Search Climate Insights Directory

The report analyzes 2022 Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), finding that while there are high-level references to the 'Leave No One Behind' principle and some improvement in human rights reporting, there is a persistent silence regarding attacks on human rights defenders and environmentalists. It also notes a shift toward technical working groups over high-level interaction with non-state actors and ongoing gaps in data availability for national plans.

The Canadian Climate Institute concludes that Canada's 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan is credible and capable of delivering deep emissions reductions, putting the country on a path to meet its 2026 targets and nearly meeting its 2030 milestone. However, the assessment warns that success depends entirely on the timely execution of a complex policy package, with at least 43 per cent of reductions coming from policies that are announced but not yet developed. Five critical policies—carbon pricing, the oil and gas cap, the Clean Electricity Standard, the Clean Fuel Standard, and land-use reductions—are identified as accounting for 62 per cent of the total reductions needed by 2030.

The Canadian Climate Institute concludes that the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan is credible and puts Canada on a path toward its 2050 net-zero goal, though a slight gap remains for the 2030 target. Independent modeling suggests that while the plan is transparent and ambitious, its success depends on the rapid implementation of five priority policies—carbon pricing, an oil and gas emissions cap, a clean electricity standard, a clean fuels standard, and land-use emission reductions—which together would account for 62% of the necessary reductions. The report emphasizes that the primary risk is no longer the plan's design but the speed and effectiveness of its execution.

The 6th edition of the Progressing National SDGs Implementation report analyzes 42 voluntary national review (VNR) reports and 17 civil society reports from 2021. It finds that while reporting on the 'Leave No One Behind' principle and COVID-19 impacts on vulnerable populations has increased, most reports ignore the shrinking of civic spaces and attacks on human rights and environmental defenders. Additionally, while general implementation information remains consistent, the report notes backslides in budgeting and awareness-raising activities.

The Independent Evaluation Unit (IEU) found that the SAP Pilot Scheme has not significantly accelerated project approvals or simplified requirements for proponents. While the SAP has increased access for African States and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), it has failed to attract Small Island Developing States (SIDS) or the private sector. The median time from concept note submission to Board approval for SAP projects is 365 days, only 8% shorter than comparable regular projects. The IEU recommends developing a formal SAP strategy, simplifying review criteria, and delegating approval authority to the Executive Director.

The 2019 assessment of 47 Voluntary National Review reports indicates that countries are better adhering to reporting guidelines and increasingly prioritizing the principle of 'leaving no one behind'. However, the report finds a continued lack of attention to the broader transformative principles of the 2030 Agenda and a concerning silence regarding the closing of civic space and attacks on human rights and environmental defenders.

The document evaluates the 2018 Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) submitted to the UN's High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. It finds that while countries are better adhering to reporting guidelines and focusing more on the principle of 'leaving no one behind,' they still largely ignore other transformative principles of the 2030 Agenda. Additionally, the report notes a concerning lack of transparency regarding the closing of civic space and attacks on human rights and environmental defenders despite some increased engagement with civil society.

The report analyzes 42 VNRs from 2017 to establish ten key pillars for the effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, offering recommendations for improving SDG implementation and peer learning through the HLPF.