The Conference of the Parties, an annual global tradition for concerted efforts towards climate action, just concluded in Belém, Brazil. COP30 follows a grim year where the observed global mean surface temperatures and GHG emissions soared to record high values as compared to pre-industrial times. Conversely, it also marks the decadal anniversary of the iconic COP21, where the bible of climate action, the Paris Agreement, was adopted under decision 1/CP.21. The landmark treaty has paved the way for concerted global action, with 195 parties taking on the existential challenge to limit global warming well below 2°C and to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels. COP 30 decision text, global mutirão, reiterates this 1.5 °C ambition and encourages the parties to enhance enabling environments domestically and internationally.

At the heart of the Paris Agreement, mandated by Article 4.2, Parties have to represent their domestic mitigation targets in their successive nationally determined contribution (NDCs). This core principle of progression with the “highest possible ambition” (HPA), mandated by Article 4.3, is meant to accelerate climate action, considering the codified principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR). CBDR mandates developed countries to take the lead in mitigation efforts with economy-wide emission cuts, while developing countries enhance efforts as they grow. HPA requirement, however, is increasingly viewed not just........

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