Zhu Xufeng: Low Carbon Cooperation and Global Leadership

Zhu, Xufeng, “Emissions: taking a collaborative lead will work better,” Nature , Vol. 462, 10 December, 2009. (300 words)
This speech is an expanded and updated report for the review.

Three major players in the climate change initiatives USA EU (UK, FR, GER…) BASIC (Bra, SA, IND, CHN) The umbrella group

Who is the leader in Climate initiatives
The Bush Administration
In 2001, President Bush refused to sign on “The Kyoto Protocol”, resulting the US lost its leadership in climate negotiations.
The Kyoto Protocol was promoted by the EU after the US withdrawal.

“ Calling for the United States to step up to a leadership role in international climate negotiations”
( Nature Reports Climate Change 2 , 127-129; 2008)
As the then Democratic presidential candidate of the US

The Obama Administration
Obama’s ambition to step up the leadership role in climate negotiations.
The only achievement was “ American Clean Energy and Security Act ” approved by the House in June, 2009.
The Democrats lost a senator seat in Massachusetts to the G.O.P. Scott Brown, a climate skeptic. (59:41)

The Obama Administration
Jan 27, Obama’s state-of-the-nation address supports the climate legislation.
Institutional innovation: “cap and dividend” vs. “cap and trade”
The mid-term election late 2010 will impact the climate legislation.
Scholars’ discussions on the feasibility of a climate framework without the US.

Europe
Achievement to the commitment of the Kyoto Protocol.
The pilot Carbon Trade Market for years.
Some west Europe countries, such as UK’s Pathway toward a Low Carbon Economy.
Ambition for the leadership in initiatives in addressing climate change.
But the Copenhagen summit disappointed the EU.

A Leadership Role?
How to define a Leadership role in addressing climate change?
Not a self-defined concept, but counts on recognition from developing nations.
Not just an opinion leader, but the one in actual action.
Become global leaders of the future low-carbon economy, and have a greater influence on the world stage.

Take a leadership in tech cooperation
Benefit from the tech cooperation with developing countries
Many carbon emission reduction technologies are still at an experimental stage.
Some countries are leading other countries in the research and development of these technologies.
They need to expand the scope of the experiments to test the feasibility of commercial use of these technologies.
Construction and markets in developing nations.
Tech cooperation offers a good opportunity for developed countries to apply their newly developed technologies to be “dominant designs”.

Take a leadership in tech cooperation
Tech cooperation is usually regarded good for developing countries.
In the long run, tech cooperation with developing countries is helpful for developed countries to obtain their leaderships in the climate change realm
The industrialized country that technically cooperates best with developing nations will spread their technologies toward the world.
Retain the leadership in the world technologically, economically, and politically.

Conclusion
Major developing nations are players in the climate initiatives but do not intend to be leaders.
Major developing nations can help developed countries to step up the global leadership.
Europe have practiced tech cooperation with developing countries for years, providing the foundation for the future cooperation.
Europe can obtain a global leadership role in the future’s low carbon economy.
Europe, are you ready?

Thanks for your attention

Zhu Xufeng: Low Carbon Cooperation and Global Leadership

by STEPS Centre on Aug 17, 2010

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