Background
With over two thirds of global emissions coming from the energy sector, action to reduce carbon intensity in energy production and use has become critical in the fight against climate change. The role of renewable energy and energy efficiency is already widely acknowledged as key means for the de-carbonisation of energy systems.
The Paris Agreement that was adopted at the twenty first session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (“COP21”) heralds a new era of climate action involving all countries and taking into account their specific circumstances, priorities, responsibilities and respective capabilities. The pledges and plans for climate action through intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs) that had been submitted in the lead up and during the conference will be inscribed in the Agreement after signature and form the basis for action to be undertaken towards the overall objective of limiting global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius.
