The Road to Copenhagen: The UK Government's Case for an Ambitious International Agreement on Climate Change

Cm. 7659

Author:

Department of Energy and Climate Change

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

Price: £19.15

'The Road to Copenhagen: The UK Government's Case for an Ambitious International Agreement on Climate Change (Cm. 7659)' sets out the Government's approach to the UN climate change conference to be held in Copenhagen in December 2009.

Part 1 sets out the evidence for climate change and its consequences. Part 2 describes priorities for Copenhagen.

The paper makes a number of key points, which include:

• The over-riding goal of the conference must be an agreement to limit climate change to an increase in global average temperature of 2°C, which means reducing global emissions by at least 50% on 1990 levels by 2050.

• Measures must be put in place now to ensure that emissions start to fall within the next decade. Developed countries must lead, with an 80% reduction in emissions by 2050. Developing countries will need to take action to put themselves on a low carbon development pathway.

• The agreement must address all major sources of emission, including aviation, shipping and deforestation.

• Tackling deforestation is vital and the Government wants at least a 50% reduction in deforestation by 2020 and a halt to global forest loss by 2030.

• The development of a carbon market would encourage efficient emissions reduction and provide large flows of money to support developing countries.

• The poorest and most vulnerable countries must get financial support to help adaptation to climate change. Creating the financial means of support is a priority.

• Developing and deploying technology to tackle causes and effects of climate change is essential.

• The agreement must be legally binding with robust monitoring, reporting and verification arrangements.

• International institutions - either reformed or expanded existing ones or newly-created bodies - must be capable of implementing a deal quickly and at sufficient scale.

The paper concludes with a description of action being taken in the UK to contribute to the global effort.

Extent	88 pages	ISBN	9780101765923
Size	A4	Price	£19.15
Format	Paperback	Published	26 Jun 2009
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges