Non-CO2 emissions from methane, black carbon, nitrous oxide, and ozone-depleting substances, such as hydrofluorocarbons, are now playing a more prominent role in climate negotiations. Commonly known as short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), they are both a source of global warming and air pollution. The Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce SLCPs (CCAC) convened a High-level Ministerial on 8 December during the UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) report of the meeting notes that the CCAC has played a central role in “putting these pollutants on the map,” providing a platform for joint leadership and action and a support system for countries. The annual event saw renewed pledges of financial support and calls for faster action on SLCPs from its members. The Clean Air Flagship 2024-2026, requested by CCAC partners at COP 27, was formally launched to mobilize partnerships and ensure clean air.

Rachel Kyte, CCAC High-Level Advocate for Finance, said finance is a missing link for progress on SLCPs.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) indicated its pledge of USD 100 billion to member countries up to 2030 to tackle emission reductions, including methane from agriculture and the waste sector. Germany committed EUR 20 million for the Global Methane Pledge, with EUR 8 million for the CCAC’s budget, and noted success in tackling methane emissions by banning open landfills and a mandatory requirement for capturing biogas from wastes. Ireland announced EUR 2 million in support for the CCAC, stressing the need to improve the monitoring, measuring, and reduction of methane emissions. The European Commission pledged EUR 175 million for the Methane Finance Sprint, a campaign paired with philanthropic commitments to cut methane emissions in line with the Global Methane Pledge.

Sweden announced a pledge of USD 180,000 to support the CCAC. The World Bank said it has set aside USD 150 million to help countries scale up methane reductions projects, and for long-term SLCP reduction policies. Monaco reported a EUR 500,000 contribution for 2024. Switzerland noted its USD 8 million contribution to the CCAC Trust Fund for 2022-2025.

Besides pledges, much of the discussion revolved around methane and support for actions taken in African countries.

Inger Andersen, Executive Director, UN Environment Programme (UNEP), said findings from the Global Methane Assessment identified both the multiple benefits from methane action and proven technologies to reduce methane from the atmosphere by 45% by 2030. She lauded the over USD 1 billion in catalytic funding for the Global Methane Pledge, which has been entrusted to the CCAC Secretariat to carry forward. The Global Methane Hub mentioned the Enteric Fermentation Research and Development Accelerator, a USD 200 million initiative for research and development of technologies to address methane emissions from livestock. Norway and Finland drew attention to the impacts of black carbon and methane in the Arctic, stressing that emission reductions are particularly needed in ice-covered regions.

Nigeria emphasized new measures to reduce black carbon and other pollutants by 32% by 2030. Uganda reported efforts to reduce deforestation for charcoal and firewood through harnessing biogas from animal manure and the use of special tariffs to encourage electricity for cooking. AirQo underscored its work to provide air quality information to more than two million people and its support for democratizing climate reporting and strengthening regional networks in Africa.

Japan noted its support for 24 African countries through the African Clean Cities Platform’s waste management efforts to transition from open landfills. The UK mentioned their endorsement of the Global Cooling Pledge at COP 28 to reduce climate impacts of the cooling sector, as well as support to the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain in Rwanda. Several countries indicated the incorporation of SLCP reductions into their NDCs.