The following text was submitted by Stephen Boucher and is reproduced here in its entirety.
"The recent Major Economies Meeting on Energy and Climate Change (MEM), held in Paris on April 17-18 2008, was for many Europeans further proof that nothing serious should be expected from the United States on defining greenhouse gas emissions reductions before a new administration comes into place in 2009.
Ahead of the meeting, on 16 April, President Bush indeed announced that he wants US emissions to peak by 2025. This is far short of what Europe proposes (a reduction of at least 20% by 2020 relative below 1990 levels), and of what scientists recommend, i.e. peaking within the next 10-15 years.
As reported by EurActiv quoting the AFP, Jean-Pierre Jouyet, France’s secretary of state for European Affairs, told reporters: 'We have not got quantified targets at this stage and we regret this.'
With a mere 20 months left to agree on a new global climate protocol, this is admittedly disappointing. Yes, one should therefore already look beyond the Bush administration when it comes to fighting climate change seriously. However, one cannot afford to antagonise US policymakers by appearing to give lessons. Furthermore, European policymakers would be well advised to examine closely the current US presidential candidates' climate plans and the progress of climate legislation in Congress.
Knowing Clinton, Obama, and McCain's stated commitment to fighting global warming, Europe expects much from the next US administration. The policy paper 'Clinton, McCain, Obama - Europe's Best Hope for Climate Change' compares the strengths and weaknesses of legislative plans on both sides of the Atlantic. It indicates that the resolve of US presidential candidates to tackle global warming is not superficial.
Despite resistance from the current administration, European policymakers thus need to change paradigm. They should no longer feel isolated in their ambition to lead by example, but see the United States as their next big ally. More specifically, the three candidates' plans invite Europe to strengthen its own resolve on emissions targets and coverage of the EU emissions trading scheme, while not calling prematurely for border tax adjustments."
