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| Climate change - where the centre leads | Climate change - where the centre leads |
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| VIEWPOINT Jose Maria Figueres, Juan Mayrand Marina Silva | VIEWPOINT Jose Maria Figueres, Juan Mayrand Marina Silva |
| This week sees a series of meetings that could create the right conditions for achieving a new global treaty on climate change. In the Green Room this week, three senior political figures from Latin America - Jose Maria Figueres, Juan Mayr and Marina Silva - argue that middle-income nations such as theirs are leading the way. | This week sees a series of meetings that could create the right conditions for achieving a new global treaty on climate change. In the Green Room this week, three senior political figures from Latin America - Jose Maria Figueres, Juan Mayr and Marina Silva - argue that middle-income nations such as theirs are leading the way. |
| The industrialised world has failed to cut its own emissions sufficiently to grant either moral authority or practical advantage in this discussion | The industrialised world has failed to cut its own emissions sufficiently to grant either moral authority or practical advantage in this discussion |
| On 22 September, world leaders meet at the UN in New York for high-level talks on climate change - a summit followed two days later by a discussion at the G20 meeting in Pittsburgh on the global financial situation. | On 22 September, world leaders meet at the UN in New York for high-level talks on climate change - a summit followed two days later by a discussion at the G20 meeting in Pittsburgh on the global financial situation. |
| Moving out of the current financial crisis and addressing the problem of climate change can be jointly achieved by shifting the world towards a low carbon economy. | Moving out of the current financial crisis and addressing the problem of climate change can be jointly achieved by shifting the world towards a low carbon economy. |
| Analysis by Lord Stern and many others has shown that the economic case for taking measures now to mitigate and adapt to climate change is overwhelming. | Analysis by Lord Stern and many others has shown that the economic case for taking measures now to mitigate and adapt to climate change is overwhelming. |
| The meetings this month in New York and Pittsburgh should focus on this. | The meetings this month in New York and Pittsburgh should focus on this. |
| The importance of these meetings can hardly be overstated. Success at December's UN climate meeting in Copenhagen, where leaders will gather with the hope of reaching a new global agreement, will be determined in no small part on the progress made now. | The importance of these meetings can hardly be overstated. Success at December's UN climate meeting in Copenhagen, where leaders will gather with the hope of reaching a new global agreement, will be determined in no small part on the progress made now. |
| Transition elements | Transition elements |
| The scientific evidence is clear: the world cannot support the continuation of "business as usual". | The scientific evidence is clear: the world cannot support the continuation of "business as usual". |
| There is a growing consensus in the scientific community that the upper boundary of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels safe for our planet is 350 parts per million (ppm). | There is a growing consensus in the scientific community that the upper boundary of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels safe for our planet is 350 parts per million (ppm). |
| Leaders who pay lip service to the science of climate change - who tacitly recognise its devastating implications and then do nothing to halt its advance - are trafficking in hypocrisy | Leaders who pay lip service to the science of climate change - who tacitly recognise its devastating implications and then do nothing to halt its advance - are trafficking in hypocrisy |
| Today, as a direct result of human activities, it stands at 386 ppm. It is therefore essential that each nation shifts its economic development towards a low carbon model, one that can sustain the economy and the ecology of the planet. | Today, as a direct result of human activities, it stands at 386 ppm. It is therefore essential that each nation shifts its economic development towards a low carbon model, one that can sustain the economy and the ecology of the planet. |
| Transition to a low-carbon economic system will only happen if all countries co-operate; commitment from every developed and developing country is required. | Transition to a low-carbon economic system will only happen if all countries co-operate; commitment from every developed and developing country is required. |
| Industrialised nations, as the primary carbon emitters, will have to act urgently. Of equal importance is the need for developing nations to embark on a path of economic growth which "leap-frogs" carbon-intensive industrialisation. | Industrialised nations, as the primary carbon emitters, will have to act urgently. Of equal importance is the need for developing nations to embark on a path of economic growth which "leap-frogs" carbon-intensive industrialisation. |
| New maturity | New maturity |
| The dilemma of how to foster economic growth without worsening our climate is not a new problem. | The dilemma of how to foster economic growth without worsening our climate is not a new problem. |
| And it is not one that is limited to the developing world. Indeed, with the exception of a few, mostly European, countries, the industrialised world has failed to cut its own emissions sufficiently to grant either moral authority or practical advantage in this discussion. | And it is not one that is limited to the developing world. Indeed, with the exception of a few, mostly European, countries, the industrialised world has failed to cut its own emissions sufficiently to grant either moral authority or practical advantage in this discussion. |
| While some nations are in fact taking action - Denmark for example has raised its GDP while lowering carbon emissions and energy consumption - there are many that are only prepared to make weak commitments, which are well below the levels required. | While some nations are in fact taking action - Denmark for example has raised its GDP while lowering carbon emissions and energy consumption - there are many that are only prepared to make weak commitments, which are well below the levels required. |
| December's UN climate summit presents a real opportunity for the negotiators from 192 nations to act in the global interest. | December's UN climate summit presents a real opportunity for the negotiators from 192 nations to act in the global interest. |
| Climate change brings increased flood risk to some poor countries | Climate change brings increased flood risk to some poor countries |
| But if such changes prove challenging for the world's wealthiest countries, imagine the difficulty they pose for economies still reaching maturity. | But if such changes prove challenging for the world's wealthiest countries, imagine the difficulty they pose for economies still reaching maturity. |
| In this light, it is important to note that nations such as our own are also taking action, and our determination is unshakable. | In this light, it is important to note that nations such as our own are also taking action, and our determination is unshakable. |
| Plans have been put in place to lower emissions, forgo unsustainable practices and make a transition to new clean energy technologies. | Plans have been put in place to lower emissions, forgo unsustainable practices and make a transition to new clean energy technologies. |
| For example, Costa Rica's climate change plan calls for a transition to carbon neutrality by 2021 - an ambitious but achievable programme. | For example, Costa Rica's climate change plan calls for a transition to carbon neutrality by 2021 - an ambitious but achievable programme. |
| Brazil plans to decrease emissions from deforestation - its main source of greenhouse gas emissions - by 80% before 2020, and plans to establish a target to reduce all emissions in the coming months. | Brazil plans to decrease emissions from deforestation - its main source of greenhouse gas emissions - by 80% before 2020, and plans to establish a target to reduce all emissions in the coming months. |
| Other examples include the "Long-Term Mitigation Scenario" published by South Africa in 2008, and plans by the Maldives and other island nations to achieve carbon neutrality in the mid-term. | Other examples include the "Long-Term Mitigation Scenario" published by South Africa in 2008, and plans by the Maldives and other island nations to achieve carbon neutrality in the mid-term. |
| South Korea is investing approximately 80% of its fiscal stimulus package in climate-related measures. | South Korea is investing approximately 80% of its fiscal stimulus package in climate-related measures. |
| Those commitments are significantly higher than most of what is being proposed by developed nations. | Those commitments are significantly higher than most of what is being proposed by developed nations. |
| Four elements | Four elements |
| The challenge is straightforward: how to curb greenhouse gas emissions and sustain economic prosperity at the same time. | The challenge is straightforward: how to curb greenhouse gas emissions and sustain economic prosperity at the same time. |
| To secure a practical pathway to a clean energy economy - one that is measured in both higher incomes and a more stable climate - we must strike a new partnership between developed and developing countries. | To secure a practical pathway to a clean energy economy - one that is measured in both higher incomes and a more stable climate - we must strike a new partnership between developed and developing countries. |
| There are four elements to emphasise: | There are four elements to emphasise: |
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| And here's what needs to be said. | And here's what needs to be said. |
| A new partnership supported by substantial investments and political leadership is the only way to marshal the political consensus required to make genuine progress on climate change. | A new partnership supported by substantial investments and political leadership is the only way to marshal the political consensus required to make genuine progress on climate change. |
| It's fair for developed countries to require more clarity of commitment from developing nations - even if they are voluntary commitments. | It's fair for developed countries to require more clarity of commitment from developing nations - even if they are voluntary commitments. |
| However, partnerships run both ways, and it is equally fair for developing countries to expect developed nations to make more ambitious commitments than they have so far been prepared to do. | However, partnerships run both ways, and it is equally fair for developing countries to expect developed nations to make more ambitious commitments than they have so far been prepared to do. |
| For the developed world, the transition to a new clean energy economy will create jobs and growth, mitigating the current recession and laying the pathway for economic and environmental recovery. | For the developed world, the transition to a new clean energy economy will create jobs and growth, mitigating the current recession and laying the pathway for economic and environmental recovery. |
| For the developing world, it is an opportunity to progress towards a sustainable economic model, avoiding climate-damaging industrialisation in the process. This will create further prospects for expansion and job growth. | For the developing world, it is an opportunity to progress towards a sustainable economic model, avoiding climate-damaging industrialisation in the process. This will create further prospects for expansion and job growth. |
| The time has come for a fair, binding and ambitious climate change agreement and concrete action by all nations. | The time has come for a fair, binding and ambitious climate change agreement and concrete action by all nations. |
| That's why this week meetings are so important. And that's the prism through which their success should be evaluated. | That's why this week meetings are so important. And that's the prism through which their success should be evaluated. |
| Jose Maria Figueres is a former President of Costa Rica, Juan Mayr is a former Environment Minister of Colombia and Marina Silva is a former Environment Minister of Brazil | Jose Maria Figueres is a former President of Costa Rica, Juan Mayr is a former Environment Minister of Colombia and Marina Silva is a former Environment Minister of Brazil |
| The Green Room is a series of opinion articles on environmental topics running weekly on the BBC News website | The Green Room is a series of opinion articles on environmental topics running weekly on the BBC News website |
| Do you agree with the writers? Is a true partnership between countries with different levels of development possible on this issue? Are middle-income nations such as Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica and South Korea showing the way? Can greenhouse gas emissions be cut significantly without affecting wealth and growth? | Do you agree with the writers? Is a true partnership between countries with different levels of development possible on this issue? Are middle-income nations such as Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica and South Korea showing the way? Can greenhouse gas emissions be cut significantly without affecting wealth and growth? |
| One of the best articles I've read. I with American media had the BBC commitment to this issue. Global Warming is and should be the 'story of the century' but US coverage of it seems secondary to anything that will generate higher ratings. I agree wholeheartedly with this article and working together to cut emissions and solve this problem is a win win situation for everyone!Andy Ferguson, DC USA | |
| I have severe doubt about the Gore hypothesis that CO2 is behind global warming. THe Australian Parliament had doubts because of Ian Plimer's book, Heaven and Earth... Co2 is not correlated with warming. It appears to me that the hypothesis is unsupported by experimental science. For this reason, I see no reason why the politicians of the world are gambling the global economy on this issue. The assumption is unsupported and the political zeitgeist is Orwellian. I expect BBC to censor this opinion because BBC is part of the problem.Francis Manns, Toronto Canada | |
| Excellent article. Sadly there seem to be plenty of armchair climatologists who would have it that climate change is somehow a conspiracy and that the evidence is not clear cut. These people are beyond reason, or at least are guilty of something much worse- an unwillingness to engage with the real debate and the evidence therein. But there is hope, however, in that the collective body of politicians, scientists and economists who will shape the future of our planet are beginning to understand the severity of the climate change problem, quite unlike the internet posters who remain in the metaphorical basement, tin-foil hats placed squarely upon stubborn heads.Peter, Edinburgh, Scotland | |
| There's no real proof that man is responsible for climate change, there is only speculation and conjecture. In the 70's, it was global cooling that was the threat and based on that estimation, we should be in an ice age now. What climate change is really about is controlling the masses for if indeed there were a threat, we would have solved it long ago. We would all be driving fuel cell and electric cars now but instead, we have the government killing the fuel cell and electric cars projects and for what purpose?? What does big government want? Our money? Our lives? What? What is it? Is the planet getting over populated? Maybe we should thin out the herd. Maybe we should start at the top and work our way down. The reality is, progressive big government control is what is holding up everything. A free market solution could be in place literally within months if need be and wouldn't cost the taxpayer a dime. Private industry could lead us right out of this but instead, we have fascist style ideals leading the way. We all know what happened the last time fascism tried to run things, or do we? Maybe we really are a bunch of monkeys..George, Burlington, KY | |
| I expect this to be highjacked by deniers (probably creationists too). The atmosphere is a chaotic system, no model can predict the future. a wildfire is chaotic too, yuo can't predict where it will go but models can prove that a fires path was affected by fireraisers, that's where we find ourself now, that is the human component. As far as I know there are no scientists that dispute this. It's a natural phenomenon but we are adding to it substatially and we will all burn in the end.Craig , Edinburgh | |
| If these green technologies were money making businesses, then business people would already be doing them! A "business" that has to get a subsidy from the government to make a profit is not a business! It's a social service agency!Heather, Lowell, Ma | |
| This butterzone of 350ppm caome from a report that I simply am not able to find online. Not one of the dozen or so blog sites that champions this value actually bothers to link to the study and that alone gives me pause for doubt. Second, methane, far more than co2 is the more problematic of the supposed greenhouse gases. To focus on CO2 and ignore methane is to cripple industrial nations, which is exactly what emergine third world nations want. I love how this article uses the term "middle-income nations" when no such creature exists. There are either First World or Third World with no in between. My trip through fantasy land is thusly concluded.Keith, Queens, NY, USA | |
| As long as the notion of profit exists we are all doomed. will, london | |
| Jon, perhaps you'd like to back up your arugment by providing links to some of this 'research' you've found? Sure, some climate scientists are funded by grants. But do you really think they'd be stating that climate change is man made if the evidence they found was contrary? Would they really risk their credibility in doing that? When there are highly prominent, independent scientists (Stephen Hawking, for example) coming out and saying we need to do something about it, to me it's clear we need to act. Ronald, how can you say that politicians are pushing this debate so that they can increase taxes. Rises in taxes are grossly unpopluar. Which right minded politician would really push for them unless they were absolutely necessary? It frustrates me that there are so many people out there who seem to defer action on climate change by still debating the science. Perhaps it's a way of putting off helping solve a problem that we all helped to create? Thank goodness there are at least some leaders in developing countries who are showing the way.Richard, Lancaster, UK | |
| Hunting for energy conservation & consumption are proportionately effecting our environment that cause climate changes and global warming. Globalization Economy is supposed to be reducing and balancing the people needs; have been deviated.These chain reactions have transformed this beautiful planet into dangerous place to live for generation ahead. I believe G20 to rethink about Climate change versus Bear & Bull Market. Keep the nature and Humanitarian affairs apart from stock market point of view. Then only your wisdom will prevail on the great cause for generation next.naresh kakaria , chandigarh, India | |
| I know this email will not be published as BBC ( unbelievable ) is determined to continue the propaganda for unfounded claims for climate change instigated by humans and unlike any other subjects is not prepared to facilitate a proper debate about the issue. Please can I urge readers listeners to look at the books and papers published by Ian Plimer Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Adelaideferhan azman, london | |
| It seems to me that the overarching issue for developed countries is the great uncertainty in the cost (allowance or on their economies) associated with a cap on emissions. While the belief that market forces will work to minimize this is stated, it is clear that with all the "special" provisions awarded to industries and consuming groups, these very forces are being compromised -- potentially sufficiently to challenge actual reductions in emissions. It seems to me that establishing a global tax on the carbon content of all goods that starts out relatively low and rises with some certainty would send businesses and consumers alike a clear message to shift their production/consumption. Further, a tax would generate a revenue source to help pay for mitigating the impact on low income consumers both in the developed economies and around the world. Finally, appropriately rationed out, it could also provide for the needed R&D to shift economies towards greener energy sources (without the direct distortion of picking winners and handing them tax credits, etc. Although this may be required in addition.) All of this requires a global commitment that balances the dollar flows towards climate change against the other potential investments that these monies could provide to assist the developing world address poverty, malnutrition and sickness. PS Full disclosure, I am the Managing Director of an environmental and energy consulting firm that is actively involved in analyzing the economic impacts of alternative climate policies in the USA. In the DC political environment, to be direct and suggest a tax approach would meet with instant political death -- recognizing the cap and trade is nothing more than a masking of a tax.Less Goudarzi, USA | |
| Thank you for demonstrating the courage of forthright communication. The first step to successfully managing our Dear Mother Earth's environment is the speaking and listening to open and un-biased truths. In order for Countries to move ahead safely and with passion toward a sustainable environmental agenda, there must be a financial shift within each economy. In the Western World financing of Projects by those who can see the path of the future is stagnated by the banking system. Governments need a new type of agency with a new set of idealisms. There are many, such as myself, who have struggled for years to build the future. The banks will not get involved unless it becomes a proven major winner; and then they want to control it for themselves. The Governments require an agency with the power to cross current agency lines, to invest in these new ideas. I state this because new ideas can not fall within the status of the old structure if they are indeed new. This being the case, the old government structures are not able to deal with the new ideas; which therefore become lost. The biggest asset available to assist the development of a new World economy is the mind trust of the inventors which exists within each Country. If these small inventors, of what is possible in the future are able to reveal their dreams; the new reality will be revealed much sooner. Thank you for the work you have done in the past and your stand toward the creation of a better future.Barrie Wamboldt, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada | Thank you for demonstrating the courage of forthright communication. The first step to successfully managing our Dear Mother Earth's environment is the speaking and listening to open and un-biased truths. In order for Countries to move ahead safely and with passion toward a sustainable environmental agenda, there must be a financial shift within each economy. In the Western World financing of Projects by those who can see the path of the future is stagnated by the banking system. Governments need a new type of agency with a new set of idealisms. There are many, such as myself, who have struggled for years to build the future. The banks will not get involved unless it becomes a proven major winner; and then they want to control it for themselves. The Governments require an agency with the power to cross current agency lines, to invest in these new ideas. I state this because new ideas can not fall within the status of the old structure if they are indeed new. This being the case, the old government structures are not able to deal with the new ideas; which therefore become lost. The biggest asset available to assist the development of a new World economy is the mind trust of the inventors which exists within each Country. If these small inventors, of what is possible in the future are able to reveal their dreams; the new reality will be revealed much sooner. Thank you for the work you have done in the past and your stand toward the creation of a better future.Barrie Wamboldt, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada |
| No i do not agree, the science is anything but clear on the MMCC issue. In fact, the more research i do, the less credible MMCC becomes. Climate is changing, yes, are we responsible? NO. The IPCC have been PROVED wrong- so why are we still pushing this agenda? (note, not the same as saying we shouldn't be 'green' and recycle/use renewables etc).Jon, cambridge | No i do not agree, the science is anything but clear on the MMCC issue. In fact, the more research i do, the less credible MMCC becomes. Climate is changing, yes, are we responsible? NO. The IPCC have been PROVED wrong- so why are we still pushing this agenda? (note, not the same as saying we shouldn't be 'green' and recycle/use renewables etc).Jon, cambridge |
| I work for a major world wide company. Years ago they stopped 98% of a travel for business. All meetings and conferences are now done using multi media. As well every single aspect of the business has been examined and changed to use less energy. Our company's carbon footprint is now considerable smaller than it was just a few years ago. The governments and environmentalists on the other hand are demanding more and more money from everyone. Every day they are introducing a new environmental tax. What do they do with this money? They fly, the meet, they consume. The result is they are using the issue for their own benefit and do not care at all about the environment. It is just another way to steal from the productive members of society. When governments and environmentalists say no more flying, no more fancy hotels, no fancy meals, no more consumption paid for using environmental tax, then I will believe they care. Until then I and most others just believe the whole environmental issue is just another excuse for governments to steal more money from us.Dave Richardson, Ottawa Canada | I work for a major world wide company. Years ago they stopped 98% of a travel for business. All meetings and conferences are now done using multi media. As well every single aspect of the business has been examined and changed to use less energy. Our company's carbon footprint is now considerable smaller than it was just a few years ago. The governments and environmentalists on the other hand are demanding more and more money from everyone. Every day they are introducing a new environmental tax. What do they do with this money? They fly, the meet, they consume. The result is they are using the issue for their own benefit and do not care at all about the environment. It is just another way to steal from the productive members of society. When governments and environmentalists say no more flying, no more fancy hotels, no fancy meals, no more consumption paid for using environmental tax, then I will believe they care. Until then I and most others just believe the whole environmental issue is just another excuse for governments to steal more money from us.Dave Richardson, Ottawa Canada |
| I do not agree -from what i can gather from extensive reading on the subject it would be hard to find a reputable sientist who supports this nonsense who is not dependent on grants,jobs,or politics for their support. it is a dream for politicians who see a way to increase taxes and control over the public. i am sure you know this and your support is criminal to say the least, are you really willing to destroy the economy of the industrial and developed world for your selfish gain? you should be ashamedronald b. matthews, tobermory canada | I do not agree -from what i can gather from extensive reading on the subject it would be hard to find a reputable sientist who supports this nonsense who is not dependent on grants,jobs,or politics for their support. it is a dream for politicians who see a way to increase taxes and control over the public. i am sure you know this and your support is criminal to say the least, are you really willing to destroy the economy of the industrial and developed world for your selfish gain? you should be ashamedronald b. matthews, tobermory canada |
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