Biennial Transparency Report (BTR)

Biennial Transparency Report Latest News

India is in the final stages of preparing its first ever Biennial Transparency Report (BTR), part of its commitment as a signatory to the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.

About Biennial Transparency Report

• The BTR is a report prepared and submitted by Parties to the Paris Agreement under the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) that captures information on their progress in implementing the different aspects of the Agreement. 
• The different aspects are covered in the five separate chapters of the BTR, some of which are mandatory and some of which are optional.
• Different chapters and components of the BTR:
  • National Inventory Report of GHG Emissions: All Parties – Mandatory
  • Progress made in implementing and achieving the NDC: All Parties – Mandatory
  • Climate change impacts and adaptation: All Parties – Optional
  • Financial, technology transfer, and capacity building support provided: 
    • Developed country Parties – Mandatory
    • Other Parties that provide support – Optional
  • Financial, technology transfer, and capacity-building support needed and received: Developing country Parties – Optional
• All Parties to the Paris Agreement, except for small island developing states (SIDS) and the least developed countries (LDCs), are required to provide country-specific information on the implementation of the Paris Agreement in the form of BTR every two years. 
• Recognizing the capacity constraints faced by SIDS and LDCs, and the need to provide flexibility in light of their national circumstances, SIDS and LDCs may submit BTRs at their discretion.
• As the reporting instrument of the Paris Agreement, BTRs help facilitate mutual trust and confidence between countries and allow parties and non-party stakeholders to understand the state of climate action in each country.

Biennial Transparency Report FAQs

Q1. What is the Paris Agreement?

Ans. The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty adopted in 2015, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels. 

Q2. What are Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions?

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Ans. GHG Emissions refer to the release of gases into Earth’s atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

Q3. What are small island developing states (SIDS)?

Ans. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are a distinct group of 39 States and 18 Associate Members of United Nations regional commissions that face unique social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities.

Source: TH