DEALING WITH CLIMATE CHANGE: POSSIBLE PATHWAYS FORWARD

Abstract

Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the international community has sought to find a policy framework to address the threat of human induced climate change. The most significant action to date has been the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in December 1997, which could enter into force in 2003. The protocol includes legally binding emission reductions for some countries over the period 2008–12.

It has yet not been possible, however, to find an approach that is truly global and that is aligned with the long-term environmental goal of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions to a safe level.

A framework for action that addresses these shortcomings is developed in this paper. The underlying tenets are environmental effectiveness, economic efficiency, and equity. The power of technology is drawn into the solution, the importance of an appropriate timeframe for action is acknowledged and involvement by all major emitting countries is facilitated. Importantly, this last point includes participation by developing countries in a way that accommodates their aspirations for economic growth. Together, these elements allow a response that minimises costs and maximises the environmental outcome while at the same time enhancing the growth prospects of developing countries.