Jamie Britto from RMA reports live from COP 16
3rd December 2010
By Jamie Britto is a Senior Carbon Emissions Specialist at RMA (part of the Lloyd’s Register Group of Companies).
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At day two of COP16, it was standing room only at a side event about China’s policies and actions for mitigating climate change. Aware of the crowd and large media presence at the event, a member of the panel noted that the attention China receives could be misconstrued and reminded the audience that China can’t solve the climate problem alone. He acknowledged that on a per capita basis, China is leading the US (5 compared to 20 tons per capita, respectively). Despite the impressive pledge by the Chinese to target reductions in CO2 intensity, energy efficiency, and renewable energy, the question remains whether China will be able to accomplish these reductions while maintaining economic growth. The opportunity cost of renewable energy was highlighted as a critical challenge that could inhibit China’s ability to meet their ambitious goals.
In sharing lessons learned he reached out to other developing countries that are struggling with the same tension between economic growth and emission reductions. In order for the developing countries to have a chance at bending the emissions curve, the panelist stressed that massive transfers of technology and finance will be required. Additionally, these countries will need to convert development into sustainable development to create lasting change.
Stressing the gravity of the issues at hand, he declared climate change as the largest challenge to humanity. Again, as China can’t be expected to do this alone, he requested action from everyone on Earth to step up and do their part.
Visit LRQA website to see the full event coverage from Madlen King.
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