An equitable climate change framework

Andrés Rivera

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our times. Its effective resolution will require an overhaul of existing frameworks at the domestic, regional and global levels. The following ideas are a few of the many measures that will need to be adopted in order to tackle climate change without compromising equally important principles of equity and progress:

1. A new international agreement to tackle climate change
A post 2012 Kyoto protocol is needed in order to effectively reduce and limit the global rate of greenhouse gas emissions. An agreement on the quotas each country is allowed must be reached. Every developed, emerging and least developed country – especially those considered newly industrialised – should have a strong commitment to this reduction. The new protocol should also promote bilateral and regional agreements on co-ordinated action, regulation and policies to preserve natural habitats that are especially vulnerable to climate change; particularly where an international approach would be necessary (for example the Amazon basin, Patagonia, Antarctica, the highlands of central Andes).

2. A new energy matrix for every country
Newer and better policies for increasing energy efficiency need to be adopted. A progressive transformation of the status quo could be enhanced by encouraging the use of non-conventional renewable energy technologies, thus also establishing greater energy autonomy. Several initiatives could be adopted in pursuit of this goal, including funding research into new technologies and alternative energy sources; providing economic incentives for the development of alternative energy projects; promoting volunteer agreements between government and industry on new regulations and the application of new technologies, with the aim of increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions; introducing progressively more restrictive definitions of the Emissions Standards for Thermoelectric Plants; and finally implementing incentives for individuals to conserve energy.

3. A new deal for water resources
One of the main consequences of climate change will be the reduced quality and availability of freshwater resources in many regions of the world. A new relationship between our societies and our freshwater supplies needs to be adopted. This must ensure more efficient usage and management of water; avoid the contamination of surface and subsurface water bodies; enforce global standards in the treatment of sewage waters from urban, industrial, mining and agricultural activities; and promote the cleaning of rivers, lakes and seas. Specific regulations are required to improve the preservation and management of glaciers, rivers, lakes and seas. Possible suggestions for improving the quality and quantity of water resources include: better management of riversides and seashores in order to reduce erosion and the negative effects of extreme weather and to protect vulnerable regions; reduction of water contamination by implementing educational campaigns, introducing monetary incentives for residual water treatment plants and developing natural parks in coastal and riverside areas; introduction of early years education in order to inform the public about the importance of water and to promote its conservation; investment in irrigation infrastructure to reduce water loss; increased forestation and reforestation measures in areas that have been seriously eroded, are susceptible to droughts, or have vulnerable soils, ensuring the use of native species in these processes.

4. Enhanced scientific research
Strong encouragement of scientific research is needed to improve our understanding of climate change and its effects on our societies, economies and global eco-system. There is a need for capacity building amongst new generations of experts whose analyses will help to propose effective adaptation and mitigation policies. Currently, the dynamics of climate change are not well understood at the regional level. New regional measurement networks, integrated observation systems, modelling techniques, inventories and databases are all necessary in order to improve our current knowledge and forecasting capabilities. Better links and efforts towards joint action between the global scientific research community and local, national and regional leaders should be fostered in order to promote more informed decision making processes.

5. A new domestic framework
Governmental institutions in charge of monitoring environmental planning and energy industries must be modernised and improved. A more professional, stronger, effective and well prepared public sector is vital. But without a clear commitment from the private sector, local organisations and common citizens, any political agreement regarding climate change is likely to be ignored by the general public. New measures are therefore needed to ensure citizens play a more central role – and thus have a greater stake – in energy efficiency decision making and regulatory processes.

Andrés Rivera is researcher at the Centro de Estudios Científicos (CECS) in Valdivia, Chile