CAN’s Proposal for an International Framework for Future Efforts to Fight Climate Change

The Climate Action Network has long campaigned for a strong international agreement to achieve real

cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. The key elements of the Kyoto Protocol are the quantitative

limitation and reduction commitments for industrialised countries with clear targets and timetables and

this should also form the backbone of a future international climate regime.

CAN is convinced that a viable international system for achieving this objective must reflect the moral

responsibility of those who have benefited the most from the use of the global commons to reduce

their emissions first and to compensate the victims of climate change. Main elements of a viable

regime must be built on core principles of equity and fairness and include an appropriate balance of

rights and obligations. The scientifically backed maximum temperature raise of 2°C should guide

target setting.

CAN argues in favour of a multi stage approach operating on the same or a very similar timetable

divided in three tracks: a Kyoto track for developed countries, a Greening (decarbonisation) track for

developing countries and an Adaptation Track for those countries worst affected by climate change.

The Kyoto track builds upon the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol approach, with its system of legally

binding absolute emission reductions and compliance regime. This track, with its legally binding

tradable emission obligations provides the core of a system that will drive rapid technological

development and diffusion, and provide the technological basis for win-win solutions to climate and

sustainable development objectives.

The ‘Greening’ (decarbonisation) track would drive the rapid introduction of clean technologies that

can reduce emissions and meet sustainable development objectives in developing countries. The

industrialized countries should provide resources and technology for this track but should do this in

partnership with the developing countries and not conditioned on other policies in a carrot and stick

way as seen in all too many other policy fields.

The Adaptation track provides the resources to the most vulnerable regions (especially small island

states, least developed countries) to deal with unavoidable climate changes. Least Developed

Countries will quite appropriately focus on adaptation for some time to come, since they are the most

vulnerable to climate change impacts and their contribution to emissions is tiny compared to their

population and development needs.1 Countries receiving support under the Adaptation track could

also operate in the Greening (decarbonisation) track.

The level and the character of the mitigation actions within this framework would be determined by

reference to agreed level of per capita emissions, ability or capacity to act

and historical responsibility.

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