Position statement on Climate Change for COP 15

Position statement on Climate Change for COP 15
4th December 2009
Dr Dan Bebber and Nigel Winser

1. Global greenhouse gas emissions must contract to stabilize global warming, and converge to equalize per capita emissions. Global greenhouse gas emissions should be reduced, by a rate determined on the best available science, to prevent dangerous climate change. Per capita emissions should converge for all countries to ensure equitability of energy supply and development.
2. Biodiversity and ecosystem services must be protected. While climate change will damage natural ecosystems and reduce biodiversity in the long term, continuing habitat loss through unsustainable management and lack of protection poses a more immediate threat. Any mitigation actions must be ecologically sustainable in addition to providing carbon benefits.
3. Tropical deforestation must be reduced. Investment in forest protection, strong governance, and scientific training must increase, to give developing countries the capacity to monitor and maintain forest cover. Financial mechanisms must ensure that forest communities benefit from reduced deforestation.

4th December 2009.