9 September 2015: During a meeting in Paris, France, from 8-9 September 2015, the Working Group of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (CCAC) reviewed and further elaborated on the draft Implementation Plan for the Five-Year Strategy, whose framework was endorsed by the sixth CCAC High-Level Assembly (HLA) in May 2015. The Plan, which the seventh HLA is expected to approve and launch on the margins of the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in December 2015, outlines critical actions for the period 2015 – 2020 as laid out in the CCAC’s Five-Year Strategy.

In addition to panel discussions presenting specific actions proposed by leading partners to deliver on the Key Strategies, Working Group participants met in breakout groups to discuss the proposed actions, how they could be prioritized and what partners would be interested in contributing. On Tuesday afternoon, the breakout groups addressed Key Strategies 1 (Catalyze ambitious action) and 2 (Mobilize robust support). On Wednesday morning, the breakout groups addressed Key Strategies 3 (Leverage finance at scale) and 4 (Enhance science and knowledge).

The Working Group, which oversees the CCAC’s activities, also discussed: demonstrating impact of CCAC activities; initiatives on, inter alia, bricks, health, cooking and heating, waste, diesel and agriculture; the CCAC’s presence at COP 21 and other processes; and new funding proposals from initiatives on bricks, cookstoves, heatstoves, waste and health, as well as Steering Committee recommendations regarding these proposals.

Keynote presentations also addressed: an update on the contribution of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) to climate change and human health; and SLCP and climate actions taken in the US state of California. The 2016 Secretariat budget was also approved.

At the end of the meeting, Sylvie Lemmet, French Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, noted that the incoming French Presidency of COP 21 is seeking to ensure that the agreement in Paris is complemented by other initiatives. She elaborated that the outcome should have four pillars: the Paris agreement; INDCs by parties; finance; and the Lima-Paris Action Agenda (LPAA). She further stated that the LPAA should show that climate action is taking place and that “there is leadership across the board.” She said the LPAA was gaining momentum, encouraged registration on the Non-State Actor Zone for Climate Action (NAZCA) Portal, and urged partners to undertake efforts to convince others to join the CCAC. [IISD RS coverage of the CCAC Working Group Meeting] [CCAC Website]