Synopsis

The Project for Advancing Climate Transparency (PACT) consortium works to support the design and development of robust and effective transparency and accountability rules and processes for the Paris Agreement on climate change. This working paper examines the five streams of information to be reported under the Paris Agreement. In particular, this working paper considers what information should be reported, how it should be reported, and when it should be reported.

Key Findings

  • Parties to the UNFCCC are to design the modalities, procedures, and guidelines for reporting that are fit for purpose, follow the principles of the Paris Agreement, and enhance the current transparency system.
  • This working paper unpacks the reporting requirements of the Paris Agreement; analyzes the current reporting system under the UNFCCC; and proposes approaches to designing the specific modalities, procedures, and guidelines for reporting.
  • There is significant experience to build on within the current transparency system under the UNFCCC. Some current practices are effective and should continue under the enhanced transparency framework of the Paris Agreement, while other practices could be improved or new ones developed.
  • The variety of vehicles now used for communicating or reporting means that Parties must clarify the functions of each reporting channel, streamline the process, and ensure coherence to avoid undue burden.
  • Parties will need to weigh numerous approaches to designing the reporting system to assess which can best drive improvements in overall transparency and fulfill the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Capacity building will be critical for developing countries that need it.