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The recent European Council conclusions on climate change were a huge, even historic, success. I’d claim some of the credit for my country: the UK has been driving this agenda forward in Europe, and has worked hard in the run-up to the Council to ensure that the EU would set itself binding and rigorous targets for emissions, renewables and energy saving.
But what next? Nationally, we know where we are going. On Tuesday we published a climate change bill imposing on future British governments a binding obligation to cut carbon emissions by 26 to 32 per cent by 2020, rising to 60 per cent by 2050, and setting out the ways we intend to achieve this – which are basically to do with carbon trading.
Meanwhile, we will continue our efforts, really begun with the publication of Nick Stern’s review on 30 October, to mobilise the governments, people and businesses of Europe behind the EU’s new targets. The debate about how individual EU member states contribute to them has only begun.
Stern changed the basis of that debate, by describing climate change in a new way. It’s a challenge which affects all our lives, but which can be addressed, and from which we can profit by solving: as families, by cutting our carbon footprint (e.g. electricity bills); and as nations – well, by doing the same. Stern warned us that the problem was quite as grim as we had feared, but also showed that we could solve it – and how.
People in Malta, like people in Britain, now see more clearly than ever that this is their problem too. Uncontrolled climate change means the disappearance of Ghadira Bay, and other low-lying areas, beneath the waves; a greater irregular migration challenge as African populations move north in search of water; and a harsher climate, destroying today’s patterns of farming and tourism.
Friends here often conclude by telling me that there’s nothing they can do alone. And it’s true that national initiatives have to be complemented by more coordinated international work. So we’ve also developed a workplan for what needs to be done by the countries of the world together.
We need to see a new global framework for action, comprising five elements.
First, a long-term stabilisation goal. This would be a clear statement of global political will and provide new clarity on where we think we’re going.
Second, proper carbon markets and emissions trading. The establishment of a global carbon price will stimulate a technology revolution, and reward businesses which develop future technologies first. Europe can set an example by building up an effective emissions trading system now.
Third, more technology investment and transfer. We have to turn the emerging conclusions of existing international technology partnerships – and there are several – into specific initiatives, and to scale up efforts to develop low carbon technologies.
Fourth, an end to deforestation. Emissions from deforestation in developing countries amount to about 20 per cent of global carbon emissions. The answer is sustainable forestry management.
Fifth, a greater focus on adaptation. The most vulnerable developing countries will need substantial support to help them adapt to the unavoidable effects of climate change. It’s in our interests collectively to supply this support.
Our eyes are now fixed firmly on the creation of a post-2012 framework in the UN. This may sound bureaucratic and a long way off. But you need a plan if you’re to co-ordinate a global effort, and there’s not much time to fix it. It’s complicated work which needs to start at once. At the Spring Council, the EU secured agreement on how to move to an energy-secure, competitive low-carbon economy for Europe. This will carry us through to a summer G8 Summit, at which climate change will be high on the agenda. The discussion there will be tough: the five elements I’ve outlined above imply real impacts on our economies.
Depending on results from the G8, we can then approach December’s UN conference in Bali with greater confidence. This has to establish a negotiating process on the “future framework” to be concluded by the end of 2009. It has to bring countries like India, China and Brazil on board and create a global consensus on what comes after Kyoto to successfully counter the threats of climate change.
Once again, this timetable shows how important continuing EU agreement and solidarity will be. Governments need to know that public opinion in their countries is behind them. For all the middle- and long-term gain, there is short-term pain. In Britain, for example, higher fuel duties, road charging and tougher building regulations are all controversial.
So this really is an issue for every EU citizen. We cannot maintain our current wonderful climate of grey skies and rain if you don’t want to maintain yours, too. So I’m committed to working with Malta to maximise our joint impact on this issue – and that means not only government, but each reader of this article.
To secure our shared interests, we need a truly shared effort.
Nick Archer is British High Commissioner for Malta. |
