Global negotiations

Effective international co-operation is essential if we are to achieve WWF’s aim of limiting global warming to an increase of 1.5° (above pre-industrial levels). This is the minimum required to maximise the chances of avoiding dangerous climate change.

While the actions of individual countries are important over the long-term, only strong international consensus and co-ordinated actions will bring about a lasting solution to global warming.

We expect action, not just talk, from our leaders. Only through strong action can we not only avoid the environmental, social and economic costs of global warming, but also share in the growth of the green economy.

Given Australia’s current dependence on fossil fuels, we must take action now.

A global deal to reduce carbon pollution – the current situation

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) AR4 report indicates that to have a 50% chance of holding the increase in global average temperature to 2°C, the reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions would need to be 50% below 1990 levels by 2050.

To achieve this 50% global reduction by 2050, it is widely accepted that, for equity and historic reasons, developed countries need to accept much deeper domestic reduction targets than developing countries.

Australia should be aiming for pollution cuts of:

• At least 25% on 1990 levels by 2020
• At least 90% on 1990 levels by 2050.

An IPCC report indicates that to have a 50% chance of holding the increase in global average temperature to 2°C, the reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions would need to be 50% below 1990 levels by 2050.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol form the primary international response to the global warming threat. Following modest but important progress in Cancun in November 2010, world leaders will re-convene in South Africa in November 2011 to continue these crucial negotiations.

Progress on a global deal on climate change at Cancun included:

• the setting of emissions reductions targets for all major emitting countries, both developed and developing
   
• the establishment of a new fund to help developing countries adapt to the consequences of global warming
   
• better verification of action on climate change
   
• measures aimed at reducing deforestation.
   

Now we need our leaders to redouble their efforts and build on these successes so that the global reductions advised by scientists are achieved.