by Andrew Stevenson
Despite growing awareness in the scientific, policy and business communities of the seriousness of climate change science, and growing pressure from many stakeholders for greater action, an effective international response is still far from guaranteed. The latest science indicates that in order to avoid dangerous impacts from climate change, reductions will likely need to be much faster and more widespread than previously thought.
With many of the world’s largest and fastest growing emitters, and most vulnerable countries, it is clear that Asia will play a key role in negotiating and implementing the post-2012 agreement. However, action on climate change by Asian countries has been limited to date, and in large part has been characterized by finger pointing with the west over responsibilities, commitments, and the need for economic development.
The overall question I want to pose to readers is; what do you see as the key concerns, aspirations, and responsibilities of Asian countries in the post-2012 agreement?
At the Climate Change and Business Forum Post-2012 Seminar on 13th October 2008, I presented four key conclusions from Civic Exchange’s recent work:
• Science Provides a Clear Message: ‘Delay No More’
The latest projected impacts of climate change in Asia are among the most serious in the world, particularly in coastal cities. It is imperative that the ‘Voice of the Planet’ be built in to national, regional, and international discussions through more regular scientific updates to negotiators and policymakers.
• Asia’s Opportunity: ‘Game Changing Solutions’
Because of the large scale and rapid pace of economic development and emissions growth that is projected for the region, many countries in Asia have the unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the scope of possible solutions discussed at the global level. They should seize this opportunity by developing and presenting their own sustainable development plans as the basis for negotiating commitments, rather than waiting for national targets to be imposed.
• Post-2012 Principles: ‘A Prosperity Round’
In order to secure greater participation from developing countries in Asia, the Copenhagen round of negotiations should be re-framed as a ‘Prosperity Round’ that recognizes the equal importance of economic development and climate goals. This could be achieved through a reformed system of technology transfer and financial flows that target infrastructure and energy systems—the inputs of emissions and economic growth.
• Improving Dialogue: ‘Beyond Finger Pointing’
Because the current negotiation process leads to the combination of non-cooperative national positions as a global agreement, a greater emphasis must be placed on the dialogue process itself. This includes the creation of UNFCCC institutions that are flexible enough to respond to changing conditions and accommodate different types of solutions.
Do readers have any feedback on these recommendations? What should be added to the list or taken away? Most importantly, how do you think these solutions can be implemented at the local, regional and international levels? What are the roles of different actors from the business, policy and academic communities?
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Civic Exchange, in partnership with the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA), has recently published a book Climate Change Negotiations: Can Asia Change the Game that examines the key issues related to Asia’s role in the post-Kyoto climate change regime. The book was launched in Hong Kong on 10th November 2008, and will also be presented in a side event at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change conference in Poznan, Poland on 8th December. The full text of the book can be downloaded from Civic Exchange’s website, specifically here:
Climate Change Negotiations: Can Asia Change the Game?
It draws on contributions from experts in the region and around the world articulating the key issues related to encouraging Asia's meaningful participation in negotiating and implementing this agreement. The editors and authors also provide a series of specific recommendations for climate negotiators, policymakers, and stakeholders regarding how to build cooperation within the region and between Asia and the west in developing an effective and equitable global climate change solution. Key issues examined include overall principles, 'co-benefits' strategies, forests, food and water, equity, cities, energy efficiency, trade, markets, and international negotiations.
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