PHL, developing countries doing more to save climate

The Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) group, including the Philippines, reminded developed countries that developing countries are doing more than their fair share to save the climate at the close of the first round of climate talks this week in Bonn, Germany.

A recent study by the Stockholm Environment Institute and Oxfam reveals that developing countries are going to contribute more to cutting greenhouse gases than developed countries. The study estimates that over 60 per cent of emissions cuts by 2020 are likely to be made by developing countries.[1]

“Despite having to prioritize poverty reduction and being vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, there is an abundance of climate action by developing countries. However, this is more worrying than welcome,” said Dr. Gary Theseira of Malaysia who delivered the statement of the group at the closing of the climate talks.

“It means that developed countries are moving farther and farther away from their historical responsibility.” Dr Theseira said.

As an example, Nicaragua, a member of the LMDC, intends to have 94% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2017 from a share of 20% in 2007. China is now a world leader in both renewable energy power generation and manufacturing including having the largest installed capacity for wind power.

On the other hand, the United States has no national climate legislation that could spur more drastic emissions reductions while the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme is hampered by low ambition and oversupply of carbon credits leading to record lows.

“Instead of spearheading efforts to move the world away from climate disaster, developed countries have refused to take responsibility and jumped from one excuse to another. Phrases such as broader participation cannot be used as a cover developed country refusal to raise ambition.” Dr Theseira said.

“Nevertheless, it’s not too late. Developed countries can still commit to bridging the mitigation and financing ambition gaps in the context of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. The formula for a successful climate regime over the next two decades is simple. Leadership by developed countries now will lead to successful pre-2020 negotiations. Successful pre-2020 negotiations will lead to a successful post 2020 agreement,” Dr Theseira added.

To demonstrate leadership,

Kyoto 2nd commitment period Annex 1 countries must ratify the Kyoto Protocol
Non-Kyoto 2nd commitment period Annex 1 countries must make comparable efforts
Annex 1 countries must increase ambition of targets consistent with equity and what science demands on or before April 2014
There must be increased levels and certainty of climate finance for developing countries through the Framework Convention
Access to climate technologies must be made easier for developing countries

Photo by Imelda Abano.