UN Climate Change Summit - US: The science sends stark message

Daniel Shields, Straits Times 21 Sep 09;

TOMORROW, United States President Barack Obama will speak to world leaders on climate change during a special United Nations summit in New York. The nations of the world are working hard to negotiate a new global agreement to combat climate change - one of the greatest challenges facing our world today. Already, its impact is apparent and consequences severe.

Arctic sea ice is disappearing faster than expected. The Greenland Ice Sheet is shrinking. Sea levels threaten to rise higher than anticipated. And water supplies are increasingly at risk from both melting glaciers and extreme climate events, such as droughts and floods. These changes threaten not only the environment, but also security and stability.

The science sends a simple and stark message: all countries must work together to combat climate change, and the time for action is now.

Mr Obama recognises that the US must be a leader in the global effort to combat climate change. We have a responsibility as the world's largest historic emitter of greenhouse gases. We know that without US emissions reductions, no solution to climate change is possible. So the US will take the lead in building a 21st century clean energy economy.

The President has called on Congress to develop comprehensive clean energy legislation to cut emissions by 14 per cent from 2005 levels and 83 per cent in 2050. A Bill has passed the House of Representatives and is making its way through Congress. His economic stimulus package includes over US$80 billion (S$113 billion) for clean energy. And recently instituted vehicle standards will increase fuel economy and reduce emissions.

From an environmental perspective, the European Union and US climate packages are comparable and lead to emissions reductions that are consistent with the science. Rather than debate on negligible differences between EU and US policies, it is far more critical to work together to prevent unchecked emissions growth among key emerging economies.

All major emitting nations have to work together to take strong action. There is no other way to contain climate change: The International Energy Agency estimates 97 per cent of emissions growth will come from the developing world. The US is pursuing a global strategy to combat climate change through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiating process, the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate and key bilateral relationships.

Developed countries need to reduce their emissions substantially by 2020 on an absolute basis, compared to a 2005 or 1990 baseline. Major developing nations must take actions that will substantially reduce their emissions by 2020 on a relative basis, compared to their so-called 'business as usual' path. Other developing countries should focus on preparing low-carbon growth plans - with financial and technical assistance where needed - to guide their longer-term development path. It is important to ensure that a new agreement will not require developing countries to take steps that would stifle their capacity to develop and grow.

Ultimately, a climate change agreement must be about not only limiting carbon emissions but about providing a pathway for sustainable development. Clean energy development is the only sustainable way forward. To facilitate this path, countries with advanced capabilities must stand ready to develop and disseminate technologies to countries in need.

If we work together, the effort to build a clean energy global economy can provide significant opportunity, driving investment, economic growth and job creation around the world.

The US and Singapore share many goals on preventing climate change. Both have much to lose from the negative impact of climate change, but we also have much to offer in finding ways to mitigate that impact or avoid it altogether.

Singapore is well placed to lead efforts in research and development of renewable energy technologies and promote new 'clean tech' industries that could not only help save the planet, but also provide new jobs for Singaporeans and new export opportunities for Singapore business. US and Singapore scientists are already collaborating on energy and environmental research to pave the way for these new industries. The US and Singapore have been discussing these issues with the rest of the region's economies at this year's Apec meetings.

The US is clear in its intent to secure a strong international agreement.

The writer is Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of the United States in Singapore.