Progression principle

The text negotiated at COP20 in Lima specifies that “each Party’s intended nationally determined contribution […] will represent a progression beyond the current undertaking of that Party” (paragraph 10, Lima Call for Climate Action), meaning that the ambition of the INDCs should go beyond current targets and/or reference development. The principle involves two sides: 1) no back-sliding, and 2) progression in current emission reduction targets. The text sets the ambition-level for mitigation targets, but does not provide guidance on the ambition level of individual countries. It says that all Parties should take action at the highest level of ambition on mitigation measures, reflecting national circumstances, and progressively increase the level of ambition.