Climate Negotiators Must Focus on Four Keys to a Successful Treaty, says EDF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Copenhagen (Dec 7)— Negotiators in Copenhagen must keep their focus and work toward a final 2010 climate treaty that is effective, inclusive, measurable and adequately financed, said leading non-profit group Environmental Defense Fund as U.N. climate talks opened here today.

“The real test for Copenhagen is whether we can agree to establish concrete building blocks that will set the stage for a final, legally binding agreement in 2010, after the U.S. enacts domestic climate legislation,” said EDF’s Climate Talks Director Jennifer Haverkamp.

“We know two weeks in Copenhagen won’t be enough to reach a legally binding treaty, but that doesn’t mean talks won’t be successful. If negotiators can stay focused on four key building blocks, we can reach a treaty next year that is effective, inclusive, measurable and adequately financed.”

“To be effective, a treaty must ensure all major emitters set or prepare to set pollution caps so global carbon emissions start declining within a decade.It’s the only way we can avoid warming of more than two degrees Celsius.”

“A treaty must also be inclusive, opening pathways for emerging economies to join the effort and enter carbon markets to speed their transition to low-carbon economic growth. And one pathway in particular must invite nations to earn financing for reducing tropical deforestation and forest degradation.”

“Third, a treaty must establish a standardized, credible system for nations to measure, report and verify emissions from an historical base year. It’s the only way we can track progress and be sure we’re winning the fight against climate change. Countries must be accountable for compliance.”

“Finally, any treaty must be adequately financed, and since the the bulk of climate finance will flow through the private sector, it’s crucial that carbon markets work. Carbon markets will need clear rules to give businesses a steady signal to invest in efficiency and low-carbon technologies. Without strong rules, it will be nearly impossible to generate sufficient and sustainable finance.”