International Climate Policies
COP21 in Paris and What Preceded:
The COP15 in Copenhagen in 2009 was perceived as a failure since it only yielded a non-
binding statement to keep global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius. Developed
countries were hesitant to set restrictive frameworks for greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction,
while developing nations were concerned about hindering their economic growth. These
challenges increased the pressure on the Paris COP21 to secure formal agreements on GHG reductions, aiming to limit temperature increase to 1.5-2 degrees Celsius. The two major agenda items were the establishment of voluntary national reduction targets and financing mechanisms for mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing countries.
The establishment of the Green Climate Fund in 2010, which was formally set up during
COP16 in Cancun, was seen as a response to the Copenhagen discussions. The fund, a UNFCCC initiative, aimed to provide financial assistance to developing countries for climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Furthermore, the European Climate Diplomacy Policy, supported by the Netherlands, aimed to enhance climate diplomacy within Europe and promote the implementation of ambitious climate policies.
Outcome of Paris COP21:
The Paris Agreement, effective from November 2016, marked a turning point in global
climate governance. The agreement required countries to set reduction targets for 2020, 2030, and 2050, aiming to stay well below 2 degrees Celsius or preferably limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. To achieve these targets, countries were asked to develop 5-year plans known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Additionally, countries were encouraged to set long-term targets (LT-LEDS) outlining their strategies towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The Paris Agreement also emphasised the commitment of developed countries to contribute $100 trillion annually to support climate action in developing nations, although this commitment remained a subject of ongoing discussion and fulfilment for years to follow.
Context:
During the period from 2015 to 2017, the world witnessed a remarkable upsurge in public
awareness and engagement on the critical issue of climate change. Civil society
organizations, grassroots movements, and passionate youth activists played a pivotal role in driving forward the urgent need for ambitious climate action. Events like the People's Climate March in 2014 and subsequent gatherings leading up to the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) exemplified the global momentum and resounding demand for climate justice. These efforts underscored the significance of incorporating diverse perspectives and involving stakeholders from all walks of life in shaping effective climate policies.
In parallel to the international efforts, subnational entities such as cities, states, and regions emerged as crucial players in the fight against climate change during this period. Many local governments recognized the gravity of the situation and committed to ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They took proactive steps towards transitioning to renewable energy sources and promoting sustainable practices within their communities. The impressive array of subnational initiatives highlighted the power of decentralized action and the indispensable role played by cities and regions in realizing global climate goals.
However, despite the historic achievement of the Paris Agreement at COP21, the years that followed were marked by a concerted focus on the challenges of implementing the agreed-upon measures. Parties to the agreement were tasked with translating their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) into tangible policies and actions, each navigating their unique circumstances and making varying degrees of progress. In 2018, the Talanoa Dialogue was initiated to facilitate discussions aimed at increasing ambition and identifying gaps in climate action. The ongoing debates surrounding climate finance, transparency mechanisms, and support for adaptation remained significant features of the post-Paris landscape. It became increasingly clear that strengthening global cooperation and collaboration was essential to ensure the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.
Alongside these global developments, the Netherlands emerged as an active participant in
shaping international climate policies during the period from 2015 to 2017. The Dutch
government's national climate policy placed a particular emphasis on energy-related
initiatives, aligning their objectives with those outlined in the Paris Agreement. The signing of the "Energie Akkoord" in 2013 paved the way for a joint approach to accelerating sustainability in the country's energy supply. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' 2016 annual report highlighted the impact of the Paris Agreement in driving the European Union's commitment to a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Furthermore, the appointment of the Dutch ambassador to the United Arab Emirates as a permanent representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) underscored the Netherlands' dedication to promoting renewable energy. The release of the Energy Report in 2016, with its energy targets for 2020 and a vision for 2050, further solidified the Dutch government's commitment to a low-carbon future. Notably, the establishment of the Inclusive Green Growth (IGG) team in 2014 demonstrated the Netherlands' comprehensive approach to climate, water, food security, and energy issues, succeeding the Climate, Energy, Environment, and Water Directorate.
National Climate Policy in the Netherlands:
The Netherlands focused predominantly on energy-related policies and CO2 emissions
reduction during the period of 2015-2017. The "Energie akkoord" signed in 2013 aligned
with the goals of the Paris Agreement and aimed to accelerate the sustainability of energy
supply in the country. The annual report of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2016
highlighted how the Paris Agreement influenced the European Union's greenhouse gas
reduction target of 40% by 2030. The Dutch ambassador to the United Arab Emirates was
appointed as the permanent representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency
(IRENA), underscoring the country's commitment to renewable energy. Additionally, the
Netherlands prioritised climate and energy policies as one of the four key areas of
engagement within the European Union in 2016. The Energy Report of the same year
outlined energy targets for 2020, including commitments to carbon emissions trading, energy consumption reduction, and the increase of renewable energy shares. The establishment of the Inclusive Green Growth (IGG) team in 2014 within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs demonstrated the country's comprehensive approach to climate, water, food security, energy, raw materials, and polar regions.
Climate Programs and Investments in International Development Policies:
The Planetary Security Initiative, established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2015,
aimed to accelerate climate action in countries most affected by climate change. Through
conferences and knowledge-sharing, the initiative sought to raise awareness and prioritise
climate change in global foreign policy. The Africa Climate Change program, under the
Directorate-General for International Cooperation (DGIS), conducted baseline studies to
understand the impacts of climate change in the region. It is worth noting that expenditures on climate-related programs, including investments through Dutch international non- governmental organisations (INGOs), were not explicitly detailed in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' annual report. However, the report from 2016 indicated an allocation of approximately 115 million euros for climate-related programs through international organisations such as UNEP and GEF. This type of budget overview became openly accessible from 2015 onward.
Reference Photo: "Tri des déchets sur le site de la COP21" by COPPARIS2015 is marked with CC0 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/?ref=openverse.