Copenhagen and beyond

Abstract

In November 1990, in a speech to the second World Climate Conference, Margaret Thatcher proclaimed, that ‘our ability to come together to stop or limit damage to the world’s environment will be perhaps the greatest test of how far we can act as a world community.’ That effort led to the establishment of the UNFCCC, which entered into force on 21 March 1994. In 1997 at the third Conference of the Parties (COP3) the Kyoto Protocol was adopted. Kyoto set binding targets for 37 industrialised countries and the European Community for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions between the years 2008 to 2012 - the so called first implementation period. Howes argues that the early progress came undone when the US Senate, followed by Australia, refused to ratify Kyoto. Discouraged, other countries have not done what was needed. Almost twenty years after Thatcher’s optimistic words, the world community is meeting in Copenhagen to negotiate a second commitment period. The urgency has increased, but our ability to respond may have diminished. The Asia Pacific region is one of the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. From disruption in the Himalaya’s to submersion of entire Pacific countries and the loss off environmental heritage such as the Great Barrier Reef, our region has skin in the game. Much rests on agreement between the United States and China. The election of Barack Obama makes success more likely, but the global financial crisis and domestic issues have limited progress on this front. While China has demonstrated willingness to act, it is yet hesitant to commit. There is much the rest of the world can do to show its commitment to action. While action in the United States and China may be necessary for success, they alone cannot guarantee it. The contributions to this third volume of the EAFQ present analysis from leading thinkers on these issues from our region – a region that has contributed its share of leadership at the world level. Now is time to put that leadership to the test, keeping open the chance of influence on climate change. Show more