Parallel and Side Events Contents Page

Climate change and the Kyoto Protocol

Presented by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and Greenpeace International

Rémi Parmentier, Greenpeace International, and Björn Stigson, WBCSD, explained that it took 10 years for WBCSD and Greenpeace to put some of their differences aside and jointly emphasize the need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. They noted ongoing disagreements between the two organizations, but stressed that this event was a first step to build trust between them. Parmentier and Stigson called upon world governments to ratify the Kyoto Protocol at the WSSD and implement the commitments agreed upon in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Chris Boyd, Lafarge, highlighted the importance of a global framework to reduce GHG emissions and noted in this context that it will be easier for businesses to implement global climate change policies rather than adhere to different national regulations.

Charles Nicholson, British Petroleum (BP), said that BP has set itself voluntarily targets to reduce carbon emissions. He underscored the need for stronger policies that would encourage businesses to foster solutions to climate change problems.

Steve Sawyer, Greenpeace International, emphasized that governments must implement the commitments agreed to the UNFCCC. He highlighted that Greenpeace encourages: the promotion of access to energy, especially for the least developed countries; targets for renewable energy supply; and reduction of fossil fuel subsidies.

José Goldemberg, Brazil, said that energy efficiency, renewable energy and new technologies are crucial to tackle climate change. He recommended that the WSSD Plan of Implementation set out targets and timetables for a transition towards renewable energy. Stressing the benefits of renewable energy for developing countries, Goldemberg suggested that developing countries be better informed about these.

Discussion: Participants discussed the role of the WBCSD/Greenpeace partnership in motivating the US and Australia to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. A participant called upon delegates to join the Climate Legacy programme, which seeks to neutralize carbon emissions associated with the Summit.

Energy and climate change

Presented by the Secretariat of the Rio Conventions Exhibit

This event addressed the possible role of renewable energy sources (RES) in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Christopher Flavin, WorldWatch Institute, noted that the Kyoto Protocol is a first step to foster renewable energy sources and reduce GHG emissions. He highlighted a global reduction in coal subsidies and gradual de-carbonization of the economy. He stated that the increase in wind power energy supply results from policies adopted in selected countries, which: encourage the development of new technologies for RES; reduce fossil fuel subsidies; and stabilize pricing systems. Flavin stressed the important role of governments, especially in developing countries, in fostering transfer of RES technology and creating markets and jobs. He said that a WSSD target for renewable energy would help increase world sustainable energy.

Godfrey Boyle, the Open University, highlighted the progress made since the Stockholm Conference in promoting RES, especially solar power, and the need for ambitious targets. Boyle explained that the majority of RES derive from solar power that can be used: directly, for heating and electricity generation; and indirectly, in forms of biofuels, hydro, wind and wave power. He noted that solar power produces close to no GHG emissions and has an equitable global distribution.

Boyle further stressed that RES costs are decreasing and that more investment would increase the solar power production and further reduce cost. He highlighted that wind power can be cheaper than electricity generated by coal-fired or nuclear power plants, and that, in the UK wind turbines have become tourist attractions. He noted that some European countries have established voluntary targets for generating renewable electricity. He noted the possibility of solar energy being responsible for 100 percent of the world electricity power by 2100.

Discussion: Participants addressed: countries' resistance to shift from traditional to renewable energy services due to costs involved; the role of multinational corporation in promoting renewable energy technologies to developing countries; and WSSD proposals for RES targets.