Connie Hedegaard: One step closer to a global agreement – but we need to speed up the pace

"The clear message from the World's major economies that the mean temperature must not exceed pre-industrial level by more than two degrees is, indeed, a very positive outcome of the summit in L’aquila. The Danish government has pursued this objective. Having recognised the scope of the task at hand and have indicated their willingness to take leadership the World’s major economies will have to commit themselves to take the necessary steps to achieve this objective", says Connie Hedegaard, Danish Minister for Climate and Energy.

"To limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius science tells us that global emission must peak no later than 2020 (see note) and be reduced by 50 per cent in 2050 compared to 1990. To achieve this, developed nations must start reducing immediately. It’s positive that G8 leaders have declared their willingness to reduce by 80 per cent in 2050. But they also have to deliver on shorter terms. In fact, developed countries ought to state that their emissions have now peaked."

"But even if developed nations reduce by more than 80 per cent, the major developing economies must also shoulder their part of the burden. It’s simple math. By 2020 two thirds of all green house gas emissions will derive from current developing nations. In order to avoid that their development has the same harmful impact on the environment as has been the case with developed countries, it is crucial that their future economic growth is founded on renewable energy sources and energy efficient technology. These things don’t come for free. Support from the developed nations will be needed by some developing countries. Regretfully, the meeting in l’Aquila did not address the issue of financing, which shows that the road to Copenhagen is still long."

"The world leaders from G8 and the world’s 16 major economies have taken an important step in l’Aquila on the Road to Copenhagen, but there is still a long way to go – and only 150 days to get there. To achieve an ambitious binding agreement we need to speed up the pace", Connie Hedegaard concludes.

Clarification in second paragraph, first sentence: A previous version of the text said that emissions should peak in 2020, the exact phrasing is no later than 2020.