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Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are the main mechanism by which countries communicate their ambitions and efforts in support of the Paris Agreement. Starting in 2023 and every five years thereafter, governments take stock of the implementation of the Paris Agreement, known as the global stocktake (GST). The GST holds countries accountable for their collective efforts to achieve the targets they set themselves in 2015,and tracks the progress made. Recent analysis of country NDC commitments shows that progress is not happening ‘at a pace or scale consistent with achieving’ the goals of the Paris Agreement. Urgent transformational change is needed.

One of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by world leaders to guide the global development agenda until 2030 involves taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (UN, 2015a). Without access to climate finance, it is impossible for individuals and communities, especially those in developing countries, to implement ambitious climate actions. Although there is as yet no universally agreed definition of climate finance, the common understanding is that climate finance is critical in curbing climate change impacts.

Combating climate change requires active and meaningful participation by all actors at different levels and scales, with young people at the centre as key stakeholders. Worldwide, young people are disproportionately affected by climate risks and vulnerabilities, and current trends and projections show that climate change will have more profound effects on them. This highlights the need to mainstream youth-led climate action into sustainable development programmes.

This report identifies a path to improving energy literacy across the Commonwealth, with a particular perspective on the needs of small states and developing countries. The objective is to identify a path to improve overall awareness and literacy that will underpin a transition to diminished climate impacts from energy production and use supported by decision-makers and consumers. ‘Energy literacy’ in this report reflects not only improved understanding of the role and operation of energy ‘systems’, but support for public and private investment in the long-term transition to climate friendly technology that continues to support consumer demand and economic growth.