Conditionality and Article 6: An Analysis of updated NDCs of African countries

• Workshop for Climate Innovation Series
• Recording of the session
• CFI Policy Brief on this subject
• 25 May 2021, 11.30AM EDT / 3.30 PM GMT/ 5.30PM CET / 6.30PM CET

In 2021, countries are expected to increase ambition by updating their NDC targets, as they enter their first year of NDC implementation. Looking at this experience, it becomes clear that the conditionality of NDC targets is a crucial feature, in particular for international support through Article 6 carbon markets. However, how to apply conditionality is not clearly defined in the UNFCCC rulebook and a lack of conceptual clarity opens space for different applications in NDCs, with potential consequences for access to Article 6 cooperative approaches.
The workshop launched the study “Conditionality and Article 6: An analysis of updated NDCs of African countries” that analyses the evolution of conditionality and its implementation with a focus on Africa. Practitioners and experts discussed how conditional/unconditional elements may impact Article 6 eligibility. The workshop concluded with whether a more broadly shared understanding of conditionality in NDCs is important for advancing Article 6 implementation.

Key takeaways:

• Interpretations of how to apply conditionality to NDC targets differs greatly among countries
• These differences may impact access to Article 6, including through ITMO buyer preferences
• Empirical analysis of conditional and unconditional elements of updated African NDCs illustrates the different applications
• Further work may be needed to define common approaches to conditionality in NDCs to ensure Art 6 eligibility
• Reporting of conditional targets is not yet defined

Stephan Hoch
Perspectives Climate Group
Moderator

Sandra Greiner
Climate Focus

El Hadji Mbaye Diagne
Afrique-Energie-Environnement