“From International Targets to National Laws: Ensuring Climate Action for Future Generations”
The recent UN Summit of the Future held in New York emphasized the importance of translating international emissions-cutting targets into national laws to ensure their full delivery and protect the rights of future generations. Pierre Cannet, global head of public affairs and policy at ClientEarth, highlighted the need for strengthened diplomatic cooperation to address environmental breakdown and other pressing issues.
One key focus of the summit was the upcoming deadline for updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in February 2025. NDCs are commitments on emissions-cutting that countries submit to the UN every 5 years, playing a central role in the Paris Agreement’s mechanism to increase countries’ decarbonization ambitions over time.
ClientEarth advocates for the adoption of Future Generation Acts at the national level to incorporate long-term thinking into governance and the implementation of ambitious, science-driven framework climate laws. These laws provide a clear and binding legal foundation for climate action, ensuring accountability and protection for both present and future generations.
The UK has been a leader in this regard, with the groundbreaking 2008 Climate Change Act setting ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving ‘Net Zero’ by 2050. The act also established the Climate Change Committee to provide expert advice and ensure evidence-based emissions targets.
Research from the London School of Economics has shown that the Climate Change Act has been effective in reducing UK emissions, particularly in the power sector. The act has been credited as a major driver of the increase in low-carbon generation in the country.
ClientEarth has been actively involved in advocating for framework climate laws in various countries, including Poland and New Zealand. These laws create a strong legal basis for climate action and provide clarity to businesses and investors on long-term policy direction.
Future Generations Acts, like the one introduced by Wales in 2015, are also crucial in ensuring that the rights of future generations are protected in decision-making processes. The recent Declaration on Future Generations at the UN Summit underscores the importance of considering the impact of current decisions on future generations.
Overall, the translation of international commitments into national laws is essential for ensuring the full delivery of emissions-cutting targets and safeguarding the rights of future generations. The law plays a powerful role in shaping the world for both current and future inhabitants, making it a critical next step for global climate action.