Developed nations express cautious support for reforms but stress need to preserve core UN climate structure
New Delhi, April 6 — Brazil’s informal proposal to establish a new multilateral body under the UN climate regime — a "Climate Change Council" — has sparked cautious but constructive reactions from key European nations. While Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden welcomed discussions on reforming global climate governance, they also warned that any new structure must not undermine the core framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) or the Paris Agreement.Brazil, the host of this year’s UN Climate Conference (COP30) in Belém, envisions the council as a means to accelerate decision-making, improve coordination, and drive stronger implementation of COP decisions. The proposal comes amid growing frustration with the slow pace and complexity of current climate negotiations under the UN process.
World Off Track on 1.5°C Goal Amid Rising Climate Risks
Despite progress under the Paris Agreement — which has lowered the projected global temperature rise since the Industrial Revolution to around 2.1–2.8°C — the world remains off course to meet the critical 1.5°C target. Alarming signs have emerged, with 2024 marking the first full calendar year where global temperatures exceeded 1.5°C.As climate impacts intensify, experts argue that the existing mechanisms for international climate diplomacy may require a comprehensive overhaul. Many feel current UN climate talks have become bogged down in slow negotiations, lacking robust systems for enforcement or accountability.
Germany: Preserve the Multilateral Core of the UNFCCC
Speaking to journalists during a visit to India, Gerhard Schlaudraff, Germany's Deputy Special Envoy for International Climate Action, confirmed that Brazil’s proposal was discussed at the recent Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin. He welcomed the initiative to spark reform conversations but stressed the need to protect the existing multilateral nature of the UN climate framework."There is a general idea that the Brazilians put forward… but there’s also the idea for everybody who was in the room that the UNFCCC is right now the best thing we have and we should not throw it away," Schlaudraff stated.
He emphasized that the UNFCCC process remains a vital platform where all countries, regardless of size or power, have equal say — an essential feature of inclusive multilateralism. However, he cautioned against unrealistic expectations: “Every year, the expectation is that the COPs will solve the climate crisis and that’s not realistic.”
EU Envoy: Slow, But Still Irreplaceable
Echoing similar sentiments, EU Special Envoy for Climate and Environment Anthony Agotha acknowledged the frustrating pace of consensus-driven UN climate talks but insisted that the process remains essential.“These are UN processes with consensus and they can be painfully, painfully slow,” he said. “But interestingly enough, we all come together at these COPs… and we come out with something.”
Agotha cited the 2023 COP29 talks in Baku as a close call, saying they nearly collapsed — a scenario that would have been disastrous for the credibility of the climate process. Despite shortcomings, he noted a significant drop in projected global warming since the 2015 Paris Agreement, from nearly 5°C to about 2.7°C by the century’s end.
“That’s still too hot,” he acknowledged, underlining the urgency for improved implementation.
Sweden Backs Strengthening Implementation
Sweden’s Climate Ambassador Mattias Frumerie also endorsed the need for more efficient implementation, though within the framework of the existing system.“I think all of us see that the UNFCCC process as a whole would need to be more efficient, especially when it comes to implementation,” he said.
Frumerie highlighted that with global targets and a Paris rulebook already in place, the focus must now shift to fulfilling commitments. He affirmed that the EU will collaborate with Brazil’s COP30 presidency to explore further action within the existing framework.
Concerns Over Potential Fragmentation
While acknowledging Brazil’s initiative, some members of the EU delegation warned that the proposed Climate Change Council could risk splintering the global climate response rather than uniting it. Critics fear that introducing a new body might create parallel structures, potentially weakening the coherence of international climate governance.As Brazil prepares to host COP30 later this year, the conversation around reforming — rather than replacing — existing UN mechanisms is likely to remain a focal point in the lead-up to the crucial summit.
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