Chairs’ Summary on the April 7 HAC Ministerial Meeting
The Republic of the Marshall Islands convened Ministers and high-level representatives of the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) to discuss and strategize for an ambitious outcome at COP 26 that will ensure the viability of the Paris Agreement 1.5°C temperature goal. Participants reaffirmed that the HAC must remain a united voice for progressive, ambitious climate action and resolved to ‘move the needle on ambition’ for COP 26.
Ministers reflected on the nature of an ambitious outcome at COP 26 and agreed that it must address mitigation, adaptation and finance. They stressed the importance of securing an ambitious finalized Paris Agreement rulebook. In particular, in relation to carbon markets, it was stressed that the HAC must support an outcome that will uphold environment integrity and not undermine the 1.5°C temperature goal. Ministers also underscored the importance of finalizing the work on transparency reporting and review guidelines and common timeframes for NDCs. There was also widespread agreement that the progress to date in discussions on technical issues has been insufficient, Ministers therefore expressed their strong support for work to be advanced as much as possible prior to COP 26 including through virtual negotiations. Ministers agreed that these virtual negotiations must be inclusive.
On mitigation, Ministers shared their concerns about the findings of the UNFCCC Secretariat interim NDC synthesis report. They called for major emitting countries to deliver more ambitious NDCs alongside credible net zero strategies. Ministers also highlighted the need for countries to agree on concrete measures outside the realm of the technical negotiations to keep the 1.5° C temperature limit within reach, including by putting a price on carbon, setting clear deadlines for coal phase out plans, and ending fossil fuel subsidies.
Adaptation, loss and damage, and climate finance featured prominently in the discussions as essential elements of the COP 26 ambition package. There were calls for increased action on adaptation, financial support for resilience-building, and finance for loss and damage. Proposals were also made on the need to ensure 50% of climate finance funds are reserved for adaptation initiatives. In addition, calls were made for earmarking specific adaptation resources for small island developing states, least developed countries, and African states. Meeting the $100 billion goal was noted as a high priority and there was a strong call for constructive discussions on a new long term finance goal. Aligning finance flows with ambitious climate action and expanding sources of climate finance were acknowledged as key for ensuring that the 1.5°C temperature limit can be attained.
Ministers agreed to work together to advance specific calls for ambition in advance of COP 26, including on a process that is effective, inclusive and drives forward technical negotiations and climate ambition. They supported a proposal for the formation of a core group of HAC countries to further develop the strategy and approach discussed at the meeting.
Ministers agreed to take the work of the HAC forward in meetings scheduled in the lead up to COP 26, including the upcoming US Leader’s Climate Summit, the Petersburg Climate Dialogue, and meetings of the G7 and G20.
The meeting was conducted over two sessions to allow for participation across all time zones and was chaired by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Marshall Islands, Mr Casten Nemra and the Honourable Minister of Health and Human Services (and Acting Environment Minister), Bruce Billimon. Ministers and high-level representatives from 25 HAC member countries, as well as the EU and UN Secretary General’s office, were in attendance.