International Options

The international community is moving forward on defining how the long-term challenge of climate change will be met after the Kyoto Protocol's 2008 to 2012 commitment period. The new regime will need to encourage deep reductions in the release of greenhouse gases to prevent an increase in the Earth's average temperature that will result in serious negative impacts on ecosystems and human well-being. At the same time, it will need to ensure continued economic development in all countries and promote significant energy development in developing countries. Interwoven in all these considerations is the need to help countries adapt to the impacts of climate change.

International discussions on the future of the global climate regime are taking place within and outside of the formal negotiations of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Building on an agreement reached in 2005 at the Montreal Climate Conference, the two-year Dialogue on Long-Term Cooperative Action to Address Climate Change by Enhancing Implementation of the Convention has opened up discussion between all Parties on the future of the regime. The Dialogue aims to support the implementation of existing commitments and support actions put forward voluntarily by developing nations. Four key areas are being discussed—sustainable economic development, adaptation, technology and market-based opportunities. Formal negotiations between Annex I countries are also taking place under Article 3.9 of the Kyoto Protocol. Outside the UNFCCC, the future of the regime is being shaped by agreements reached in forums such as the G8's Gleneagles Plan of Action, World Economic Forum and the UN Security Council.

IISD has been an active participant in exploring options for an international climate regime after 2012 through independent analysis and participation in collaborative partnerships with international partners. In parallel, IISD is also engaged in exploring options for Canada.

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