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中文Climate Change – The Solution
Climate risks warrant a dramatic shift to low carbon society. The world recognized the challenge over a decade ago with the signature of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992. The agreement of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 marked a hesitant and imperfect first step on the path to reducing emissions, whereby developed economies would reduce emissions by about 5% by 2008-2012 compared with emissions in 1990.
The Kyoto Protocol entered into force in February 2005, and the European emissions trading scheme opened in January 2005, establishing the world's largest carbon market. This market establishes a carbon price, thereby providing an (admittedly small) incentive for regulated companies to reduce their emissions. They can do so at home in Europe, or purchase credits for emissions reduced elsewhere in the world.
But this is not enough. Investment requires a long-term, relatively reliable carbon price signal. Allowances to companies within the market have been rather loose, and for a variety of reasons the market is not functioning as effectively as it could be. Substantial changes to the framework are required for the next regime post 2012, and the directors of ClimateBridge are committed to strengthening government policy to reduce emissions. Our research has been important in providing conceptual insights to push government policy in the right direction.
Recognising that government incentives around the world are currently inadequate, far-sighted businesses are also forging ahead voluntarily and finding innovative ways to reduce or offset their emissions. ClimateBridge is committed to helping business leaders to leap ahead of regulatory requirements and achieve carbon neutrality. Individuals and businesses who are carbon-neutral can sleep soundly at night, knowing that if everyone did as they did, the planet would be safe.