A post-2012 global climate regime: the EU's contribution
International negotiations are under way to draft a global agreement governing action against climate change in the period after 2012, when key provisions of the Kyoto Protocol will expire.
This agreement is due to be concluded at the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen in December 2009. Reaching a deal that is global, comprehensive and ambitious is a top priority for the EU, which has long been in the vanguard of international action to combat climate change.
The last UN negotiating session for a climate agreement, Bangkok, October 2009
Presentation on the results
The EU's objective is to prevent global warming from reaching dangerous levels of more than 2°C above the pre-industrial temperature, or around 1.2°C above today's level (see brochure). Scientific evidence shows that this requires global emissions of greenhouse gases to peak before 2020 and then be cut by at least 50% of their 1990 levels by 2050.
These objectives can be achieved only through a global effort. Industrialised nations must take the lead by making deep emission cuts, but action by developing nations (except the least developed countries) is also needed to limit the rapid growth in their emissions.
The European Commission has adopted a succession of policy papers ("Communications") as a basis for the EU to define its policy regarding the future global climate regime. These papers have also served to stimulate international debate.
The policy papers are presented below, starting with the most recent.
 Communication 'Stepping up international climate finance: A European blueprint for the Copenhagen deal.'
This policy paper, adopted on 10 September 2009, presents a blueprint for scaling up international finance to help developing countries combat climate change. It recognises that the financing issue is central to prospects for reaching an ambitious agreement in Copenhagen.
Documents
Background
The Communication on finance complements and builds on the Communication 'Towards a comprehensive climate change agreement in Copenhagen' adopted in January 2009.
Communication: 'Towards a comprehensive climate change agreement in Copenhagen' (January 2009)
This policy paper sets out concrete proposals to achieve an ambitious and comprehensive global agreement in Copenhagen. It focuses on three key challenges:
- Targets by developed countries and appropriate actions by developing countries;
- The need to address the financing of actions by developing countries (both to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change);
- The need to build an effective global carbon market.
Documents
Background
'Towards a comprehensive climate change agreement in Copenhagen' builds on two earlier Communications:
- "Limiting Global Climate Change to 2° Celsius: The way ahead for 2020 and beyond" (January 2007) and
- "Winning the Battle Against Global Climate Change" (February 2005).
Communication "Limiting Global Climate Change to 2° Celsius: The way ahead for 2020 and beyond" (January 2007)
This Communication set out an agenda for action by developed and developing countries in order to limit global warming to 2°C. It formed part of a comprehensive package of measures to establish a new Energy Policy for Europe
Documents and related material
Communication "Winning the Battle Against global Climate Change" (February 2005)
This policy paper set out the need for broad participation in the fight against climate change, including by countries and sectors not currently subject to emission targets.
It highlighted the need to develop low-carbon technologies, continue and expand use of market mechanisms, and adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate change.
Documents and related material
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