2017 Yearbook of global climate action launched at COP 23

At the High-Level closing of the Global Climate Action events, the first Yearbook of Climate Action was presented to UN Secretary-General António Guterres by Inia Seruiratu, Climate Champion and Fijian Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management, and Salaheddine Mezouar, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Morocco and President of COP22.
The Yearbook captures the climate actions of businesses, investors, cities, regions and civil society, demonstrating that non-Party stakeholders are steadily progressing to achieve the central goal of the Paris Agreement – to limit the rise of global average temperatures to well below 2 degrees Celsius and as close as possible to 1.5 degrees.
For instance, the report notes that coalitions, representing more than a billion people have committed to decrease emissions by 80 per cent by 2050. Mega-cities with more than 300 million inhabitants are working together to build capacity on adaptation in the water sector. It underlines how companies are committing to 100% renewable energy and energy productivity, and setting concrete targets in line with the climate science.
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa said, “Governments must know the action in the real world to accelerate ambition over time, which is required to secure success for agreed global goals. It is a virtuous circle. This Yearbook shows how these actions drive global momentum towards our common challenge. And it can inspire and support governments to act on their Paris contributions.”
The inaugural 2017 edition of the Yearbook informs governments about what has been achieved throughout the year – under the umbrella of the Marrakech Partnership and puts a spotlight on how the transition toward a low-carbon economy can be accelerated.
The Marrakech Partnership’s High-Level Climate Champions Inia Seruiratu and Hakima El Haité said: “We believe that sound political decisions cannot be made without robust data. We consider it a priority to produce reliable and accurate information that is reported back from the ground. This Yearbook of global climate action represents achievements and progress made by initiatives, with information derived directly from implementation partners.”
The Yearbook will play a central role in ensuring that the Talanoa Dialogue – where governments will take stock of progress on the long-term goal of the Paris Agreement – successfully signals enhanced international ambition.