Enhancing NDC Ambition and the Importance of Private Sector Participation

The latest science from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicates that more urgent and rapid reductions in emissions are required by all countries. A failure to limit emissions to 1.5 degrees leaves us vulnerable to the impacts of severe climate change. Although some real progress has been made, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has indicated that current individual level contributions are not adequate to prevent dangerous global warming this century.

Calls are mounting for countries to enhance their climate ambition or Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Climate Agreement, in the run up to 26th International Climate Change Conference (COP26) to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, in November 2021.

Bold and fearless leadership will be essential in ensuring a successful ‘Just Transition’ to a net-zero economy. A ‘Just Transition’ incorporates socio-economic and historic considerations with the principles of equity and inclusiveness. Countries like Indonesia, for example, have been able to reduce fossil fuel subsidies allowing for larger portions of the fiscus to go towards their infrastructure and social development.

The South African Cabinet has released the country’s revised NDC for public comment. An ambitious NDC for South Africa is necessary for triggering the structural changes and building the trust required to achieve a ‘Just Transition’. In the eyes of the international community it demonstrates our commitment to making a fair share contribution to global climate response measures. Credibility based on an ambitious NDC will enhance our access to investment, markets and climate finance. If this ambition is shared across geographies, it will smooth the path for international cooperative approaches, including between industries.

The National Business Initiative (NBI) and IDDRI invite you to join us as we discuss perspectives on, and approaches toward raising NDC globally and at national level in developing country contexts. We will hear from countries like Indonesia, India, Mexico and South Africa and talk about NDC ambition in relation to key elements relevant to developing country contexts such as jobs, the ‘Just Transition’, competitiveness and inclusive growth.

Please click here  to register for this Zoom event.