The Global Stocktake (GST) or global inventory of the Paris Agreement (PA) is a process that assesses the level of implementation of the Paris Agreement in order to assess global progress in achieving the purpose and long-term goals of the PA, specifically its Article 14. In Katowice during COP 21, which also served as a summit of the parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA 1-3), the methods and sources of inputs for the GST were agreed upon in Decision 19/CMA.1.
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The first GST is scheduled to run from 2021 to 2023 and is to be repeated every 5 years thereafter. The GST is intended to facilitate the assessment of progress in three thematic areas:
- Mitigation
- Adaptation
- Means of implementation and support
The GST should also take into account the social and economic consequences of response measures and efforts to deal with losses and damages (Loss & Damage). Equity and the best available science and its cross-cutting across all GST topics are also important aspects considered in the evaluation.
The GST is intended to increase the ambition of actions and support for a collective solution to climate change without targeting individual countries or regions. GST outputs will consist of key policy references and recommendations, best practices, new opportunities, and lessons learned for all thematic areas without being policy prescriptive.
The GST is designed to complete its work before the start of each new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) cycle. This allows the parties to take into account the outputs of the collective assessment when formulating and submitting subsequent NDCs.
Timeline of the first GST
The first round of the expert round table for the assessment of the implementation of the Paris Agreement began at the 56th meeting of the supporting bodies to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Bonn in June 2022.
The delegations, through their elected representatives, evaluated the process so far and recalled the importance of a constructive dialogue in which every voice counts and every side is heard. The GST discussed mitigation (diversion from fossil fuels) and adaptation topics, loss and damage, as well as retaliatory measures for the most vulnerable regions.
On the subject of adaptations, the delegations emphasized the need to support the latest scientific knowledge as it was presented in 2022 in the Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC. Roundtable discussions on capacity building, technology, and finance are held together as they are interrelated.
The first round of the GST also included an event called the world café, in which the discussion was more relaxed; there was less negotiation and more discussion between delegations, IPCC representatives, and non-profit organizations.
The first-ever global stocktake was concluded at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) at the end of 2023. The global stocktake is a process for countries and stakeholders to see where they’re collectively making progress towards meeting the goals of the Paris Climate Change Agreement – and where they’re not. We know we are not on track to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The window for meaningful change is closing, and the time to act is now.
General messages from the first GST are: Leaders stressed that the world is facing an unprecedented challenge due to climate change. The Paris Agreement has catalyzed global climate action by government and non-government stakeholders, with positive progress towards achieving its objectives. However, we are still off track. There is an urgent need for a paradigm shift, taking a holistic approach to successfully address climate change that accelerates ambition, action, and support across the agenda.
They underlined that the GST is an opportunity to address gaps and inform enhanced delivery of climate action and sustainable development objectives. This includes progress on effective and implementable Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and all other climate plans and policies, guided by equity, the best available science, and in line with the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities, respective capabilities, and in light of national circumstances.
Leaders emphasized the importance of a comprehensive, transformational, multisectoral, and whole-of-society response to climate action, ensuring fair and equitable transitions, leaving no one behind, and aligned with efforts for sustainable development and poverty eradication. They highlighted the value of making policies gender-responsive and ensuring the integrity of all ecosystems, including oceans and mountains, and the protection of biodiversity.
They recognized that Non-Party stakeholders (NPS) including businesses, investors, cities, and regions, women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities worldwide have a crucial role in implementation through inclusive and innovative approaches to support global efforts to tackle climate change challenges and seizing opportunities.