G-ZERO Initiative to Champion Climate Action Launches in Baku

Last Updated on November 13, 2024 3:47 pm

By Rinzin Wangchuk

November 13, Baku, Azerbaijan — In a landmark move to tackle the escalating climate crisis, four countries—Bhutan, Madagascar, Panama, and Suriname—have united to launch G-ZERO, a new forum committed to driving global climate action.

This initiative was unveiled at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 12.  It aims to inspire leadership and accelerate global momentum toward a net-zero, climate-resilient, and nature-positive future.

As the world faces increasing climate impacts, G-ZERO stands out by bringing together countries that have already achieved carbon neutrality or even carbon negativity. These nations, often sidelined in international climate dialogues, offer unique perspectives and innovative solutions. Originally, five countries were expected to form the alliance; however, Comoros was unable to join at the last moment.

Unveiling this landmark initiative, the leaders of the four G-ZERO nations emphasized that this is not just another forum, but a pivotal movement to drive progress in redefining our broken relationship with the planet. Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay stated, “Our launch today is not a mere declaration—it is a commitment to lead by example and advocate for a global response to the climate crisis. We are firmly committed to spearheading the global movement toward carbon neutrality and nature-positive solutions.” PM Tobgay added that G-ZERO serves as a bridge to stronger international partnerships in the race to decarbonize the global economy.

“It is a small but bold and meaningful endeavor by the founding countries,” the Bhutanese Prime Minister stated.

The G-ZERO forum recognizes and commits to scaling ambition in the next round of climate action plans (known as Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs) due for submission in 2025, and pledges to remain carbon neutral at all times. With this greater ambition, G-ZERO calls upon the world to deliver an ambitious means of implementation support to reduce emissions by 2035 in line with the 1.5°C pathway and mitigate the triple planetary crisis.

In addition to the Paris Agreement, the initiative aligns with the Pact for the Future adopted by world leaders at the recent Summit of the Future, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s goal of living in harmony with nature by 2050, and the call for countries to enhance ambitions in their NDC 3.0.

Roles of Member Countries
In a joint declaration issued yesterday after the forum, the leaders of the four G-ZERO nations expressed a strong, unified commitment to advancing global climate action, leveraging their unique voices, perspectives, and capabilities to foster a new era of global cooperation and innovation.

“As carbon-negative and carbon-neutral countries, we take on a unique responsibility—and view this as an opportunity—to maintain our momentum as part of the group committed to protecting and enhancing carbon sinks, while promoting nature-positive pathways. We aim toward a future that safeguards biodiversity, supports sustainable development, and ensures resilience against the impacts of climate change,” the leadership of the G-ZERO member countries stated in the declaration.

Rich in natural ecosystems, the member countries have committed to policies that limit greenhouse gas emissions and conserve and enhance vital carbon sinks such as forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems. The G-ZERO forum will advocate for enhanced climate ambition, increased financial support in all its forms, technology transfer, and inclusive climate policies that empower developing nations and protect vulnerable communities. The member countries will collaborate to share experiences, exchange policy solutions, and develop technical expertise on net-zero pathways for a sustainable world.

Additionally, the G-ZERO forum aims to amplify the voices of carbon-negative and carbon-neutral nations in international climate policy dialogues. It will work toward maximizing diverse, innovative financing to conserve and enhance carbon sinks as well as protect biodiversity and other ecosystems.

G-ZERO will operate with a rotating presidency among member countries supported by a permanent Secretariat in Bhutan.

Amplifying Voices of Carbon-Neutral Nations
G-ZERO aims to amplify the voices of carbon-negative and carbon-neutral countries. The forum is set to elevate the founding member nations on the global stage, foster international cooperation, and promote the sharing of knowledge, technology, and best practices. It is also expected to advocate for ambitious climate policies focused on rapid decarbonization and the conservation of ecosystems critical to mitigating climate change.

Bhutan, known for its commitment to sustainability, is a key player in G-ZERO. The country’s pioneering efforts in environmental conservation, including its constitutional mandate to maintain 60% forest cover, make it a valuable leader in this new coalition. Bhutan is home to a diverse ecosystem, with over 5,500 species of plants, 770 species of birds, and 165 species of mammals, many of which are endemic.

However, Bhutan’s unique topography makes it highly vulnerable to climate change, ranking 38th on the 2023 Global Climate Change Adaptation Index. The country has seen an alarming increase in extreme weather events, from flash floods and landslides to erratic monsoon patterns. The National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) attributes this surge to climate change, noting that such events have become more frequent and severe in recent years.

G-ZERO initiative is the second commitment from Bhutan. The country declared in 2009 that it would remain carbon neutral and has made the most ambitious pledges on cutting emissions at COP21.

Rinzin Wangchuk, Executive member of South Asian Climate Change Journalists Forum (SACCJF)