Global talks don’t have a great reputation for achievement. But the G8 climate change talks in Italy broke new ground. They offer an opportunity to prove the doubters wrong.
The collective commitment by countries such as the US, Japan and the UK to cut emissions by 80 percent by 2050 and work to avoid temperature increases above 2°C is important. But what matters now is that countries show that we mean it when we say we will cut our emissions. In short, we need to start the transition to a low carbon economy now.
In combating climate change, we have already broken new ground in the UK. We are on track to save twice the greenhouse gases we promised under Kyoto. We have tried to tackle some of the toughest environmental dilemmas head on. On coal, we have proposed conditions that will mean that no new coal-fired power stations can be built without capturing a substantial proportion of their emissions and locking them permanently underground.
We have also learned from others who have found success, such as Germany. They have helped people generate their own clean power. Like them, we will start to pay guaranteed rates for households, businesses, farms and schools to feed unused clean power into the grid.
But every country needs to step up its efforts to stay on track. So the UK published a Low Carbon Transition Plan last week, setting five-year limits on our total emissions in law. This plan has at its heart a focus on new jobs and new business opportunities, as well as increasing our energy security. We’re taking this action now because we firmly believe that there’s an overriding economic and financial imperative to cutting carbon. And even during a global recession, it’s this choice that will determine our path to economic prosperity and sustainable development.
The plan goes sector-by-sector to see how savings can be made in areas such as power generation, transportation, business and local communities. It includes a massive increase in renewable energy, greener cars and a firm focus on helping businesses make the most of low carbon opportunities.
The UK plan is a national plan, but climate change is a global problem and needs a global solution. The Copenhagen Summit in December will be critical in delivering an ambitious and effective deal that drives a real global transition. Developed countries must show leadership and commitment. There will also need to be financial assistance for those developing countries that are not able to finance the actions needed to reduce their emissions and adapt to climate change.
And what about Taiwan? I have already been impressed by the initiatives that Taiwan has developed to increase energy efficiency and promote green energy. It is encouraging to hear recently that the incentives that Taiwan Power Company put in place this year to reduce electricity consumption have had a positive impact. The passage of the Renewable Energy Development Act will lead to a flow of investment into solar and other renewable energy sectors — a clear signal of the economic opportunities that low carbon development offers to Taiwan.
Too often, however, the debate is framed as one of economy versus environment. In our view, the Low Carbon Transition Plan will help open the doors to new jobs, new industries and new international trading opportunities for the UK. The development of a clear legal framework, working toward the 2°C target here in Taiwan would be a strong indication that Taiwan sees this as a win-win opportunity and not as a threat to its economic prosperity.
David Campbell is the director of the British Trade and Cultural Office.
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