Climate Change Post

Copenhagen
Summary report
28 April 2010
US
 Current administration is very committed to addressing the
Climate Change issue, but to avoid a repeat of Kyoto, President
Obama will only commit internationally on the basis of domestic
regulation.

 It is certain that there will be a regulation on Green house gases

(GHG), although it is not clear when and whether Congress will
regulate or the Environmental protection agency (EPA) in the
absence of a regulation by the Congress.

 The US would favor a system, which ensures that trading

industries get the allowances needed to not suffer a competitive
disadvantage on the world stage.
EU
 The EU strongly advocates an international
legally binding agreement, with a strong
monitoring and verification system, and a financial
adaption mechanism for developing countries.

 To ensure commitment of the emerging

economies and to avoid that the big GHG emitters,
like China just simply pledge what they do
domestically (no verification) the US has to lead by
example and agree to legally binding international
agreement.
 
 Other approaches

 Complementary/alternative approaches such as sectoral and/or

plurilateral agreements should be considered. Unlike the EC, the US
would be open to such approaches.
 
 It should be discussed whether the UN is the right body to achieve
a meaningful international agreement.

Sectoral agreement, based on benchmarking could be a possibility,

maybe in the framework of the WTO.
 Industry
• Industry needs level playing field and planning security.
Many believe that current unilateral regulations by the EU can
result in competitive distortions, carbon leakage and an
increased risk of protectionism.

•Politicians should safeguard IPRs and ensure that

technological transfers are beneficial for companies in order to
not hamper industrial investment in R&D.

•A substantial CO2 reduction could be achieved by educating

society and professional training in carbon efficient
technologies.
Next Steps
• More strategic thinking is necessary between the major
powers and the emerging economies on how best to achieve
Climate Change goals.

• The US and the EU should establish a proper working group

to define common objectives and positions with respect to
Climate Change negotiations.

•The US and EU should coordinate studies of the impact of

climate change and measures to adapt to its consequences.