Creating a Climate of Cooperation

By Klaus Toepfer, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - www.unep.org

Rarely a week goes by without a story of extreme weather capturing the headlines. Around the world, floods, wildfires, drought and storms are taking an increasing financial and humanitarian toll. Individually, none of these events is conclusive proof of climate change, but combined with other evidence, such as accelerating glacial melt in both hemispheres and the recently reported thawing of vast areas of Siberian permafrost, a picture emerges of a steadily warming world.

The potential consequences of climate change are profound, particularly on people in the less developed countries. The question is therefore not whether climate change is happening, but what to do about it. The answer lies in a double strategy. We need to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, which will mean altering how we live and do business. We also need to realistically assess the implications of the changes that are already upon us and adapt accordingly.

Adaptation is particularly important because, even if countries meet all the Kyoto Protocol targets-and it is widely accepted that these targets are only a step towards the solution rather the solution itself-the massive inertia of climate change means that it may continue to gather force in the coming decades despite our best efforts to halt it. Whether the prognosis is for more frequent and intense storms, or widespread water shortages as mountain glaciers melt and semi-arid lands become drier, the lesson we are learning-too often the hard way-is that preparedness is key.

Alongside preparedness lies cooperation. Major disasters often generate an immediate reaction. The massive and unhesitating international response to the Indian Ocean tsunami is a prime example. But, as the wrangling over the outcome text of the 2005 World Summit and the delay in ratifying the Kyoto Protocol show, achieving international cooperation and commitment towards solving long-term developmental issues is more of a struggle.

Tackling climate change is indispensable to meeting all the Millennium Development Goals. Climate-related disasters dramatically diminish the chances of reducing poverty and hunger, improving health for mothers and children and ensuring environmental sustainability. This is why it is important to stress that working to reduce carbon emissions by promoting fuel efficiency, renewable energy and other clean technologies is a noregrets policy that can work to the benefit of all.

Thankfully, consciousness is growing that now is the time for action. The global political climate is changing as fast as the physical climate. This year the Kyoto Protocol finally came into force. In July the G8 significantly chose to focus on the twin issues of climate change and Africa's development, with the clear message that by tackling climate change we are also addressing poverty reduction. And, in the same month, Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and the United States announced the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate.

The Asia Pacific Partnership emphasizes voluntary practical measures to promote the development and deployment of cleaner and more efficient technologies and practices. This is further evidence to me that the tide is turning. Everyone now recognizes that climate change is real and that we need to respond urgently and cooperatively.

Voluntary initiatives are fundamental to that response. For example, a growing number of companies round the world are embracing clean development and turning it to their own business advantage. They want to make sure they are in the vanguard as we progress to a cleaner more sustainable world.

However, it is important to stress that such initiatives are complementary to Kyoto, not alternatives. Kyoto remains the foundation and benchmark of all our efforts to halt and reverse climate change. It provides essential mechanisms for reducing emissions and promoting clean development. Furthermore, its targets and deadlines provide the accountability and transparency necessary to enrolling the full support of the developing world, and especially the powerhouse economies of Asia.

The current global dependence on energy from fossil fuels threatens our environmental, economic and physical security. The Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol provide a substantial basis for working together for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Now that the Protocol has entered into force, the eyes of the world are on the Annex I Parties. The extent of their commitment to meeting their obligations to reduce emissions and finance technology transfer will directly affect the willingness of developing country Parties to agree on their own responsibilities now that attention is turning to the forthcoming second commitment period.

At the first Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol in Montreal at the end of November, all minds must be focused on the future. Climate change is a long-term problem that demands long-term solutions. This year has seen a number of positive developments. If we build on them, and reinforce the foundations provided by the Kyoto Protocol, I believe we have a realistic chance of rising to what is without doubt the greatest challenge humankind has ever had to face.

Klaus Toepfer

Klaus Toepfer
Klaus Toepfer is the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). As Minister of Environment in Germany, he introduced many ground-breaking environmental laws. He is known internationally for his commitment to sustainable development, and for fighting for the cause of the developing world. Mr. Toepfer believes that environment policy is the peace policy of the future, and that social market economics coupled with wise environmental stewardship can improve the lives of all.

UNEP and climate change
UNEP and the World Meteorological Organisation established the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1998 to assess scientific, technical and socio-economic information relevant for understanding the potential impacts of climate change and options for adaptation and mitigation. IPCC assessment reports have helped bridge the science-policy gap and have promoted widespread international cooperation on climate change.

UNEP has a wide-ranging capacity building programme related to climate change. The organisation works closely with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change on outreach, subject of Article 6 of the Convention, and helps developing countries to participate fully in the Climate Change Convention, including negotiations and reporting. UNEP is also assisting countries to benefit fully from the various mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol. For example, UNEP is helping countries to establish greenhouse gas emission reduction projects under the Clean Development Mechanism consistent with their sustainable development goals. UNEP also supports clean and renewable energy projects throughout the developing world, and is helping countries, especially the least developed countries and small island developing states, to develop national adaptation plans.

environment for development

For more information: Nick Nuttall, Spokesperson, Office of the Executive Director, UNEP: nick.nuttall@unep.org