GLOBE: action on climate change shifts from global to national arena

Across the world, climate legislation is advancing, but is not yet sufficient to avoid dangerous climate change.

They were the findings of a groundbreaking study by the Global Legislators Organisation (GLOBE), ahead of the Major Economics Forum (MEF), that took place in Brussels this week (26-27 April).

The study, completed in partnership with the Grantham Research Institute at LSE, looks at the climate legislation of 16 of the world’s largest economies, including: the US, India, China, Russia, South Africa, the EU and individual European countries including the UK, France and Germany.

The study found that in all countries, legislation is advancing, although to varying degrees, and most of the legislative activity has taken place over the last year and a half; in contrast with the difficulties that have been experienced by the international negotiations over the same period.

The report states this demonstrates that the shape of the debate is changing from on a global level to governments working on a national level.

GLOBE President Rt Hon. John Gummer said: “The study illustrates that the shape of the debate on climate change is shifting from being about sharing a global burden – with governments naturally trying to minimise their share – to a realisation that acting on climate change is in the national interest.”

The report said it was encouraging to see that large emerging economies, such as Brazil, China, India and South Africa, are also developing comprehensive laws to tackle climate change.

Chinese National Development & Reform Commission (NDRC) Vice Minister Xie Zhenhua, who attended the report launch said: “Countries have realised that the traditional high-carbon growth model is unsustainable and that it is in the national interest to grow in a more sustainable and resource-efficient manner.”

Despite the report concluding that the current legislation does not yet add up to what is necessary to avoid dangerous climate change, it does put in place the legal and policy frameworks to measure, report, verify and manage national carbon emissions.

The authors also believe it to be the first step towards a global deal, concluding that an international agreement will only be possible once countries are already committed to taking action rooted in self-interest.

GLOBE believes that greater attention should be paid to national level policy and development, and that measures should be put in place to strengthen national scrutiny structures.

UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne welcomed the report. He said: “Low-carbon investment needs clear domestic law as well as a comprehensive global agreement.  The report by GLOBE and LSE demonstrates that many countries are also putting in place the legal frameworks and low-carbon development plans to tackle climate change.  The race is on, and the pioneers are the most likely winners.”

GLOBE will now open a dialogue between legislators and governments in the run up to negotiations in Durban in December, to explore domestic legislation and the possibility of formally recognising it under the UNFCCC.

 

Image: Timo w2s | flickr