GLOBAL STOCKTAKE, STILL MISSING CONCRETENESS

During the second week of negotiations, discussions on procedural and logistical aspects related to the structure of the Global Stocktake (GST) process focused on the thematic scope and the role of scientific inputs, as anticipated in the first days. Several Parties expressed divergent views on how to address issues such as Loss and Damage, Just Transition, oceans, and other emerging topics. Some countries, including India, China, and Saudi Arabia, argued that decision 19/CMA.1, which defines the GST procedures, already provides a sufficiently flexible framework to include these elements without the need to formally expand the thematic areas. Other groups, such as AOSIS, LDCs, AILAC, and the African Group, pushed instead to explicitly recognize Loss and Damage as a standalone area, highlighting recent institutional developments and the urgency of the issue.

At the same time, the role of the IPCC within the Global Stocktake was discussed. While many Parties reiterated the importance of science and the central role of the IPCC—the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change—discussions continued on whether to request an alignment of the IPCC’s working timelines with those of the GST, which currently do not coincide. Some warned that such a request could compromise the Panel’s scientific independence, while others proposed more flexible modes of collaboration.

The talks also addressed the operational structure of the second Global Stocktake, scheduled for COP33 in 2028, with broad support for maintaining three technical dialogues and a space for intersessional work. However, uncertainties remained about how to ensure a smooth transition to the political phase, the possible overlap between the two phases (the conclusion of process definition and the technical preparatory phase for the second inventory), and the composition of the high-level committee tasked with overseeing the work.

At the end of the negotiation, Parties agreed to forward the latest compromise text as the basis for the talks in Belém. Although some reservations remain, particularly concerning the role of the IPCC, consensus was reached to keep all options open for the next phase. The text is not final and will require further discussion, as shown by the fact it is entirely bracketed in square brackets. The current goal is to finalize the operational modalities of the second Global Stocktake cycle at COP30, despite this having been the target of COP29.

Article by Anna Pelicci, head of the Italian Climate Network delegation at the june climate meetings.

Cover photo: UN Climate Change – Lara Murillo