2018年-查塔姆研究所_Climate_Change_-_The_Way_Forward_in_a_Post-Copenhagen_World_10页_160kb

Climate Change Conference Summary

Introduction

Chris Huhne, the UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, addressed the Climate Change Conference on 23 September 2010, emphasizing the urgent need for global action on climate change. He highlighted that climate change is a global threat and that the failure to act collectively will have severe consequences for humanity. Huhne stressed that the science is becoming more certain, with extreme weather events increasing in frequency, indicating the reality of climate change. However, he pointed out that international politics has been the main obstacle to a global response.

The Challenge

Huhne identified the key challenges in addressing climate change:

• Political Will: The failure to secure a binding deal at Copenhagen was due to a lack of political will and mutual suspicion.
• National Interest: The UK, despite contributing only 2% of global emissions, cannot escape the consequences of inaction. Climate change threatens national security, food, water, and energy.
• Persuasion: A global deal requires a strong case based on science, politics, and economics. The UK must focus on persuasion and building consensus.

Hopes for Cancun

Huhne outlined the UK's expectations for the Cancun negotiations:

• Ambitious Deal: A legally binding global agreement is essential for a stable framework and investor confidence.
• Political Foundations: While a binding deal may not be achieved in Cancun, the goal is to lay the groundwork for future negotiations and rebuild political will.
• Concrete Steps: The UK aims to integrate emissions offers into the UNFCCC process, develop a framework for reducing emissions from deforestation, and strengthen measurement, reporting, and verification systems.
• Climate Finance: Establishing a Green Fund and setting structures for long-term climate finance are priorities.

Climate Finance

• Importance of Finance: Climate finance is crucial for both developed and developing countries. It must be a mix of public and private funding.
• Fast Start Finance: The UK has committed £1.5 billion in fast-start finance to support developing countries. This is intended to build trust and demonstrate the feasibility of climate action.
• Long-Term Finance: The UK is part of the Secretary-General's Advisory Group on Climate Finance, aiming to secure a credible path to raise $100 billion annually by 2020. Public funding is key for adaptation, while private finance can drive mitigation with the right regulatory support.

Technical Progress

• Low Carbon Market: The global market for low carbon goods and services is growing rapidly, reaching £3.2 trillion in 2009 and expected to grow by 4% annually.
• Energy Transition: The UK is focusing on reducing emissions through energy efficiency and sustainable energy supply, including renewables and nuclear.
• Green Investment Bank: A new Green Investment Bank will be established to support low-carbon infrastructure and stimulate economic transformation.

UK Developments

• Domestic Action: The UK is committed to a radical transformation of its economy, including a Green Deal for energy efficiency and a 30% emissions reduction target by 2020.
• Economic Vision: Huhne argued that a low-carbon economy is not just an environmental goal, but an economic imperative that will create jobs and foster innovation.

Within the EU

• EU Leadership: The EU must demonstrate its commitment to a low-carbon economy through ambitious targets and policies.
• Carbon Price: A higher carbon price can drive investment in low-carbon technologies and improve the competitiveness of the EU economy.
• Energy Strategy: The EU should adopt a more integrated and ambitious energy strategy, focusing on interconnection and sustainable growth.

Global Outlook

• Global Leadership: The UK and EU must lead by example and act as a coherent bloc in international negotiations.
• Major Emitters: The US and China are key players in global climate action. Their cooperation is essential, as both countries have national interests aligned with climate change mitigation.
• Bilateral Engagement: Huhne emphasized the need for dialogue with both developed and developing countries to build a common understanding and commitment to climate action.

Conclusion

Huhne concluded that the UK must lead by example to show that a low-carbon economy is both necessary and beneficial. By doing so, the UK can strengthen its domestic economy and global influence, protect its citizens from climate impacts, and work towards a greener, more prosperous future for all.