APEC leaders support Kyoto alternative

16th November 2009

Following the Singapore talks, leaders of APEC Asia Pacific Economic Corporation have backed an alternative to the Kyoto agreement that was put forth by Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen. US President Barack Obama was in support of following Danish Prime Minister’s plan, according to his security adviser Michael Froman.

Rasmussen was doubtful as to whether a climate deal could be achieved at the Copenhagen conference and called for immediate action and setting of a deadline regarding a Copenhagen agreement.

The APEC leaders announced their support of efforts in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiations to agree on actions to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) in developing economies. Their statement reiterated that global action taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will need to be accompanied by measures, including financial assistance and technology transfer to developing economies for their adaptation to the adverse impact of climate change. They also promised to ensure that efforts to address climate change are consistent with our international trade obligations.

The statement said, ‘We welcome the declaration of the Leaders of the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate in L’Aquila and the Leaders’ Statement at the G-20 Pittsburgh Summit, and reaffirm our commitment to tackle the threat of climate change and work towards an ambitious outcome in Copenhagen, within the objective, provisions and principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).’

The leaders added, ‘We will ensure that economic growth in our region is consistent with sustainable development. Anthropogenic climate change is one of the biggest global challenges. It will impact each of our economies.

‘We also commit to rationalise and phase out over the medium term fossil fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption, while recognising the importance of providing those in need with essential energy services. We will review progress on this at our meeting in 2010. We will also take steps to facilitate the diffusion of climate-friendly technologies, including through economic and technical cooperation (ECOTECH) and capacity building activities,’ they added.

In a joint message with Japanese Prime Minister Hatoyama last week, US President Barack Obama affirmed commitment to the global fight against climate change. His security adviser Froman, however, has said Obama may not attend the Copenhagen talks.

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