The document discusses the United States' position on reducing carbon emissions by 2020. It recognizes that climate change poses a grave threat and that nations must work together to limit global temperature rise. While the U.S. has increased investment in clean energy and reduced emissions in recent years, it believes future agreements must be tailored to different national circumstances. The U.S. proposes prioritizing clean energy research, setting emissions standards, and using economic incentives to accelerate the transition to renewable sources.

1. The United State of America on Reducing Carbon Emissions by 2020
COUNTRY: The United States of America
TOPIC AREA: Reducing Carbon Emissions by 2020
COMMITTEE: United Nations Convention Framework on Climate Change
Worldwide temperature rises and climate change has become the topic of global concern.
Mankind is starting to see the devastating effects of this life-changing phenomena; staining
not only the ecosystems of the world, but also lives of the billions of people who live on it.
Decades have passed since the first recorded significant temperature surge in 1935, a startling
0.5°C. Since then, the global temperature has been increasing at an alarming rate. [1] The
climate shift has transformed the atmospheric composition, resulting in an increase of
radiation and irregular weather cycles that pulls many species closer towards extinction.
Today, the gravity of the situation have turned dire and is in need of a quick response from
the International community. [2] According to studies conducted by NASA, scientists
unveiled that global temperatures will continue to rise for decades to come; largely due to
human activities. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Fourth
Assessment Report concluded there is a +90% probability that human activities over the past
250 years have warmed our planet; mainly the industrial and transportation sectors, which
have raised atmospheric carbon dioxide levels from 280 ppm to 400 ppm in the last 150
years. [3]
CURRENT CONDITION
While international progress in reducing emissions is encouraging, climate change is no
longer a distant threat. The National Centers for Environmental Information reported the
summer of 2015 as the highest recorded temperature on earth to have ever been recorded in
history; an astounding anomali of 0.88°C. [4] Aware of the amplitude of the situation,
concerned nations bond together to create environmental treaties in hopes to reduce emission
numbers and promote sustainable development in respects to the climate change. Multilateral
cooperations have since become a neccesity in achieving this agenda. International treaties
such as the Kyoto Protocol includes policies regarding Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS),
Joint Implementation programs, and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), catering to
the needs of both developed and developing nations equally. [5] Although solutions within
the treaties are exceptional on paper, the reality is far from adequate. Tracking and
coordinating intial contributions of states serves to be difficult to congregate as it is lacking
common indicators and timeframe. Ideally, all parties should be expected to follow the same
set of agreed guidelines, recognizing that such guideline should provide for appropriate
differentiation in light of capabilities and circumstances. In the same manner, climate policy
should focus on practical adaptations of programs, applicable to all member states. [6] Of all
the NAMA discussions, there are still open questions concerning the legal nature of
mitigation contributions. Further consideration should be given to whether or not future
treaties should be internationally legally binding for all parties. While vulnerability to climate
change differs across nations, all parties will continue to prepare themselves in the post 2020
era for the unavoidable impacts of climate change and enhance their adaptability and agility
to face future climate uncertainties. [7]

2. POSITION OF THE UNITED STATES
While no single step can reverse the effects of climate change, world leaders have a moral
obligation to future generations; to leave them with an undamaged planet. Under the Obama
Administration, the US has become more progressive in taking action, with its recent climate
action plan. As of this year, more than $6 billion out of state funds has been dedicated to
research and development of green technology. Many parties to the convention have critized
America for not ratifying the Kyoto Protocol. [7] Given the current energy crisis and the
incomplete state of scientific knowledge of solutions to the global climate change and lack of
comercially available technologies, ratifying non-universal binding agreements would severly
harm developed nations.[8] The state does not support a bifurcated approach to the agreement
Even without the binding commitments, America have managed to drop CO2
emissions by
738 MMT in 2014, an 11% decline from its 2007 levels. [9] Nonetheless, America shows its
support to the Paris Agreement that reflects the magnitude of what science and develop
economies demands. The state expresses its hope for future UNFCCC agreements to be
tailored to promote a broad range of parties with respects to CBDR/RC principles. Taking
note of the SDGs put into action this year, America remains firmly committed to reduce GHG
emissions 17% below 2005 if all other major economies agree to limit their emissions.
Today, the US is actively participating with international partners to address three main
pillars of the global climate agreement – mitigation, adaptation and financial assistance. [10]
PROPOSED ACTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
1. Recommends the Prioritization of the Research and Development of Clean Energy
Through unlocking long-term investments in clean energy innovation, urges all parties to
optimize the use of wind, water, solar and geothermal energy while building on the leadership
of states and local governments to advance further progress in reducing industrial pollution to
improve public health and the environment to supply reliable, affordable power needed for
economic growth. Deplores facilitation of industrial permits approving utility-scale clean
energy facilities and encourages the expansion and modernization of the electric grid.
2. Further Invites Efforts of Policymaking to Reduce Carbon Emissions
Suggests for the parties to the convention to set national standards in place to reduce carbon
pollution from power plants as part of a continued effort to refine the world’s power sector.
Supports increasing fuel economy standards through public-private partnerships with industry
leaders to develop post 2020 fuel standards for heavy duty vehicles. Considers the practicality
of practicing carbon sequestration and its effectiveness in CO2
reduction programs. Requests
the streamlining of established regional, national and international agreements to make any
necessary amendments, noting that a properly crafted and executed domestic policy can avoid
disruptions and smooth the transition to a low-carbon economy.
3. Supports the Reinforcement of Economic Incentives Towards Cleaner Energies
Fully aware of the increase natural gas share in the electricity sector during recent years,
principally through market forces and renewable deployment, draws attention to the need for
accelerating clean energy installations for industries by subsidizing their profit tax based on
respective nations terms. Calls upon member states to amend the ETS with the intention of
improving structural flexibility in order to adjust to a broader economic conditon. Further
recommends new policies for CDM where beneficiary countries in turn would cooperate with
donor countries in creating new markets for mutually beneficial economic results.

3. 1. Weart, Spencer. “The Modern Temperature Trend.” American Institute of Physics.
February, 2015. Web. 13 August, 2015.
2. Pachauri, R.K. et al. “Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report” Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change. 2007. Web. 15 August, 2015.
3. “The Current and Future Consequeces of Global Change.” National Aeronautics and Space
Administration. N.d. Web. 20 August, 2015.
4. “Global Analysis June 2015.” National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. June,
2015. Web. 25 August, 2014.
5. Friedman, Lisa. “Global Effort to Combat Climate Change.” Scientific American. January
14, 2014. Web. 10 August, 2015.
6. “U.S. Climate Initiative.” World Resources Institute. N.d. Web. 27 August, 2015.
7. “U.S. Submission on Elements of the 2015 Agreement.” United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change. 2015. Web. 25 August, 2015.
8. “The President’s Climate Action Plan” The Executive Office of the President. June, 2013.
Web. 22 August, 2015.
9. “Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability.” Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change. 2007. Web. 24 August, 2015.
10. “Confronting Climate Change: A Strategy for U.S. Foreign Policy.” Council on Foreign
Relations. June, 2008. Web. 18 August, 2015.