For Immediate Release Contact: Matt Letourneau 202-463-5945New Report Acknowledges Obstacles; Emphasizes Role of Technology
WASHINGTON, D.C.—When more than 190 nations gather in Copenhagen, Denmark next month, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will be among the organizations pushing for a strong international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, a new report issued today by the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy details just how challenging the task will be.
The Energy Institute’s report, titled “The Prospects for Copenhagen: More Realism Can Smooth the Way,” sheds light on the unprecedented technology challenge that faces the global community in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy use. According to the report, how rapidly advanced energy technologies are developed and adopted will be the single most important factor in determining how quickly—and at what cost—greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced.
“For businesses to remain competitive, our national leaders must ensure that a new global climate agreement sets realistic goals, recognizes growing energy needs, ensures global participation, promotes technology, encourages trade, and doesn’t weaken intellectual property,” said Stephen Eule, vice president for climate and technology at the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21 Century Energy.
The report explores the areas of discussion among the parties in the negotiations, primarily developed and developing nations. It reviews the scale and scope of rapidly deploying clean energy technology and some of the dynamics that could hinder an agreement. In addition, the paper outlines a technology-centered approach that could form the basis of a binding international agreement that includes developing countries.
“Developing and developed nations still have largely divergent views on technology readiness and commercial adoption, finance and wealth transfers, technology transfer, and burden sharing with developing countries,” Eule said. “With the most contentious issues currently unresolved, leaders should examine a global climate change framework that recognizes national plans to reduce emissions both at home and abroad.”
To be effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the paper notes that large developing countries must be part of an international climate accord. With 80% or more of the growth in global emissions in the next four decades expected to come from developing countries, nations like China, India, and Brazil must be a part of any new international accord for it to be credible. The paper also highlights that the negotiations must not be used as an excuse for nations to erect barriers to free and open trade or as a way to gain competitive advantage or redistribute wealth
The report is available on the Institute’s website at https://www.globalenergyinstitute.org
The mission of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful action at the local, state, national, and international levels.
The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region. Through its Institute for 21st Century Energy, Global Intellectual Property Center, and International Division, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is actively raising awareness of the business community’s views on elements of an international climate change agreement.