UN Climate Conference 2015 in Paris

Key points of the presentation explained by Prof. Radermacher:

1. Negotiation logic according to the Copenhagen formula: Industrialized countries reduce their greenhouse gas emissions annually, determining themselves by how much. Non-industrialized countries reduce their emissions relative to their economic growth rate and likewise determine the extent of reduction themselves.

2. Allowing border adjustment charges against non-signatory countries: Negotiations should include the possibility for the signatories of the climate agreement to impose border adjustment charges on non-signatory countries in the amount of the competitive advantage gained through non-participation.

3. Financing a Green Climate Fund: Industrialized countries are to provide at least USD 100 billion annually starting in 2020 to support developing countries in climate-related areas. This serves as a prerequisite for engaging them as partners in a global climate agreement.

4. Mobilizing the private sector: On the national level, in addition to specific implementation strategies (e.g. legal requirements, regulatory frameworks, tax measures, state-recognized or -supported standards, promotion of a “green race”), motivation and incentives should be provided – particularly for the premium segment of the private sector – to voluntarily achieve climate neutrality.

5. Global Neutral: Establishment of a Global Neutral initiative at the UN level (modeled after the Global Compact) to motivate companies, organizations, and individuals to pursue voluntary climate neutrality.

The text is available in German, English, French, and Spanish.

Image source: Gerd Altmann (Pixabay)