U.S. Climate Representative Todd Stern stated at a global warming conference on June 24 that "in our judgment, there is no need to set greenhouse gas reduction targets at 40% below 1990 levels; because from the point where we began reducing emissions, this is not a realistic approach."
This two-day conference, an economic forum focusing on energy and climate issues, included representatives from 19 countries and the European Union. These participating countries account for 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The conference was convened by US President Obama with the aim of establishing a new climate change convention in response to the expiring Kyoto Protocol.
To prevent rising sea levels, increasingly severe storms, droughts, and climate anomalies, UN scientific experts recommend that industrialized countries reduce carbon emissions by 25-40% by 2020. Poorer countries and islands, however, should reduce emissions by more than 45%. Todd Stern opposes this proposal, suggesting that the US Congress should set smaller reduction targets. The current US bill aims to reduce emissions of six greenhouse gases to 2005 levels by 2020 and by 83% by 2050.
Data from previous climate change forums in Mexico indicates that there is currently no international consensus on which year should be designated as the target year for long-term emission reduction plans. Mexico has proposed a so-called "green fund," which would require all countries (except for very poor countries) to contribute funds and receive sponsorship for clean energy and environmental projects. This $10 billion fund would be funded by intergovernmental contributions and maintained by a multinational institution (possibly the World Bank), and this proposal has garnered considerable support. However, the current market situation, where most carbon trusts are privately owned, involves major polluting companies paying to offset their carbon emissions, differs significantly from Mexico's proposal.
– Reference source: COP15 website
– Translated by Plastic Industry Technology Development Center
For reference only, please refer to the original text.
