Declaration on short-lived climate pollutants ratified by Members of the Parliamentary Confederation of the Americas (COPA)

Taking action to reduce short-Lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) as part of international efforts to fight climate change, to help improve air quality and to obtain co-benefits for health, the economy and food safety was one of the topics addressed within the framework of the XVI General Assembly of the Parliamentary Confederation of the Americas (COPA in Spanish) that was organized in Panama City, from 25 February to 01 March, 2018.

SLCPs were discussed at the heart of the Committee on the Environment and Sustainable Development that was held 28 February 2018 at the Latin American Parliament. Chaired by Senator Fernando Silva Facetti of Panama, the Committee gathered Members of the Parliamentary Confederation of the Americas, including Paraguay, a Coalition Partner since 2014, represented by Senator Zulma Goméz, President of the National Defense for Natural Resources (CONADERNA).

In pursuit of greater commitment on SLCPs from the Parliamentaries, Paraguay requested Expert Assistance from the Coalition's Solution Center to help relay messaging on the importance of SLCP-limiting measures and their contribution to curbing short-term warming rates.

The Coalition supported the participation of Dr. Graciela Binimelis de Raga, Co-Author of the Regional Assessment for SLCPs in Latin America and the Caribbean and a member to the Scientific Advisory Panel. Ms. Marisela Ricardez García, Coordinator to the Coalition´s Initiative on Supporting National Action and Planning on SLCPs for Latin America also attended.

The participation of these experts was key in highlighting the main results and recommendations of the Regional Assessment for SLCPs and showed the efforts aiming to reduce SLCPs emissions in the region.

As a result a Declaration on Short-Lived Climate Pollutants was ratified wherein the Members of the Committee on the Environment and Sustainable Development consider it essential and a priority for COPA member nations and parliamentary assemblies to take measures to reduce SLCPs.

Paraguay is receiving Institutional Strengthening activities that will be essential for the country to prioritize SLCP actions, in line with the above mentioned declaration, that are scientifically well-grounded, politically feasible and can be cost-effectively delivered over the next few years.

The Coalition's Solution Center provides Expert Assistance, a no-cost service that connects countries to an extensive network of professionals for consultation and advice on a range of SLCP related issues and policies. Experts will provide guidance on technological options, mitigation measures (like those carried out by our initiatives), funding opportunities, application of measurement tools, and policy development.

If you are a national or local government representative interested in applying, click here.

Coverage in Spanish is avaialble here.