US Set To Clean Up Developing Countries

Todd Stern, America’s chief Climate Negotiator, has pledged billions of dollars a year to help developing countries acquire clean energy and adapt to climate change.

Todd Stern claims it is a moral obligation for rich nations to help the poor on climate change. Stern also defended China, claiming it deserved credit for its energy saving programme. 

Stern probably occupies one of the most tricky, yet important jobs in world politics right now, in charge of representing the Obama administration on all climate policies, and striking some of the most important deals of the coming decades.

In an interview with the BBC, Stern defended America’s negotiating position on emissions cuts, claiming they were of the same order as the cuts proposed by the EU. Critics accept that the US has shifted hugely – but they say it needs to do much more.

Stern claimed the US was in serious dialogue on climate change, but many American politicians and commentators say China must agree to reduce greenhouse gases before the US agrees emissions cuts, fearing damage to the economy. 

“Their emissions will continue to grow for some time. But it’s important that they grow a lot less then they would have. At some point the emissions will have to peak and then come down – but I don’t yet know when that is. We really do recognise and appreciate the significant steps China has already taken. Anyone who says China is not doing anything on climate change is wrong. They’ve done a lot – but they have to do a lot more.”

As for other developing countries, Mr Stern claimed clauses on emissions trading in the Waxman-Markey Bill being debated by the US Congress would provide $15-$20 billion a year in allowances annually to poor nations, based on a carbon price of $15-$20 a tonne.

“We don’t know the final shape of the bill, but that’s just one provision. I can’t say it’s going to be the same amount developing countries have called for, and some of those sums aren’t realistic, but we are talking about significant amounts for sustainable development.”

Leave a reply

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website