Is the Copenhagen conference going to be a success?

Selected Version - Version 4 (Current Version) : 08 Dec 2009 | 12:24 | booji

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On the point: Many countries have made substantial promises already

There are many countries around the world that have already made big commitments on reducing CO2 emissions, particularly the EU. But in the last day South Africa has made commitments, and a week ago India did. Having been a major sticking point, initially arguing for development first, India has been a particular sticking point so it is surprising and very encouraging that they have made these commitments. Many other nations such as Singapore, small as it may be with carbon emissions accounting for less 0.2% has promised to reduce its CO2 emissions 16% below 2020 ‘Business as usual’[[http://thegovmonitor.com/world_news/asia/singapore-to-reduce-emissions-growth-with-new-climate-change-target-17759.html]] level. This is especially surprising since Singapore, like India, has constantly rejected such protocols stating economic reasons. However, the very fact that even the smallest of countries like Singapore and are now stepping up and trying to play their role in reducing world carbon emissions goes to show that the awareness is slowly spreading to all parts of the world. Countries far and wide such as Singapore, Brazil[[http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/294703,brazil-aims-to-reduce-co2-emissions-by-almost-40-per-cent.html]] and even China[[http://www.chinadialogue.net/blog/show/single/en/3336-A-Chinese-environmental-update-]][[http://www.silobreaker.com/china-to-reduce-co2-emissions-by-4045-percent-5_2262766923555012650]] have stepped forth and set targets.

It is not only countries but also companies that are making promises. Take Siemens as an example, they announced "whatever the decision of Copenhagen, Siemens will continue to grow in ecological measures", in fact, their "ecological" sales was US$34.000 millons in the last year.

These cuts still do not come to nearly enough and many have only made ballpark promises. Will the promises made and to be made at the conference be followed by concrete action? On past experience this does not seem to be very likely. For example Norway agreed to the Kyoto protocol but only polluted more. There is no guarantee that world leaders will stand by their word. This is because the fact remains that enforcement of the commitment has always been an issue. Will it change this time? Even supposedly binding treaties are in reality not very binding. As is shown by the US in attacking Iraq International law is not always followed.

Yes, because... Many countries have made substantial promises already

 

No, because...

There are many countries around the world that have already made big commitments on reducing CO2 emissions, particularly the EU. But in the last day South Africa has made commitments, and a week ago India did. Having been a major sticking point, initially arguing for development first, India has been a particular sticking point so it is surprising and very encouraging that they have made these commitments. Many other nations such as Singapore, small as it may be with carbon emissions accounting for less 0.2% has promised to reduce its CO2 emissions 16% below 2020 ‘Business as usual’[1] level. This is especially surprising since Singapore, like India, has constantly rejected such protocols stating economic reasons. However, the very fact that even the smallest of countries like Singapore and are now stepping up and trying to play their role in reducing world carbon emissions goes to show that the awareness is slowly spreading to all parts of the world. Countries far and wide such as Singapore, Brazil[2] and even China[3][4][5] have stepped forth and set targets.

It is not only countries but also companies that are making promises. Take Siemens as an example, they announced "whatever the decision of Copenhagen, Siemens will continue to grow in ecological measures", in fact, their "ecological" sales was US$34.000 millons in the last year.

  1. ^ http://thegovmonitor.com/world_news/asia/singapore-to-reduce-emissions-growth-with-new-climate-change-target-17759.html
  2. ^ http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/294703,brazil-aims-to-reduce-co2-emissions-by-almost-40-per-cent.html
  3. ^ ^ http://www.silobreaker.com/china-to-reduce-co2-emissions-by-4045-percent-5_2262766923555012650" rel="nofollow">http://www.chinadialogue.net/blog/show/single/en/3336-A-Chinese-environmental-update-
  4. ^ http://www.silobreaker.com/china-to-reduce-co2-emissions-by-4045-percent-5_2262766923555012650

 

These cuts still do not come to nearly enough and many have only made ballpark promises. Will the promises made and to be made at the conference be followed by concrete action? On past experience this does not seem to be very likely. For example Norway agreed to the Kyoto protocol but only polluted more. There is no guarantee that world leaders will stand by their word. This is because the fact remains that enforcement of the commitment has always been an issue. Will it change this time? Even supposedly binding treaties are in reality not very binding. As is shown by the US in attacking Iraq International law is not always followed.