COP-15 Day 2: UK's Gordon Brown Pledges 30% UK GHG Reductions; Developing Countries Shift Focus to Transition Aid
The United States jumpstarted the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP-15) with solid commitments by the Obama Administration for reductions in Greenhouse Gas Emissions and funding. On Day Two, the United Kingdom confirmed that it would move well beyond the US commitments in hopes of keeping the pressure on for an accord among the participating parties.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown committed the UK to CO2 reductions of 30 percent (in contrast to the 17 percent commitment by the US). Some British attendees believe that the embattled Brown hopes that the climate change issue (which is a hot button issue for many British voters) could become the political rallying point for turning around his political fortunes.
Various COP-15 participants also indicate that Australia and Canada could be significant players in the end as other countries watch for their positions on the broad boundaries of the proposed accord. For Australia (heavily reliant on coal plants for electricity), the proposed framework could be a significant challenge.
The focus of developing country leaders has shifted noticeably from the broad boundaries for reduced GHG emission trajectories toward the amount of international aid which can be expected over the next 12 years to assist in their transition. While near term expectations appeared to be manageable ($12-15 billion), long-term expectations have increased dramatically.
Meanwhile, tertiary industries, (basically industries other than power plants), from aviation to cattle production have ramped up their focus on just what the US and UK commitments could mean for them. Individual briefings later today will assess these risks.
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