The UN climate conference (COP25), hosted by Chile in Madrid in December 2019, took place against the background of the growing global climate movement and increasingly alarming evidence on the impacts of climate change around the world. As the primary annual global climate-related gathering of leaders from governments, business and civil society, it also provided the ideal platform to present the emerging details of the ambitious European Green Deal and the EU’s commitment to climate neutrality, and this was very well-received.

The negotiations aimed to close the remaining issues for the so-called ‘Katowice rulebook’ – the detailed rules and guidelines for implementing the Paris Agreement. Whilst progress was made, no agreement was found on the outstanding issue of the rules for international carbon markets (Article 6 of the Paris Agreement). However, Parties came much closer to agreement than in previous negotiations, paving the way towards concluding this work at COP26 in Glasgow in November 2020.

An important achievement of COP25, which will have benefits in the developing world, was the completion of the second review of the Warsaw International Mechanism for loss and damage. This will enhance global capacity to mobilise and catalyse effective action for averting, minimising and addressing loss and damage associated with climate change impacts. The importance of this will only grow as the negative effects of climate change become more acute.

This COP also resulted in the adoption of the new Gender Action Plan. This action plan strengthens gender considerations and women's participation in climate action and highlights the important role of women as agents of change.

Aside from negotiations, multiple events took place under the Global Climate Action Agenda, tackling themes from oceans to transport, finance and forests. The active participation by stakeholders – cities, regions, businesses, investors, civil society and youth in a prominent role – shows that they are crucial allies in implementing the Paris Agreement. 

Looking ahead, COP25 was an important stepping stone on the path towards this year’s COP26, when all Parties to the Paris Agreement are expected to communicate or update their national climate targets (nationally determined contributions, NDCs) and submit to the UN their long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies, in line with the Paris objectives. 

The European Green Deal provides the framework for the EU to do its part, and to send a firm signal to our international partners that we have shown and will continue to show ambition and leadership in the global fight against climate change. 

More information:
EU at COP25
Paris Agreement
European Green Deal