Nations Step Up Climate Action with First BTR !

Nations Step Up Climate Action with First Biennial Transparency Reports!

RITURAJ PHUKAN

A total of 90 Parties to the Paris Agreement have submitted their first Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), highlighting the dedication of nations to the Paris Agreement’s Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF).

These reports represent a critical effort by governments to establish transparency and accountability in global climate action.

Notably, 57 developing countries, including 13 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), have risen to the challenge.

Their contributions are particularly inspiring, as these nations face some of the most severe climate impacts. By prioritizing transparent, evidence-based insights, they are not only advancing global climate action but also ensuring their voices are central to the conversation.

“UN Climate Change has called on all Parties yet to submit their BTRs to act swiftly. These reports undergo rigorous technical reviews, starting with submissions from Andorra and Panama last year. This review process assesses progress, identifies areas for capacity-building, and provides recommendations to improve future reporting.”

Why BTRs Matter

These BTRs are more than just documents; they are a powerful tool to propel climate progress. By establishing strong systems for collecting and reporting climate data, governments can better design policies, allocate resources, and meet development goals—all while building trust among nations.

BTRs track the progress of national climate plans, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs), and foster collaboration by identifying where additional support is needed. BTRs also lay the groundwork for the next round of NDCs, expected in February 2025.

The Road Ahead

UN Climate Change has called on all Parties yet to submit their BTRs to act swiftly. These reports undergo rigorous technical reviews, starting with submissions from Andorra and Panama last year. This review process assesses progress, identifies areas for capacity-building, and provides recommendations to improve future reporting.

But the journey doesn’t stop there. After the reviews, a collaborative phase known as the Facilitative Multilateral Consideration of Progress (FMCP) takes place. This forum allows nations to share their experiences, discuss challenges, and celebrate successes, fostering global cooperation and driving collective climate action.

Building Capacity for the Future

The lessons learned from BTR submissions will have lasting impacts. They will help countries enhance their ability to gather and analyse data, craft effective climate policies, and secure climate financing.

UN Climate Change continues to support these efforts by offering training programs for expert reviewers and organizing capacity-building initiatives with partner organizations worldwide. These programs empower countries to strengthen their transparency systems and meet reporting obligations effectively.

While the USA has served notice to pull out of the Paris Agreement, the first wave of BTRs is proof that other nations are taking their climate commitments seriously. With continued collaboration, robust transparency, and shared learning, the global community is inching closer to the shared vision of a sustainable and resilient future.

Rituraj Phukan: Founder, Indigenous People’s Climate Justice Forum; Co-Founder, Smily Academy ;National Coordinator for Biodiversity, The Climate Reality Project India; Member, IUCN Wilderness Specialist Group; Commission Member – IUCN WCPA Climate Change, IUCN WCPA Connectivity Conservation, IUCN WCPA Indigenous People and Protected Areas Specialist Groups, IUCN WCPA South Asia Region and IUCN WCPA-SSC Invasive Alien Species Task Force; Member, International Antarctic Expedition 2013; Climate Force Arctic 2019 ; Ambassador, Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary. Rituraj Phukan is the Climate Editor, Mahabahu.

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