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The briefing highlights the unprecedented inclusion of peace on the COP28 agenda, the role of climate finance as a security tool and geopolitical flashpoint, the environmental and security impacts of the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, and the security implications of the first Global Stocktake's findings on temperature rise.

The document analyzes the progress of the Glasgow-Sharm-el Sheikh (GlaSS) work program and proposes four critical requirements for the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) framework at COP 28: a qualitative overarching statement for impact, the integration of means of implementation (MoI) for effectiveness, explicit gender and human rights considerations for equity, and clarified roles for further technical and political work for legitimacy. It emphasizes that the GGA must be operationalizable through national monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems to avoid maladaptation and increased losses and damages.

The report outlines the strategic positions of African nations and multilateral structures at COP28, emphasizing the Nairobi Declaration and the AU's Climate Change and Resilient Strategy and Action Plan. It details the leadership of specific countries in areas such as green hydrogen (Morocco, Kenya), critical minerals (Namibia), and forest restoration (Ethiopia, Rwanda, Republic of Congo), while analyzing the influence of negotiating blocs like the G77 and China, BASIC, and the LDC group in securing climate finance and adaptation support.

The document outlines the primary objectives of COP28, including the conclusion of the first global stocktake and negotiations over climate finance. It highlights controversies surrounding the summit's presidency and provides a reporting framework centered on the 1.5 degrees C target, climate justice, and the climate emergency.

The document argues that Saudi Arabia has spent three decades using procedural and substantive tactics to undermine UN climate negotiations and the IPCC scientific process. It details how Riyadh leverages consensus-based decision-making, raises opportunistic procedural objections, and contests climate science to delay the transition away from fossil fuels. The authors conclude by recommending structural changes to UN voting rules and increased transparency to combat such obstructionism.

The document argues that Land and Environmental Defenders (LEDs) are critical to climate mitigation but face escalating violence, criminalization, and exclusion from global climate processes. It calls for the UNFCCC and COP28 parties to guarantee civic space, prioritize land tenure security—particularly for women—and integrate human rights-based protections into the Global Stocktake and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The document details Africa's strategic position for COP28, as framed by the Nairobi Declaration. It argues that the continent must shift from being viewed as a 'climate victim' to a 'climate champion' by leveraging its renewable energy potential and critical minerals. Central to this is a demand for a complete overhaul of the global financial architecture to increase grant-based and concessional finance, as current investments are far below the $2.8 trillion needed by 2030. The brief emphasizes the urgent need to operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund and double adaptation finance to prevent an estimated $6 trillion in economic losses by 2035. It also highlights the importance of the first Global Stocktake as an accountability tool to hold the world's largest emitters and fossil-fuel companies responsible.

Jamaica aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 73% below 2020 levels by 2050 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. The strategy focuses on deep decarbonisation of the electricity, transport, and industry sectors, alongside comprehensive adaptation measures for tourism, infrastructure, and agriculture. Implementation requires an estimated USD 6 billion (USD 5 billion for mitigation and USD 1 billion for adaptation) and a just transition for the workforce.

The South African Youth Statement outlines a comprehensive framework for climate action ahead of COP28, emphasizing the intersection of climate change with health, human rights, and social inequality. It calls for a just energy transition, the reform of global climate finance to prioritize grants over debt-burdening loans, and the legal recognition of climate migrants. The statement advocates for the meaningful inclusion of youth, women, and Indigenous peoples in decision-making and urges developed nations to lead in achieving net-zero emissions to provide developmental space for the Global South.

The document details the case of Sagoonick v. Alaska, where the Alaskan Supreme Court upheld a lower court's dismissal of a claim by 16 young Alaskans. The plaintiffs had petitioned the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation to reduce carbon emissions to 85% below 1990 levels by 2050. The court ruled that the claims for injunctive relief were non-justiciable political questions and that declaratory relief was inappropriate on prudential grounds. A dissenting opinion argued that the Public Trust doctrine provides a right to a liveable climate.

The document outlines the outcomes of the SB58 conference, noting a failure to agree on a host for the Santiago Network secretariat, ongoing technical discussions regarding carbon markets under Article 6, and the need for increased climate finance for developing nations. It also highlights the push to integrate ocean-based climate action into NDCs and the need for clearer timelines and human rights language in the Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) framework.

The author contends that the EU's green agenda has lost momentum and calls for a deep economic transformation. Key proposals include shifting from unanimity to qualified majority voting in the European Council to implement taxes on fossil fuel profits and billionaires, phasing out fossil gas by 2035, and reforming global financial architectures to support the Global South. The text emphasizes that a sustainable economy must integrate strict social and environmental standards for public subsidies and transition toward a circular economy to reduce overproduction and energy waste.

The document explains the role of the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) within the Paris Agreement's Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF). While BTR submission is mandatory for most countries by December 31, 2024, the adaptation chapter (A-BTR) is optional. The guide details how countries can use the A-BTR to satisfy other reporting requirements, such as Adaptation Communications (AdCom) and National Communications (NC), and how to leverage existing NAP data and processes to reduce reporting burdens through cross-referencing and synthesis.

The document outlines the synergies between National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), suggesting that NAPs provide critical data on national circumstances, risks, and adaptation strategies that can be cross-referenced or distilled into BTRs. It notes that even countries without a formally submitted NAP can use intermediate milestones, such as risk assessments or roadmaps, to fulfill BTR reporting requirements and avoid duplication of effort.

The document outlines key recommendations for the first Global Stocktake (GST) at COP28, arguing that the outcome should serve as a 'global accelerator' for climate action. It emphasizes the need for enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with ambitious 2030 and 2035 targets, supported by increased climate finance. Specific high-impact areas for acceleration include shifting away from fossil fuels, transforming food and land-use systems, decarbonizing transport, and increasing funding for adaptation and loss and damage.

The author calls for the EU to relaunch its climate ambitions through a transition that combines aggressive decarbonization with social justice. Key proposals include shifting to qualified majority voting to implement wealth and fossil fuel taxes, establishing a plan to exit fossil gas by 2035, and reforming global financial architectures to support the Global South. The text emphasizes that a sustainable economy requires a circular model, the removal of polluting subsidies, and strict social and environmental standards for private sector public support.

The Nairobi Declaration asserts that Africa is disproportionately affected by climate change despite minimal historical responsibility. It calls for the global community to honor the $100 billion annual climate finance promise, operationalize the Loss & Damage fund, and reform the multilateral financial system to reduce the 'great financial divide' in borrowing costs. The declaration commits Africa to green industrialization, increasing renewable energy capacity to 300 GW by 2030, and valuing its natural capital. It specifically requests the re-channeling of $100 billion in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to Africa and the reduction of corporate tax losses from profit shifting.

The document outlines the requirements and opportunities for Parties to the Paris Agreement to report on climate change impacts and adaptation through Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs). While the adaptation chapter (A-BTR) is generally optional, it is required if the BTR is submitted jointly with a National Communication (NC) or serves as an Adaptation Communication (AdCom). The briefing emphasizes that countries can reduce reporting burdens by cross-referencing existing documents, such as NAPs, and using the A-BTR to provide data for the Global Stocktake's assessment of the Global Goal on Adaptation.

In Karonga District, Malawi, women and girls face disproportionate risks from extreme weather, including displacement, cholera, and sexual exploitation. To combat this, the Green Girls Platform has supported a community club that trains women in climate change, early warning systems, and green skills such as briquette making and tree nursery management. These activities provide both climate adaptation and income-generating opportunities for vulnerable women.

The document argues that the Loss and Damage Fund must be managed equitably and transparently to effectively support vulnerable countries. It recommends a participatory governance structure, flexible funding windows—including small grants for local NGOs—and a preference for grants over loans to avoid increasing debt. The brief highlights four central trade-offs: scope versus coordination, participatory versus decentralized governance, inclusive versus rapid decision-making, and accessibility versus rigorous control.