A Global Climate Agreement is Essential
The international community is currently working on a successor to the Kyoto Protocol that expires by the end of 2012. DI urges governments to seal an ambitious and global climate deal that allows business to deliver low carbon solutions. EU’s share of global emissions is only around 10 per cent and on this background it is vital that all the large emitters i.e. USA, China, India, and Brazil are included in an agreement.
A Global Price on CO2 to Secure a Level Playing Field
Business can deliver solutions if governments deliver the right framework. A global price on carbon must be set to spur innovative growth and to enable a level playing field across regions. Danish companies are innovative and energy efficient, and will be com-petitive once the cost of CO2 is shared globally.
Market Based Systems
DI supports the existence of mechanisms that can contribute to the application of exist-ing climate friendly technologies worldwide. The JI/CDM mechanisms initiated in the Kyoto Protocol have been useful but a mechanism for technology transfer needs to be improved and up scaled. Restricting JI/CDM geographically or by technologies is coun-terproductive. In fact, the more new carbon market mechanisms are introduced the more efficient we will reach a low carbon society.
Low Carbon Technologies must be Deployed Intelligently
The current economic crisis reminds us that sustained economic growth needs to be ad-dressed continuously. Climate change and a fast growing global population are factors that emphasize the need for innovation and sustainable growth. Deployment of matured low carbon solutions will require public and private partnerships and investments. The point of departure must be strong IPR regimes that can support business in sharing practical know how and engage in capacity building within technology partnerships.
Research and Development of New Technologies
To meet the climate challenge, new technologies are also needed. DI recommends that considerable amounts are allocated to research, demonstration and development in technological solutions to the climate challenge. This applies to both energy production and energy savings. Once again, it is vital to protect IPR – and to minimize business risks while also leveraging private venture capital.