UNFCCC SB 64 Side Event - From global benchmarks to national pathways: Advancing equitable climate solutions

Bringing together researchers and policymakers, the event will examine how global climate goals can be translated into nationally relevant strategies that advance both emissions reductions and sustainable development. The discussion will explore emerging scientific evidence, methodological innovations, and policy perspectives on designing climate pathways that reflect national circumstances while contributing to collective global ambition.

Overview

Limiting global warming to 1.5°C requires more than ambitious international targets – it requires credible national pathways that align climate action with development priorities, socioeconomic realities, and principles of equity. As countries prepare and implement increasingly ambitious climate commitments, there is a growing need for approaches that connect global climate benchmarks with practical, country-specific actions.

This side event will present new research on equitable low-carbon transitions, advances in global scenario development, and methods for deriving national and sectoral pathways from international climate objectives. Particular attention will be given to the opportunities and challenges facing countries in the Global South, where climate action must be pursued alongside broader development goals. Through presentations and a policy dialogue, participants will explore how scientific insights can support fair, feasible, and effective climate strategies.

Speakers

Andréa Santos
COPPE/UFRJ

Setting the Scene
An overview of the development of scalable pathways for equitable low-carbon transitions in countries of the Global South, highlighting examples from Brazil and the role of equitable energy transitions in supporting sustainable development.

Keywan Riahi
IIASA

Insights from the Scenario Compass Initiative and global scenario research
An introduction to the Scenario Compass Initiative, a coordinated effort by the scientific modeling community to develop post-Sixth Assessment Report emissions scenarios and policy benchmarks. The presentation will also introduce JustMIP, a new model intercomparison project designed to strengthen the integration of equity and justice considerations into climate scenario analysis.

Pablo Blasco Ladrero
NewClimate Institute

Aligning climate ambition with national realities and development priorities
A presentation of methodologies used to translate global 1.5°C targets into national and sectoral pathways, including analysis of the wind and solar deployment needed to decarbonize the power sector across selected countries.

Panel discussion

Following the presentations, the session will transition to a panel discussion where participants will reflect on the implications of the research for climate policy and implementation in their respective regions:

• Andreas Fazekas (European Union)
• Patricia Nying’uro (Kenya)
• Paola Yanguas Parra (International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD))

The session will conclude with a moderated discussion on how climate science, development priorities, and equity considerations can be better integrated to support ambitious and actionable national climate strategies.

Moderator

Ana Paola Gonzalez Alonso
Climate Strategies