A leading industry think tank calls for stronger measures and greater support for developing countries in a bid to tackle global climate change.

The world鈥檚 major industrial nations should pledge to use renewable energy to generate a more than a quarter of their electricity needs over the next 20 years according to a leading think-tank.

The report by the Institute for Public Policy Research published on 24 January calls for Group of Eight (G8) countries to set the lead by adopting national targets 鈥榯o generate at least 25% of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025鈥�. It also calls for the introduction of 鈥榤andatory cap-and-trade schemes鈥� like the EU鈥檚 carbon trading scheme.

Britain has made climate change a key priority for its presidency of the G8. The report calls on the prime minister to use his position as chair of the G8 to take the lead on climate change with the creation of a G8 Climate Group 鈥榯o engage the US and major developing countries in action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions鈥�.

The institute suggests that, if adopted, these initiatives could provide a path for the US to re-enter into a global climate change agreement after phase one of the Kyoto Protocol ends in 2012.

In addition to embracing increased use of energy from renewable sources, the report calls on governments to agree to a long-term objective of preventing global temperature from rising more than 2掳C above 鈥榩re-industrial levels鈥�.

Stephen Byers, co-chair of the group that produced the report called for urgent action to combat climate change. He said: 鈥淎n ecological time-bomb is ticking away....Urgent action is required if we are to win the battle against this problem.鈥�

Additional ways G8 countries can lead the way

  • Adopt a global framework that will enable all countries to be part of concerted action on climate change.

  • Phase out fossil fuel subsidies; banks to adopt minimum carbon intensity standards for projects

  • Give financial and technical assistance to developing countries to adapt to climate change.

  • Shift agricultural subsidies from food crops to biofuels.

  • Increase r&d spending for energy efficient and low carbon technologies.

  • Raise public awareness of the problems climate change will create and build public support for climate change policy.

Source

星空传媒 Sustainable Design