Need for holistic approach to climate change negotiations

First, we all want to see a reduction in overall global greenhouse gas emissions. Second, we must do all we can to deliver a sustainable energy future that enables both developed and developing countries to reap the benefits of economic development and social progress. And third, we must ensure mitigation response measures and emission reduction commitments are fair and just, taking into account historical responsibility of Annex I countries, the huge developmental needs of developing countries as well as the adverse impacts of climate change and of response measures, including the adverse impacts on fossil fuel exporting countries.




The goal is to effectively and efficiently marry these issues to facilitate the full and sustained implementation of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and to enable the post-2012 Annex I commitment period to be a success.



From the perspective of reducing emissions, it is crucial to be “comprehensive” and take into account all green-house gases. It should be remembered that 43 per cent of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions stem from gases other than carbon dioxide (CO 2 ).



When looking at the world’s energy future, it is clear — according to most experts and projections — that fossil fuels will continue to satisfy the majority of the world’s total energy needs for the forthcoming decades, with oil remaining the leading source.



That is not to say that other energies will not play a role. They will. But because they are starting from a low base, this role will be modest. And of course, energy efficiency has its role to play.



It is critical that the world addresses the net emissions of all greenhouse gases, draws on cost-effective abatement options including reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, utilizes carbon sinks, and takes advantage of the full range of technologies available.



From a technology perspective, it is evident that any serious effort to achieve low net emission paths must include the use of cleaner fossil fuel technologies. Perhaps the single best available technology to reduce net CO 2 emissions in this respect is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). The IPCC has stressed that CCS has the potential to meet up to 55 per cent of the global cumulative mitigation effort by 2100.



These types of technologies require the coordinated support of governments, and given that Annex I countries have the financial and technological capabilities, there is a need for them to assume leadership. This could be via the development, deployment, diffusion and transfer of these technologies and the promotion of large-scale demonstration projects.



This is nothing new. Indeed, the Kyoto Protocol states that “developed countries should take the lead in international action to combat climate change by fully implementing their obligations of reducing emissions and of providing additional financing and the transfer of cleaner, low-emission and cost-effective technologies to developing countries.” The Bali Action Plan of December 2007 also calls for enhanced action on technology transfer.



The crucial issue of “obligations” also brings to mind the importance of looking at cumulative CO 2 emissions from a historical perspective. In 2006 Annex I countries accounted for almost 80 per cent of cumulative CO 2 emissions since 1900, and by 2030 they will still have contributed two-thirds.



Bringing this together, it is essential that these core issues are taken into account and that the future focuses on the overall goal of sustainable development, recognizing that priorities might vary for different people.



For developing countries, poverty alleviation, economic development and social progress are the overriding priorities and it is clear that people in such nations will need more energy, not less, to meet these needs. Climate change is providing these countries with yet more challenges and additional vulnerabilities, although they have contributed little to the current situation.



It is a key to success, therefore, to take on board the valid interests of all stakeholders and remember the principle of “common, but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities”.



As we approach the Copenhagen meeting, we must remember the spirit that brought together the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol. We reached agreement after years of negotiation because everyone had a stake, but perhaps more importantly, everyone perceived that their issues were recognized and taken on board.



This must be brought to the fore in Copenhagen. Agreements reached should be comprehensive and balanced, taking into account the past, present and the future; the fulfilling of current commitments; and the needs of those least able to help themselves.