Todd Stern: what the US wants from China on climate

US climate envoy, Todd Stern has tried to clarify exactly what the Obama administration wants from China on climate at Copenhagen (see post from Leo and me on the confusing signals the US has been sending out).

So here it is:

* “Very considerable” reductions on China’s business as usual emissions.
* These reductions to be binding, transparently measured and verifiable.
* No absolute emissions reductions but (preferably at least) a designated year when China’s emissions should peak.
* China’s commitment to be consistent with the world stabilising its emissions at around 450 ppm (”we don’t know whether it’s 445 or 460 or… but in that general range”).
* The package to be backed up by carbon offsets from the US to China - but these offsets should have “real environmental integrity” - and technology cooperation.

Climate campaigner was up for an argument - EDP24

Want an argument about climate change..? You might well have got one if you went shopping in Downham Market over the weekend.

Environmental campaigner John Preston was taking on all-comers on everything from global warming to nuclear power outside Tesco.

Roger Pielke Jr.'s Blog: Target 1939: A Case for Absolute Baselines

For the US, a 17% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions below 2005 levels (such as in the Waxman-Markey Bill) represents a return to about 1990 levels. An 80% reduction represents a return to 1905 levels.

For the United Kingdom, a reduction of 34% from 1990-(its 2022 interim target) represents a return to carbon dioxide emissions of 1896 and an 80% reduction (its 2050 target) represents a return to emissions of 1849. (Wow!)

Prometheus » Blog Archive » Some Changes to Announce

Prometheus is going to be retired...
...
For my part I will be blogging at my new site effective immediately. That site is

http://rogerpielkejr.blogspot.com/