WRI Reactions To INDCs of Brazil, South Africa, And Indonesia

Originally published on WRI.

WRI reaction to Brazil’s INDC:

“Brazil is playing a productive role in the global effort to fight climate change. The country is building momentum by calling at the highest level for a goal to phase out emissions from the global economy over the course of this century. This common vision for a zero-carbon world is one of the most powerful signals the Paris climate conference can send to businesses, investors and citizens.

“Brazil’s climate plan marks the first time a major developing country has committed to an absolute reduction of emissions. This is an important shift because it offers greater certainty that emissions can be cut even as Brazil’s economy expands.

“It’s encouraging to see Brazil focus on growing a low-carbon economy through continued investment in renewable energy. Brazil should rapidly shift away from high-carbon energy investment in line with the global efforts to slow global warming.

“The country’s pledge to restore 12 million hectares of forests by 2030 is notably weaker than what could be achieved. In addition, the zero illegal deforestation goal is actually a step back from the country’s previous commitments. Curbing emissions from agricultural lands will depend in part on greater investment in low-carbon practices.” – Rachel Biderman, Director, WRI Brazil

WRI’s reaction to South Africa’s INDC:

“It is encouraging that South Africa has taken to the global stage with a commitment to peak its emissions between 2020 and 2025. South Africa’s plan is the latest in an important trend of developing countries announcing when their emissions will stop climbing.

“South Africa’s target for its peak is a wide range.  To increase the chances that the world will stay below 2 degrees of warming, it will be important for South Africa to achieve the higher end of emission reductions in its plan. Cooperative efforts among countries to hasten the uptake of low-carbon technologies will help South Africa get there.

“South Africa should be commended for its innovative approach to linking the level of emissions with the need for adaptation. The country is the first to concretely highlight the inseparable link between global emissions trajectories and future climate impacts in its climate plan.” – David Waskow, International Climate Director, World Resources Institute

WRI reaction to Indonesia’s INDC:

“Indonesia’s national commitment is encouraging and demonstrates the country’s seriousness to address this complex global challenge. The government has taken positive steps in the process of developing the INDC, but can be further improved with more details to ensure the plan’s effectiveness.

“The commitment to include ecosystem management and landscape restoration could considerably shrink the forested country’s carbon footprint if implemented effectively. The bold pledge to quadruple Indonesia’s share of renewable energy within a decade would be a major achievement, though further investment in coal-fired power would undermine this vision.

“It is commendable that the Indonesian government has now included an estimated projected baseline that allows a more full and accurate estimate of emissions its target will avoid. However, ahead of the Paris climate talks, we hope Indonesia will be even more transparent so stakeholders will have even more confidence about the scale of the country’s efforts.

“On the whole, Indonesia’s climate plan is promising but more assurances are needed that the country will stay the course.” – Dr. Nirarta “Koni” Samadhi, Country Director of World Resources Institute Indonesia

Reprinted with permission.