On stabilizing CO2 concentrations — cost-effective emission reduction strategies

摘要: In recent years, global climate change has become one of the most contentious environmental issues facing international community. The UN Framework Convention calls for “stabilization greenhouse gases in atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with system.” (Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Climate Change, 1992). Yet issue what constitutes “dangerous interference” is likely to remain subject intense scientific and political debate some time. For present, negotiations must an ongoing process, ample opportunities learning midcourse corrections. We are currently midst such review cycle. When initially put forward “Earth Summit” 1992, called upon developed countries aim return emissions 1990 levels by year 2000. At first meeting Conference Parties 1995, these commitments were deemed inadequate. As result, so-called Berlin Mandate was adopted. This set “quantified limitation reduction objectives” post-2000 time frame (UN, 1995).