTown2024 #CapeTown2024