Framework Convention on Climate Change
Framework Convention on Climate Change . Basis for all negotiations since 1992 Ratified by 186 Countries Ratified by United States Commits all Parties (developed and developing) to reduce emissions Recognizes notion of common but differentiated responsibilities
Framework Convention on Climate Change
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Framework Convention on Climate Change • Basis for all negotiations since 1992 • Ratified by 186 Countries • Ratified by United States • Commits all Parties (developed and developing) to reduce emissions • Recognizes notion of common but differentiated responsibilities • “Stabilization of atmospheric GHG concentrations at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system” • No binding commitments for specific reductions ICCP 2001
Views on Scientific Status • IPCC Assessment Reports - meet minimum credibility to drive policy process • Recognize general consensus on potential temperature increase and sea level rise • Other Effects - Speculative, likely to be unresolved before policy implementation • Current concern more properly focused on rate of change • Returning atmosphere in 200 year period to CO2 concentrations not seen in 50 million years ICCP 2001
U.S. Policy Framework Pre - Kyoto • Binding targets and timetables • Single basket of gases • Flexible market mechanisms • No international harmonized policies and measures • Developing country role • Long term objective ICCP 2001
Kyoto Protocol • Binding targets and timetables • Single basket of gases • Flexible market mechanisms (placeholder) • No common policies and measures • Developing country rule - unresolved • Long-term objective - unidentified ICCP 2001
Industry Views On Kyoto • No organized opposition outside U.S. • Wait and see attitude on completion of market mechanisms • Little strong support for protocol • Primary U.S. opposition focused in energy industry ICCP 2001
Basis For Opposition To Kyoto • Purely political • Emissions Cap • Stringency of target and timetable • Lack of developing country role • All of above ICCP 2001
Basis for International Views of U.S. Position - Perception • U.S. highest per capita emissions • Appearance of lack of domestic policy • Fear of market mechanisms as U.S. advantage • Dominance over developing countries ICCP 2001
Basis for International Views of U.S. Position - Reality • Emissions declined vs. economic growth • Domestic expenditures on climate change greater than any other country • Domestic U.S. action likely with market mechanisms • Developing country opportunities very great ICCP 2001
Current Industry Concerns • Agnostic on carbon cap in KP; but supportive of effective market mechanisms • Skeptical that policy process will proceed without some carbon constraint • U.S. credibility key to effective completion of market mechanisms • U.S. posturing threatens private sector opportunities overseas ICCP 2001
Path To Completion • Modification of first budget period • Definition of developing country role • Identification of long-term objective • Satisfactory completion of flexible mechanisms, including sinks ICCP 2001
Possible Path Forward • Focus discussion on long-term objective • Initiate technology project challenge • power production, transportation • Provide domestic stimulus to industry • Action: Tax policy Credit for early action Other ICCP 2001
Possible Path Forward • Change metric for success • Penalty system / Incentive system • Eliminate regulatory barriers • Champion American ingenuity • Address concern for Japanese honor ICCP 2001
Target and Timetable • First budget period too tight, too slow • Few Parties can comply • Propose averaging with future periods • Relax compliance issues in near-term ICCP 2001
Developing Countries • No International treaties impose identical conditions on developing countries as developed • Establish process for negotiation • Identify metrics for participation • Consider financial assistance ICCP 2001
Market Mechanisms • Rational discussion on sinks • Identify support among EU and Umbrella Group countries • Avoid technology listing • Ensure full fungibility ICCP 2001
Summary • U.S. and world industry willing to “manage” balanced global effort • Process must be credible and have understandable long-term objective • If policy makers are to address greenhouse gas emissions, it should be done on a global basis, not on a domestic unilateral front • To succeed must include developing countries, but not under same conditions as developed • Market mechanisms approach may be the best of a bad choice of alternatives ICCP 2001