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The Washington P
1150 15th STREET, N.W.
copy to both
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20071
(202) 334-6000
Viola
MARC H. ROSENBERG
SALES MANAGER
CORPORATE / PUBLIC POLICY
September 10,
I
(202) 334-7634
due back
FAX (202) 334-5561
[email protected]
for clearance
Ms. Kiki Moore
no later than
Press Secretary
Gore 2000
not mondan
PO Box 18237
Washington, DC 20036
9/20.
Dear Ms. Moore:
in late October, The Washington Post will be publishing a special Issue Forum on the topic of global
climate change, and we are inviting all of the major presidential candidates to submit a brief
(100 words or less) statement on the issue.
The 4-8 page Issue Forum will be produced by the Washington Post's Advertising Department and will
include articles by public officials, researchers, business and environmental leaders, and others providing a
variety of perspectives on the topic. Publication of the section will coincide with the Fifth Session of the
Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Climate Change Convention, to be held in Bonn from
October 25ᵗʰ - November 5th.
Specifically, we are interested in your candidate's views on 1998's Kyoto Protocol committing the United
States and other industrialized nations to binding targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As you
know, the Clinton Administration signed the treaty in November 1998, but still faces considerable
opposition in the Senate.
Please send your candidate's statement to Bill Woodwell, the editor of the Issue Forum, by Friday,
October 8th (see contact information below). Any statements over 100 words will be edited down. If you
choose not to submit a statement, we will note in the Issue Forum that your candidate was contacted but
declined to participate.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation. For your information, I am enclosing a copy of last year's
Issue Forum on the same topic.
Sincerely,
Marc H. Rosenberg
Contact Information: Please send your statements to William H. Woodwell, Jr., by mail, fax or e-mail.
Mailing address: 1292 Jadwyn Road., Maurertown, VA 22644. Fax: 540-459-5416. Email:
[email protected]. And please feel free to call him if you have any questions. He can be reached at
703-273-1099.
TO
Issue Forum
Global Climate Chan
Debating The U.S. Aₜ
We Have Time to "Think Bigger"
U.S. Mus
By Robert N. Burt
tude of these changes and the
The Kyoto Protocol would
By Daniel A. Lashof
Chairman and CEO of FMC Corporation
impacts they will have in different
require the United States to
Senior Scientist,
and Chairman of The Business
regions of the world.
reduce its emissions of green-
Natural Resources Defens
Roundtable's Environment Task Force
It is clear there will be consid-
house gases to 7 percent below
erable time before we understand
1990 levels by 2008-2012 - an
e can no loi
A
responsible business
whether the range of potential
unprecedented 41-percent cut
W
the threat
organization cannot and
impacts will be severe or trivial.
from projected levels of emis-
warming.
should not just say no to
And while we agree with the
sions. To place the magnitude of
historic conference
the potential of global climate
Clinton administration that early
the U.S. commitment into per-
Japan, last December
change.
At The Business
action should be taken as an
spective, it is the equivalent of
dence reconfirming the
Roundtable, we believe that sus-
insurance policy, we feel strongly
addressing the globa
tained, long-term, global efforts
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
the Kyoto Protocol demands too
problem has accumula
may be appropriate to address
high a premium for no environ-
the potential impacts of increases
mental return.
in greenhouse gases that may
contribute to climate change. We
The Kyoto Treaty:
have studied it, convened leading
scientists to teach us what is and
A "Gap Analysis"
isn't known about it, and we are
To accept that action on glob-
al climate may be warranted is not
examining ways in which the pri-
reason enough to accept the
vate sector can respond to it as
Kyoto solution. We have exam-
quickly and as economically as
ined the Kyoto Protocol, and, in a
possible.
At a Business Roundtable
44-page analysis entitled "The
Kyoto Protocol: A Gap Analysis,"
conference just last month, an
we concluded that its call on
array of leading scientists said
developed nations to sharply cur-
that greenhouse gases are accu-
tail their carbon dioxide emissions
mulating in the atmosphere and
is the wrong solution. We think
that temperatures are rising. But
we have a better approach. But
they also said significant uncer-
first, our objections.
tainty remains about the magni-
"The Era
of Business
Thanks to nuclear energ
as Usual
is Over"
By Michael Zammit Cutajar
Executive Secretary of the U. N.
Framework Convention on
The Fourth Session of the
Conference of the Parties
U. N. Framework Convention on
Climate Change
mate Change
Buenos Aires, Argentina
November 2 - 13, 1998
ing The U.S. Approach
U.S. Must Act Now to Reduce Emissions
Kyoto Protocol would
By Daniel A. Lashof
global temperatures combined
will be the extent to which
the United States to
Senior Scientist,
with extreme weather indicative of
changes in government policy and
ts emissions of green-
Natural Resources Defense Council
trends forecast by climate scien-
private investments reduce actual
ases to 7 percent below
tists (such as the June wildfires in
emissions of greenhouse pollution
els by 2008-2012 an
W
e can no longer ignore
Florida and the July heat wave in
into the atmosphere.
dented 41-percent cut
the threat of global
Texas) - have made this seem-
A strong U.S. commitment to
jected levels of emis-
warming. Since the
ingly remote issue an immediate
domestic action will accelerate
0 place the magnitude of
historic conference in Kyoto,
concern for most Americans. Now
progress in negotiating rules for
commitment into per-
Japan, last December, new evi-
it is time to translate political com-
emissions trading and the other
it is the equivalent of
dence reconfirming the urgency of
mitments into real action.
"flexibility mechanisms". of the
addressing the global warming
The threat of global warming
Protocol, as well as engaging
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
problem has accumulated. Record
can only be reduced through con-
developing countries in the effort.
crete measures to cut emissions
Concern that the United States is
of greenhouse gas pollution. The
planning to rely on emissions trad-
Kyoto Protocol provides an inter-
ing as a substitute for significant
national context for action by set-
domestic action has motivated
ting emission targets for industrial-
calls for a ceiling on the use of the
ized countries and a framework
flexibility mechanisms. Furthermore,
for international trading of emis-
suspicion exists regarding the
sion allowances.
intent of U.S. demands for "mean-
While negotiations over the
ingful" developing country partici-
detailed rules governing the
pation. Under Secretary of State
mechanisms in the Protocol will
Stuart Eizenstat, who is heading
continue for several years, the
the U.S. delegation to Buenos
United States must take immedi-
Aires, would do well to reassure
ate steps to adopt more aggres-
other governments of our commit-
sive measures to cut emissions.
ment by announcing new initia-
Regardless of the final rules for
tives to reduce emissions at
implementing the Protocol, the
home.
true test of the treaty's success
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
ks to nuclear energy, the air is cleaner.
nousanus UI government
T
officials and other partici-
pants are assembling in
Buenos Aires, Argentina, from
November 2-13 to advance inter-
national efforts to limit emissions
of carbon dioxide and other heat-
trapping greenhouse gases that
are causing global warming.
Known formally as the fourth
session of the Conference of the
Parties to the United Nations
Framework Convention on
Climate Change (COP4), this
two-week meeting will start elab-
orating the mechanisms for
meeting the emission-reduction
Wd
targets agreed to in Kyoto,
Japan, in December 1997. The
conference also will explore
pld
practical steps for promoting the
1.8
transfer of climate-friendly tech-
nologies to developing countries.
Last year's Kyoto Protocol is
the most far-reaching agreement
on environment and sustainable
development ever adopted. By
agreeing to legally binding tar-
gets for their greenhouse gas
A
emissions, industrialized coun-
tries gave a signal that the era of
alread
business-as-usual is over. Under
the Protocol, these countries are
nucleo
to reduce their collective emis-
sions of six greenhouse gases
by at least 5 percent by the peri-
od 2008-2012 (compared to
Today,
1990 levels) and demonstrate
million
progress toward this goal by the
year 2005. Compared to emis-
erate t
sion levels that would be expect-
ed by 2010 without the Protocol
- that is, under a scenario with
Thank
power
no climate change policies - the
utility
5-percent target represents a 20-
percent overall cut. Individual
you.
countries have accepted differ-
ent shares of this cut.
Nucle
Developing Country
meet /
Involvement
Although developing coun-
tries are not subject to emission
limits under the Protocol, they
NU
are expected to take measures
to limit the growth of their emis-
sions. Many developing coun-
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
ABOUT THIS SECTION
This issue forum was produced by the
Advertising Department of The
Washington Post and did not involve
the News or Editorial Departments.
The content was developed by free-
lance Washington-area writer and
NEI
editorial consultant
William H. Woodwell, Jr.
NUCLEAR ENERGY INSTITUTE
For more Information about these
sections, please contact
Marc Rosenberg, manager of public
1776 I Street, NW Suite 400 Washington, DC 20006-3708 202-7
policy advertising.
The Washington Post
1150 15th Street
NW, Washington, DC 20071
(202) 334-7634
Worldwide, 435 nuclear power
plants reduce carbon dioxide by
1.8 billion metric tons each year.
A
s the world's attention turns to global climate
change, it's comforting to realize that America
already enjoys a zero-emission source of electricity:
nuclear energy.
Today, 105 nuclear power plants provide electricity for 200
million Americans. These plants don't burn anything to gen-
erate electricity, so they don't pollute the air. In fact, nuclear
Thank
power plants have accounted for 90 percent of U.S. electric
utility greenhouse gas reductions since 1973.
you.
Nuclear energy is a safe, proven technology that can help
meet America's energy needs while improving our air quality.
NUCLEAR. THE CLEAN AIR ENERGY.
Send- to
Laura Quinn
STITUTE
Keep Copy oftetter
ite 400 Washington, DC 20006-3708 202-739-8000 www.nei.org
in Washington
PostFill.
Vilii
ISSUE
The Science of Global Climate
The Risks of a Warmer World
ic evidence shows that as we con-
Potentially Devastating
tinue to add carbon dioxide and
Effects
other greenhouse gases to the
Why should just a few degrees
atmosphere, we will change the
of warming be cause for concern?
heat balance of the Earth and alter
The answer is that a relatively
the Earth's climate.
small change in mean global tem-
perature can lead to a large
What We Know
change in extreme events. This
Over the past century, green-
year's El Niño has given us a win-
house gases from such human
dow on the kind of world we might
activities as the burning of oil, coal
see as climate changes -
and natural gas have increased
increased rainfall; flooding and
steadily; fossil fuel combustion
droughts. Much of the United
now accounts for about 85 percent
States and other mid- to high-lati-
of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
tude regions could be faced with
At the same time, agriculture,
more frequent occurrences of
changing land-use patterns and
these events. Increased duration
deforestation are playing a signifi-
and frequency of heat waves
cant role in altering the atmospher-
By D. James Baker
would heighten mortality rates, and
ic concentrations of greenhouse
Administrator, National Oceanic and
the potential for transmitting seri-
gases. Since 1860, the atmos-
Atmospheric Administration
ous infectious diseases would be
pheric concentration of carbon
increased.
hether natural or human-
dioxide has increased by 30 per-
With 50 percent of the U.S.
W
induced, changes in the
cent. Overall emissions of green-
population and 50 to 70 percent of
house gases have been growing at
Earth's climate can
the global population currently liv-
about 1 percent each year.
directly threaten
affect temperature and precipita-
ing in coastal areas, future sea
Since greenhouse gases
Making matters
tion patterns worldwide. Long-
level rises, alterations in storm pat-
remain in the atmosphere for
are moving to CC
term climate change such as glob-
terns and higher storm surges
decades to centuries, today's
rate of 3,600 each
al greenhouse warming could have
could have devastating effects.
emissions will affect the Earth's cli-
Thousands of
major impacts on human health,
Even with current global popula-
mate well into the next century. If
climate researcher
tions, a 20-Inch rise in the sea level
the environment, the economy and
the world continues with "business
through the Intergo
without adaptive measures would
society. It could affect everything
as usual" and the upward trend in
on Climate Chan
from energy use and transporta-
greenhouse gas emissions is sus-
tion to water resource manage-
tained, we are likely to see higher
ment and agriculture to internation-
atmospheric carbon dioxide con-
Early Warning
slow
al trade and development.
centrations than have occurred in
With the stakes so high, it is
more than 50 million years. This
Ice A
imperative that our decisions
buildup of carbon dioxide is likely
reflect the best available scientific
Signs Abound
Ing a
to result in a faster rate of climate
information. The climate system is
change than we have experienced
Ice n
driven by the sun and includes the
in the past 10,000 years. And the
By Adam Markham
that,
atmosphere, the oceans, the
faster the rate of climate change,
Mont
Director of the World Wildlife Fund's
clouds, ice and other factors, all of
the less time there is for our eco-
but d
Climate Change Campaign
which are extremely complex. It is
logical and socioeconomic sys-
the complexity of this system that
tems to adapt.
makes it so difficult to forecast and,
A
SK anyone who lives In Texas or the
forcir
The best scientific assessment
southeastern states and they 11 tell
anima
hence, makes any forecasts sub-
of climate change estimates that
you It has been a long, hot summer
change
ject to controversy.
the globally averaged temperature
the hottest, In fact, since records have
Evide
What is clear is that people and
will increase about 2' to 6' F by the
been kept. While the weather extremes asso-
spring
our global climate system are
year 2100. The related rise in sea
clated with El Niño had much to do with this,
Ing a
inherently tied. Human lifestyles
level will be about 6 to 37 inches.
scientists agree that global warming greatly
birds
can change the climate, and cli-
Last month, NOAA reported that
magnified the effects,
b
mate changes can Impact human
August 1998 continued an
The early warning signs of what, If eft
lifestyles. The Earth's atmosphere
unprecedented string of record-
untreated, Is progressive and potentially
Antan
creates a natural greenhouse
breaking temperatures. It was the
life-threatening allment are everywhere
are
effect that keeps our world. about
eighth month in a row to set a new
the natural
near
60' wärmer than It would other-
average thigh temberature world
documented
wise be and makes life as we
wide.
glaciers
are
melting
THIS
not
the
know it possible Our best scientif-
Global Climate Change
r
World
Potentially Devastating
Effects
Why should just a few degrees
of warming be cause for concern?
The answer is that a relatively
small change in mean global tem-
perature can lead to a large
change in extreme events. This
year's El Niño has given us a win-
dow on the kind of world we might
see as climate changes -
increased rainfall, flooding and
droughts. Much of the United
States and other mid- to high-lati-
tude regions could be faced with
more frequent occurrences of
these events. Increased duration
and frequency of heat waves
would heighten mortality rates, and
the potential. for transmitting seri-
ous infectious diseases would be
increased.
With 50 percent of the U.S.
population and 50 to 70 percent of
the global population currently liv-
ing in coastal areas, future sea
directly threaten 92 million people.
concluded that climate change is
tune our knowledge, and gain
level rises, alterations in storm pat-
Making matters worse, Americans
real and that we are seeing a dis-
meaningful participation in the
terns and higher storm surges
are moving to coastal areas at a
cernible human influence. If we
Kyoto Protocol. Most importantly,
could have devastating effects.
rate of 3,600 each day.
are to reduce the impact on future
we must realize that when it comes
Even with current global popula-
Thousands of the world's leading
generations, perhaps even on our
to the environment, everyone is a
tions, a 20-inch rise in the sea level
climate researchers in 150 countries,
own, we cannot continue with busi-
stakeholder. It is a challenge we
without adaptive measures would
through the Intergovemmental Panel
ness as usual. We must heed the
cannot afford to ignore.
on Climate Change (IPCC), have
science, continue to build and fine-
Early Warning
slow, Inch-by-Inch creeping backwards that
caused by warming waters. Serious damage
has been occurring since the end of the last
has already been documented to reefs In the
Ice Age, but a rapid retreat that is accelerat-
Florida Keys, the Galapagos Islands and
Signs Abound
Ing as global temperatures warm.
Australla's Great Barrier Reef.
The European Alps have lost half their
In Washington state, the alpine flower
Ice mass since 1850 and scientists predict
meadows that attract many visitors every
By Adam Markham
that, In another 30 years the in
year to Olympic and Mount Rainier national
Director of the World Wildlife Fund's
Montana's Glacier National Park will have all
parks face a new Invasion: tree seedlings
Climate Change Campaign
but disappeared.
spread by warming weather.
Around the world, global warming Is
Further north, In Alaska, the recent
sk anyone who lives In Texas or the
forcing shifts In the distribution of plant and
A
warming is being blamed for an unprece-
southeastern states and they II tell
animal species and Is Inducing. profound
dented outbreak of the pest Insect, spruce
you It has been a long, hot summer
changes In the behavior patterns of wildlife.
budworm, across some 50 million acres of
the hottest, In fact, since records have
Evidence is mounting, for example, that
forests.
been kept. While the weather extremes asso-
spring In the Northern Hemisphere s'arriv-
All creatures great and small, from but-
clated with El Niño had much to do with this,
Ing B week or more earlier than
used
terfiles to Beluga whales, are being Impacted
scientists agree that global warming greatly
birds are migrating sooner and
by global warming. Of course, some
magnified the effects.
breaking Into leaf ahead of schedu
humans may shrug and see no connection
The early warning signs of what, If left
Seabirds such as Adelle
their well being and the fate of butterflies.
untreated, Is a a progressive and potentially
Antarctica and black guillemots
Yaska
But they are the canary In the coal mine and
life threatening allment are everywhere In
are declining because of
the shifts in migratory patterns of birds and
the naturale orid:
near both poles.
insects are warning that we are testing the
well. documented
cora the incubator
nature's ability to endure our
melting THE not the
Debating The U.S. Approach
U.S. Must Act No
FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
We Have Time to "Think Bigger"
FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
jected to be 8 percent higher than the 1990 base-
line levels.
having to eliminate all current emissions of green-
house gases from either the U.S. transportation
The United States should not be expected to
sector, the utilities sector or the industrial sector.
shoulder the burden' of reducing greenhouse
Meeting such an extraordinary reduction target
gases without the participation of developing
would require painful choices. The Energy
nations. Absent global emission limits, emitters in
Information Administration recently reported that
developed nations may not reduce their output of
compliance with the Kyoto agreement will cause
greenhouse gases. Instead, they may just move
sharp increases in domestic energy prices, includ-
them. We could see a massive migration of ener-
ing up to a 53-percent jump in costs at the gaso-
gy-intensive production - including the chemi-
line pump.
cals, steel, petroleum refining, aluminum and min-
Our in-depth analysis of the Kyoto Protocol,
ing industries - - to developing countries.
completed earlier this year, found the agreement
An Alternative Course
incomplete from an economic and an environ-
Science tells us there is a long horizon to
mental standpoint. Its vague emissions trading
address the potential threat of climate change.
scheme must be defined, and compliance and
We have time to think big bigger than the arbi-
enforcement measures spelled out. But its prima-
trary goals and timing of the Protocol - and to
ry flaw is the lack of participation from developing
look for creative solutions that will strengthen
U.S. Commitment Lackin
countries, a highly contentious issue that remains
rather than weaken the global economy.
Mr. Eizenstat will have to
outstanding as parties to the United Nations
The Business Roundtable is now examining
founded skepticism based on t
Framework Convention on Climate Change meet
the current status and future promise of technolo-
mance to date. Our greenhouse
for high-level talks in Buenos Aires.
gy across the transportation, utility and commer-
to increase with no discernible
Developing Country Commitments
cial sectors, and the timeframe needed to achieve
Administration has failed to add
significant reductions in greenhouse gases. This
major sectors contributing mo:
Needed
information, which we plan to make available next
plants and automobiles.
Developing countries are rapidly becoming the
year, must be integrated into policy proposals now
Currently, electric power pl
world's leading emitters of greenhouse gases.
under consideration to reduce emissions.
30 percent of U.S. greenhouse
Combined, they are projected to account for more
While The Business Roundtable must oppose
as a substantial share of the pc
than 50 percent of global emissions by 2015.
the Kyoto Protocol in its current form, we are com-
gerous levels of smog and soot
China's emissions alone are scheduled to triple by
mitted to remaining an active participant in this
mercury in our lakes and estuar
that year, pushing that country ahead of the United
critical debate, and to preserving and protecting
comes from older, coal-fired pla
States as the world's leading emitter. Moreover,
the environment. We believe that economic pros-
many pollution-control requiren
continued growth in energy demand from develop-
perity is a prerequisite for environmental protec-
being introduced into the electri
ing countries will more than offset the emission
tion, and we pledge to continue working with the
tial to level the playing field I
reductions made by industrialized nations. In fact,
U.S. government and other parties to insure that
plants to adequate and equival
even if all developed countries were able to honor
future generations will enjoy a healthy environ-
dards.
their emission-reduction commitments, the level of
ment and an ever-increasing standard of living.
The Administration needs tc
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in 2010 is pro-
for restructuring the electricity in
"The Era
try symbolizes the fact that climate change
below their agreed target to sell their
indus
is indeed a global issue requiring an equit-
unused emissions allowance to others.
ic an
of Business as Usual
able global solution. A question that will be
A "Clean Development Mechanism"
reduc
debated around COP4 is whether devel-
(CDM) that will provide incentives for
be e)
is Over"
oping countries with significant emissions
investment in projects that promote "clean"
do th
should now start to negotiate limitation
technology transfer and sustainable devel-
flict
FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
commitments or whether this should be
opment in developing countries.
conc
addressed later, after the developed coun-
A "Joint implementation" program that
the t
tries already have achieved significant
tries have demonstrated progress towards
will ençourage investments in clean devel-
intere
reductions in emission growth in pursuit of
their Kyoto targets.
opment projects in Eastern and Central
will b
national development objectives such as
Europe.
place
energy efficiency.
Pressing Issues
The operational details of these
and
Aggregate emissions from developing
But the most pressing issues on the
schemes must still be worked out. In
reduc
countries will surpass those from devel-
Buenos Aires agenda involve the need to
Buenos Aires, governments will be striving
oped countries in a few decades, although
flesh out the Protocol's three "mechan-
to make as much progress as possible on
Mak
it will be a century or so until the accumu-
isms" that are intended to help developed
these details. A key outcome of the meet-
It
lated warming effect due to these two
countries reduce the costs of reaching
ing must be agreement on politically firm
quick
sources of emissions are balanced.
their emission targets by achieving some
deadlines for completing work on the fine
ing n
Moreover, differences in emissions per
of these reductions in other nations. The
print of the Kyoto Protocol over the next
that
head between the two groups of countries
three mechanisms are:
few years.
signa
are vast. Nevertheless, the hosting of the
"Emissions trading" that will permit
The intense interest in these offshore
other
current conference by a developing coun-
developed countries that hold emissions
mechanisms is due largely to concerns in
patior
U.S. Must Act Now to Reduce Emissions
FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
Congress to enact legislation that delivers on the
President's commitment to use this opportunity to make
a "significant down payment" on needed greenhouse
gas reductions. Consumers can help by purchasing
an the 1990 base-
energy-efficient products and "green power" alternatives
as they become available.
not be expected to
Automobiles, for their part, are the second most
icing greenhouse
important source of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and
on of developing
the largest contributor to smog. But U.S. fuel efficiency
n limits, emitters in
standards haven't been updated since 1985. As a result,
uce their output of
it appears that new vehicles introduced by automobile
ey may just move
manufacturers the flood of weakly regulated sport util-
migration of ener-
ity. vehicles in particular - are less efficient than the
luding the chemi-
vehicles they are replacing.
iluminum and min-
Getting the automobile industry to agree to stronger
countries.
efficiency standards is not an impossible task. The
European Union recently negotiated an agreement with
European auto makers to achieve a 25-percent reduc-
a long horizon to
tion in greenhouse gas emissions per mile for new pas-
f climate change.
senger vehicles by 2008. This would bring the fuel econ-
ger than the arbi-
omy level for the EU countries up to about 40 miles per
Protocol and to
gallon. If these standards can be reached in Europe,
at will strengthen
U.S. Commitment Lacking
then we can reach them here. And consumers can play
conomy.
Mr. Eizenstat will have to overcome some well
an important part by purchasing cleaner and more fuel-
is now examining
founded skepticism based on the United States' perfor-
efficient vehicles.
omise of technolo-
mance to date. Our greenhouse gas emissions continue
The sooner we begin to address the Kyoto chal-
tility and commer-
to increase with no discernible change in trend. The
lenge, the easier it will be. Instead of addressing these
needed to achieve
Administration has failed to address adequately the two
issues head on, however, Congress continues to follow
ouse gases. This
major sectors contributing most to this growth: power
the lead of Exxon and the coal industry in denying the
ake available next
plants and automobiles.
reality of the problem and, in some cases, in obstructing
icy proposals now
Currently, electric power plants are responsible for
even the most modest initiatives proposed by the
missions.
30 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, as well
Clinton administration.
able must oppose
as a substantial share of the pollutants that cause dan-
Fortunately, during the recent budget debate
form, we are com-
gerous levels of smog and soot in our air and acidity and
Congress was forced to modify the most egregious
participant in this
mercury in our lakes and estuaries. Most of this pollution
attempts to chill positive action by the Administration,
ng and protecting
comes from older, coal-fired plants that are exempt from
even agreeing to substantial increases in funding for its
at economic pros-
many pollution-control requirements. As competition is
Climate Technology Initiative and the Global
ronmental protec-
being introduced into the electricity industry, it is essen-
Environment Facility's efforts to promote environmental
working with the
tial to level the playing field by subjecting all power
projects in developing countries. Perhaps this is the first
ties to insure that
plants to adequate and equivalent environmental stan-
sign that our political leaders are getting the message
healthy environ-
dards.
that the public overwhelmingly supports U.S. action to
:ndard of living.
The Administration needs to strengthen its proposal
reduce greenhouse gas pollution.
for restructuring the electricity industry while challenging
ge
below their agreed target to sell their
industrialized countries about the econom-
Some of the first firms to respond positive-
it-
unused emissions allowance to others.
ic and political costs of domestic action to
ly to the climate change challenge have
ec
A "Clean Development Mechanism"
reduce emissions. Such fears should not
been insurers, an industry that is clearly
31-
(CDM) that will provide incentives for
be exaggerated. Policymakers will have to
vulnerable to climate change impacts.
ns investment in projects that promote "clean"
do their research as they confront the con-
Also responding favorably have been
on
technology transfer and sustainable devel-
flict between the short-term, defensive
clean energy producers, a group that sees
e opment in developing countries.
concerns of certain economic sectors and
clear market opportunities in the future.
É
A "Joint implementation" program that
the broader economic and environmental
But many other business sectors have
is
will ençourage investments in clean devel-
interests of society at large. While there
a stake in becoming actively engaged.
opment projects in Eastern and Central
will be winners and losers in the market-
Forward-looking corporations should
Europe.
place, significant economic, technological
respond quickly to the new incentives by
The operational details of these
and social benefits can be achieved by
investing in climate-friendly products and
ne
schemes must still be worked out. In
reducing emissions.
services. This is particularly true for firms
to Buenos Aires, governments will be striving
active in motor vehicle transport and ener-
n- to make as much progress as possible on
Making Kyoto Work
gy services. Indeed, since the meeting in
ed these details. A key outcome of the meet-
It is up to governments to follow up
Kyoto, a number of major multinationals
1g ing must be agreement on politically firm
quickly on the Kyoto agreement by adopt-
from these and other sectors have started
e deadlines for completing work on the fine
ing national fiscal and policy frameworks
to announce their own corporate emission-
e print of the Kyoto Protocol over the next
that discourage emissions through price
reduction targets. These are encouraging
few years.
signals, energy-efficiency standards and
signs as we set out to keep climate
it
The intense interest in these offshore
other measures. The constructive partici-
change within safe limits.
IS
mechanisms is due largely to concerns in
pation of business in this effort is vital.
AI Gore
Global Wai
Big Talk.
Gore on
Warming
Little Action.
Al Gore the environmentalist says
You said: "This is not about a photo
all the right things.
opportunity. It is about leadership, it is about
courage, and the President is exhibiting neither."
But Al Gore the politician doesn't
Now we're reading your lips.
seem to be listening.
After six years in office-and on the eve
Mr. Vice President, you once wrote a
of another international meeting on global
landmark book on the environment called
warming-you and President Clinton have
Earth in the Balance.
promised a great deal, but delivered very little.
You said: "I have become very impatient with
In fact, U.S. global warming pollution has
my own tendency to put a finger to the political
grown five times faster during your
winds and proceed cautiously."
Administration than it did under Presidents
We are impatient, too.
Reagan and Bush. The five hottest years since
When George Bush attended the Earth
the Middle Ages have all occurred in the 1990s,
Summit in 1992, you harshly criticized his
and this September was the hottest September
failure to tackle global warming.
since modern record-keeping began.
Start Cutting America's Air P
National Environmental Trust
ALABAMA
IOWA
1200 18th Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036, www.envirotrust.com
Alabama Environmental Council
Board of Church and Society, Iowa Annual
Conference of The United Methodist Church
ARIZONA
20/20 Vision
Iowa Renewable Energy Association
American Oceans Campaign
Southwest Center for Biological Diversity
KANSAS
Clean Water Action
Free the Planet
CALIFORNIA
Kansas Natural Resource Council
California League of Conservation Voters
Friends of the Earth
Endangered Habitats League
LOUISIANA
Greenpeace
International Society for the Preservation of the
Alliance Against Waste & Action to
Tropical Rainforest
Restore the Environment
Ozone Action
Rainforest Action Network
Pacific Coast Federation of Fisherman's
Alliance, for Affordable Energy
Association, Inc.
Baton Rouge Catholic Worker
U.S. Public Interest Research Group
Pacific Technology Associates
Baton Rouge Community Breakfast Organization
River Travel Center
Bienville House Center for Peace and Justice
Youth for Environmental Sanity
Calcasieu League for Environmental Action Now
MINNESOTA
Students Conscious of Protecting
Citizens United for Responsible Business
Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy
the Environment
COLORADO
Coalition to Improve Transportation
Minnesotans for an Energy Efficient Economy
Coloradans for Clean Air
Washoe County Climate Change Coalition
Concerned Citizens for Iberville Parish
Concerned Citizens of Norco
MISSISSIPPI
NEW HAMPSHIRE
CONNECTICUT
Informed Choices
Jesus People Against Pollution
New Hampshire Citizen's Alliance
CONNPIRG
Louisiana Communities United
MISSOURI
NEW JERSEY
DELAWARE
Louisiana Democracy Project, Inc.
Missouri Coalition for the Environment
Save Wetlands and Bays
Alliance for a Living Ocean
Louisiana Environmental Action Network
Mossville Environmental Action Now
MONTANA
New Jersey Conservation Fund
FLORIDA
Mothers of Mossville
American Lung Association of the Northern
NEW MEXICO
Florida Consumer Action Network
Poor People for Fair & Equal Access to Justice
Rockies
Forest Guardians
Florida Defenders of the Environment
Slidell Working Against Major Pollution
MontPIRG
New Mexico Environmental Law Center
Florida League of Conservation Voters
Florida PIRG
St. Joseph the Worker Cooperative
New World Energy Systems
NEVADA
Student Environmental Action Coalition
Legal Environmental Assistance Foundation
Citizen Alert
NEW YORK
The Environmental Coalition
MAINE
Nevadans for Sensible Safeguards
Association for Energy Affordability
Volusia-Flagler Environmental
Maine Public Health Association
Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada
Environmental Advocates
Action Committee, Inc.
Southern Nevada Global Warming Coalition
Environmental Justice Alliance
MARYLAND
Southern Nevada National Organization
Great Lakes United
GEORGIA
SUN DAY Campaign
for Women
Hudson Communities Coalition
Campaign for a Prosperous Georgia
Interfaith Council for the Protection
MASSACHUSETTS
Hudson River Sloop Clearwater
of Animals and Nature
EarthAction
Energy Federation Incorporated
IDAHO
Environmental League of Massachusetts
Idaho Conservation League
Call the White House using the
MICHIGAN
ILLINOIS
American Lung Association of Michigan
Global Warming Hotline toll-free and
Citizen Action Illinois
Citizens for Alternatives to Chemical
Illinois PIRG
Contamination
Metro Seniors In Action
East Michigan Environmental Action Council
add your voice to this appeal.
Nuclear Energy Information Service
Ecology Center of Ann Arbor
Sinnissippi Alliance for the Environment
Kalamazoo Environmental Council
South Suburban Citizens Opposed to Polluting
Michigan Clean Water Action
1-888-38-STAND-UP
the Environment
Michigan Ecumenical Consultation on
INDIANA
Christianity and Ecology
Free calls courtesy of Working Assets
Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana
Michigan Environmental Council
The Global Warming Hotline will remain active from 10/29/98 to 11/6/98
Hoosier Environmental Council
PIRGIM
West Michigan Environmental Action Council
WORKING ASSETS
said: "This is not about a photo
We urge you to change course now to fulfill
unity. It is about leadership, it is about
the original promise of this Administration.
e, and the President is exhibiting neither."
Push for an end to $10 billion a year in
/ we're reading your lips.
subsidies to big oil companies. Fight to plug
r six years in office-and on the eve
loopholes that exempt the dirtiest power plants
her international meeting on global
from the Clean Air Act. Strengthen efficiency
ig-you and President Clinton have
standards for automobiles and appliances.
ed a great deal, but delivered very little.
Refuse to accept anti-environmental riders
act, U.S. global warming pollution has
from Congress.
ive times faster during your
Signing the global warming treaty, as your
stration than it did under Presidents
Administration has promised, is only a start.
and Bush. The five hottest years since
The time has come to say, as you yourself
Idle Ages have all'occurred in the 1990s,
once said: "We must take bold and unequivocal
S September was the hottest September
action."
odern record-keeping began.
If not you, then who?
merica's Air Pollution Now.
National Environmental Trust
h Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036, www.envirotrust.com
Long Island Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives
SOUTH CAROLINA
Mothers and Others
Catawba Riverkeeper
) Vision American Oceans Campaign
NYPIRG
Charleston Natural History Society
Riverkeeper, Inc.
East Cooper Clean Water-Council
lean Water Action
Free the Planet
Sovereign Dineh Nation
South Carolina Coastal Conservation League
West Harlem Environmental Action
Friends of the Earth
Greenpeace
Westchester People's Action Coalition
TENNESSEE
Yonkers Environmental Coalition
Cumberland Countians for Peace & Justice
Foundation for Global Sustainability
le Action Rainforest Action Network
NORTH CAROLINA
Tennessee Solar Energy Association
Conservation Council of North Carolina
Tennessee Valley Energy Reform Coalition
J.S. Public Interest Research Group
NORTH DAKOTA
United Church of st-Network for
Dakota Resource Council
Environmental & Economic Responsibility
North Dakota Clean Water Action
TEXAS
Students Conscious of Protecting
OHIO
Houston Area Bicyclist Alliance
r for Environmental Advocacy
the Environment
an Energy Efficient Economy
ECO: Environmental Community Organization
Texas Fund for Energy and
Washoe County Climate Change Coalition
Environmental Education
Environmental Health Watch
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Ohio Citizen Action
UTAH
inst Pollution
New Hampshire Citizen's Alliance
Ohio Environmental Council
United Church of Christ Wellness, Health,
NEW JERSEY
OKLAHOMA
and Lifestyle Education Center
n for the Environment
Alliance for a Living Ocean
Southwestern Grassroots Environmental Club
VERMONT
New Jersey Conservation Fund
OREGON
Washington Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Association of the Northern
NEW MEXICO
Ecuménical Ministries of Oregon's Interfaith
VIRGINIA
Forest Guardians
Network for Earth Concerns
Campaign Virginia
New Mexico Environmental Law Center
Institute for Fisheries Resource
Chesapeake Valley Concerned Citizens
New World Energy Systems
Oregon Environmental Council
Concerned Citizens of Amelia Co.
Oregon Natural Resources Council
Concerned Citizens of Richmond
NEW YORK
OSPIRG
Environmental Health Network
sible Safeguards
Association for Energy Affordability
Renewable Northwest Project
ership Alliance of Nevada
Environmental Advocates
WASHINGTON
Global Warming Coalition
Environmental Justice Alliance
PENNSYLVANIA
Abundant Life Seed Foundation
National Organization
Great Lakes United
Clean Air Council
Atmosphere Alliance
Hudson Communities Coalition
Alliance for a Sustainable Future
Energy Outreach Center
Hudson River Sloop Clearwater
Bicycle Coalition of the Delaware Valley
Kettle Range Conservation Group
Clean Air Council
Target Earth
EcoAction
Environmental Health Task Force
WEST VIRGINIA
all the White House using the
Green Valleys Association
West Virginia Environmental Council
Group Against Smog and Pollution
al Warming Hotline toll-free and
WISCONSIN
Pennsylvania Campaign for Clean
Citizens for a Better Environment
Affordable Energy
Midwest Renewable Energy Association
ddd your voice to this appeal.
Pennsylvania Environmental Group
Northern Thunder
Pennsylvania Consumer Action Network
Wisconsin Wetlands Association
Pennsylvania Council of Churches
Wisconsin's Environmental Decade
1-888-38-STAND-UP
PennPIRG
Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia
WYOMING
Free calls courtesy of Working Assets
Sustainable Society Action Project, Inc.
Biodiversity Associates
Wyoming Outdoor Council
The Global Warming Hotline will remain active from 10/29/98 to 11/6/98
RHODE ISLAND
Environmental Council of Rhode Island
WORKING ASSETS
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON POS
Issue Forum
Looking Ahead: Our Energy F
Kyoto Emissions Goal Requires
Sustainal
Contribution From All Technologies
A Worldv
By David W. South
er option. However, in order to meet electric
By Mohamed T. El-Ash
Vice President, Technology and Markets Group
demand and comply with the 2012 carbon emis-
CEO and Chairman,
Energy Resources International, Inc.
sions target, we would need to increase the nat-
Global Environment Facility
ural gas share of U.S. generation from 9 percent
I
n December 1997, the United States signed a
at present to over 50 percent in the near term and
nonbinding agreement to reduce greenhouse
over 90 percent beyond 2012. Such an increased
gas emissions - primarily carbon dioxide -
A
mid continuing
global financi
level of natural gas consumption is not likely to
this October 1:
7 percent below 1990 levels by the year 2012.
occur because other, more cost-effective alterna-
went largely unnoticed
The target agreed to in the Kyoto Protocol will be
tives would emerge:
of Earth's Wealth Lost
difficult to reach because there is no "silver bullet"
The 30-percent figur
that can transform the carbon-intensive U.S.
accumulated damage
economy within the next decade. It will take a
The Role of Non-Carbon Technologies,
environment due to rap
portfolio of technologies, together with the "flexi-
If achieving the needed reductions in carbon
growth and the accomp
ble mechanisms" included in the Kyoto Protocol,
emissions is not challenging enough, achieving
exploitation of natural rt
to help get us there.
them within the timeframe spelled out in the Kyoto
fossil fuels. Should
Currently, carbon emissions in the United
Protocol makes the task even more daunting.
countries follow the
States exceed the Kyoto target by 18 percent, or
With more than 1,200 coal-fueled electric gener-
world's lead and contin
220 million metric tons per year. If current trends
ating units in the United States, it would take con-
course, these trends
continue, the U.S. Department of Energy esti-
siderably longer than 10 years to replace these
continue but accelerat
mates that carbon emissions in 2012 will be 44
units or to convert them to lower-carbon technolo-
decades.
percent above the target level.
gies.
Evolving new
Where do these emissions come from? The
Improved conversion efficiencies and lower-
paths to meet basic h
electric power industry is responsible for approxi-
carbon fuels thus are not sufficient by themselves
and build truly
mately one-third of man-made carbon emissions
to meet the targets prescribed in the Kyoto
economies entails risks
emitted annually in the United States. These
Protocol. A broader portfolio of technology options
the contentious arena
emissions are produced when fossil fuels - coal,
is essential on both the demand and supply sides
mate change we hav
oil and natural gas are converted to electricity.
- including increased use of higher-efficiency
models for succes
Approximately two-thirds (67 percent) of U.S.
equipment and appliances by consumers and
European nations, Ja,
electricity currently is generated by fossil fuels -
industry, and greater reliance on non-carbon emit-
United States agreed
predominantly coal. The remaining one-third is
ting energy sources.
reduce their emissior
provided by non-carbon-emitting sources -
The current role of non-carbon technologies in
layer-damaging chen
nuclear power, hydroelectric and other renewable
electricity generation must not be overlooked.
large developing count
energy technologies. Nuclear and hydropower
Today, electricity generated by nuclear and hydro-
to participate. Three y
generate almost all of this carbon-free electricity.
electric power in the United States keeps more
so-called Montreal F
than 220 million metric tons of carbon out of the
amended to create &
atmosphere. These avoided emissions are equiv-
fund to reimburse deve
Improving Coal Efficiency
alent to the tonnage by which the United States
tries for the added COS
Given the large share of U.S. electricity gen-
currently exceeds the Kyoto target.
out these chemicals.
eration that is coal-based, achieving the emission
Before the year 2012, operating licenses for
time, China, India and
reductions required under the Kyoto Protocol will
40,000 megawatts of nuclear and 25,000
have ratified the Protoc
be an enormous challenge. Since carbon is the
megawatts of hydroelectric capacity will be con-
assistance from the fur
fundamental energy element in fossil fuels, it can-
sidered for renewal. If this carbon-free capacity is
made significant prog
not be removed like other pollutants such as sul-
not maintained, the gap between the Kyoto target
eliminating ozone-threa
fur or nitrogen.
and the United States' actual emissions would be
icals.
However, we can improve the efficiency by
50 percent bigger than the gap projected under
Most developing C
which the carbon in fossil fuels is converted to
current trends.
sider alleviating poverty
electricity. And, each increase in efficiency results
While there is no "silver bullet," to help us
ing the living standards
in a corresponding reduction in carbon emissions,
meet the Kyoto emission targets, technology
ple their number-one
since more electricity is generated for each unit of
options abound to lower U.S. carbon emissions
Consequently, they as
carbon released. If all coal-fired power plants in
and reduce demand for electricity. But, adopting
responsibility for redi
the United States were converted to the most effi-
these technologies will take time and will require
house gases to the dev
cient coal-based technology currently available,
economic incentives and capital investment. With
That said, there is incr
future carbon emissions would be reduced by 30
the challenges ahead, no technology option can
nition everywhere that
percent.
Converting coal-fired power plants to natural
be overlooked, nor can any technology that cur-
energy development is
gas, which has a lower carbon content, is anoth-
rently avoids carbon emissions be dismissed.
ate path.
Climate-friendly tr.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON POST NATIONAL WEEKLY EDITION
Our Energy Future
es
Sustainable Energy Development:
logies
A Worldwide Priority
order to meet electric
By Mohamed T. El-Ashry
h the 2012 carbon emis-
CEO and Chairman,
need to increase the nat-
Global Environment Facility
eneration from 9 percent
cent in the near term and
A
mid continuing concern over
2012. Such an increased
global financial markets,
sumption is not likely to
this October 1998 headline
ore cost-effective alterna-
went largely unnoticed: 30 Percent
of Earth's Wealth Lost Since 1970.
The 30-percent figure measured
accumulated damage to the global
rbon Technologies
environment due to rapid economic
ded reductions in carbon
growth and the accompanying over-
nging enough, achieving
exploitation of natural resources and
e spelled out in the Kyoto
fossil fuels. Should developing
sk even more daunting.
countries follow the developed
oal-fueled electric gener-
world's lead and continue along this
power plants, buildings and Industri-
funds, GEF has increased worldwide
States, it would take con-
course, these trends will not only
al facilities can make an important
output of photovoltaic energy alone
0 years to replace these
continue but accelerate in coming
contribution to reducing pollution
by a factor of five:
to lower-carbon technolo-
decades.
both locally and regionally.
Evolving new development
Moreover, by taking advantage of
In Indonesia, $24 million in GEF
n efficiencies and lower-
paths to meet basic human needs
these opportunities, developing and
funding is making possible the
it sufficient by themselves
and build truly prosperous
developed countries alike can hold
largest solar home project in the
prescribed in the Kyoto
economies entails risks, but even in
down many of the traditional costs of
world - 200,000 units.
folio of technology options
the contentious arena of global cli-
growth. The Montreal Protocol
A $26 million GEF grant has helped
demand and supply sides
mate change we have important
allowed an extra ten years for devel-
increase wind and photovoltaic
use of higher-efficiency
models for success. When
oping countries to reach emission-
capacity in India from 30 to more
nces by consumers and
European nations, Japan and the
reduction targets. However, with
than 700 megawatts over the past
iance on non-carbon emit-
United States agreed in 1987 to
access to the necessary alternative
five years.
reduce their emissions of ozone
technologies and assistance in
In Brazil, GEF has invested $40
on-carbon technologies in
layer-damaging chemicals, most
building local capacity to manage
million to pioneer the commercializa-
must not be overlooked.
large developing countries declined
the transition; many countries
tion of electricity-generating technol-
ited by nuclear and hydro-
to participate. Three years later, the
moved much more quickly.
ogy that uses wood chips from plan-
Inited States keeps more
so-called Montreal Protocol was
tation forests for fuel.
tons of carbon out of the
amended to create a multilateral
GEF also' is working with the
ided emissions are equiv-
fund to reimburse developing coun-
GEF: Promoting
International Finance Corporation to
/ which the United States
tries for the added costs of phasing
Conservation, Alternative
create new sources of How-interest
(yoto target.
out these chemicals. Since that
Energy Sources
financing for renewable energy
12, operating licenses for
time, China, India and other nations
A similar path is available to
entrepreneurs to meet the needs of
of nuclear and 25,000
have ratified the Protocol. And, with
assist developing countries in the
the 2 billion people worldwide who
ctric capacity will be con-
assistance from the fund, they have
transition to alternative energy
still are without access to electricity.
his carbon-free capacity is
made significant progress toward
sources through the Global
) between the Kyoto target
eliminating ozone-threatening chem-
Environment Facility (GEF). As the
The fault lines at the 1997
actual emissions would be
icals.
financial mechanism for the U.N.
Conference of the Parties in Kyoto
1 the gap projected under
Most developing countries con-
Framework Convention on Climate
often were along a North-South axis,
sider alleviating poverty and improv-
Change, GEF has allocated more
but it's clear that the benefits of new
"silver bullet," to help us
ing the living standards of their peo-
than S753 million and generated
technologies and approaches will be
ssion targets, technology
ple their number-one challenge.
cofinancing of $4.34 billion more for
widely shared throughout the world.
er U.S. carbon emissions
Consequently, they assign primary
nearly 200 energy conservation, effi-
In Buenos Aires, all parties need to
or electricity. But, adopting
responsibility for reducing green-
ciency and alternative energy pro-
do more than debate definitions and
take time and will require
house gases to the developed world.
jects in 49 nations. While most GEF
assume previously held postures.
nd capital investment. With
That said, there is increased recog-
donors are developed nations, recip-
As fellow shareholders, we must
no technology option can
nition everywhere that sustainable
ient, countries in the developing
work together and make the right
n any technology that cur-
energy development is the appropri-
world are the number-one CO-
decisions and Investments now; oth-
missions be dismissed.
ate path.
financlers of GEF projects.
erwise our shares in earth's bounty
Climate-friendly transportation,
In a short time and with limited
will In time become worthless.
For more information about global climate change and some of the
Detinii g
organizations represented in this special advertising section, see the
following Internet sites:
By Eileen Claussen
Executive Director, Pew Ce
Global Climate Change
On The Web
A
S the world foc
this week's me
Buenos Aires,
tant to set a global age
will spur action and he
Business Roundtable:
Nuclear Energy Institute:
the aim of the United I
www.brtable.org
www.nei.org
Framework Conventio
Climate Change (UNF
Center for Sustainable Development in
Pew Center on Global Climate Change:
lizing atmospheric cor
the Americas:
www.pewclimate.org
tions of greenhouse g
levels that will prevent
www.csdanet.org
ous human interferen
Sen. Chuck Hagel:
climate system.
The Committee to Preserve American
www.senate.gov/-hagel
This global agend
Security and Sovereignty (COMPASS):
be based on concerte
www.climatetreaty.com
Sen. Joseph I, Lieberman: www.sen-
three fronts, in the vie
ate.gov/-lieberman
Pew Center on Globa
Global Environment Facility:
Change. We need to
www.gefweb.org
United Nations Framework Convention
on Climate Change:
1
Take Action Now
National Environmental Trust:
www.unfcc.de
the core beliefs of
www.eic.org
Center is that we acc
views of most scientis
U.S. State Department, Bureau of
enough is known abc
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Oceans and International and Scientific
ence and the environ
Administration:
Affairs:
impacts of climate ch
www.noaa.gov
www.state.gov/www/global/oes
to take action to addr
sequences. The cha
Natural Resources Defense Council:
World Wildlife Fund:
our generation is to C
www.nrdc.org
www.worldwildlife.org
sustaining a growing
omy. To meet this ct
nations of the world I
The editor of this issue forum is William H. Woodwell, Jr.
concrete steps to rec
His e-mail address is [email protected]
house gas emissions
sooner, we begin, the
we will be to succee
The Washington Post's coverage of the U.N. conference
the overall goal of st
greenhouse gas con
in Buenos Aires and all other events is available online at
in the atmosphere. V
washingtonpost.com.
needed Is a framew
encourage companie
Issue Forums
At ssue: [
"Many develo
Issue forums are produced sporadically by The Advertising
voluntary
In coal and oil St
Department of The Washington Post. Like the rest of the paper,
carbon out of th
they are supported by advertising revenue. Content is provided
tons of carbon e
power with 950
by freelance editors assigned to each issue.
These are jui
ties that are bein
industrialized CO
Social Security - December 7, 1998
oping countr
Drunk Driving — December 14, 1998
sibilities in curbi
emissions that I
atmoschere is S
For information about public policy advertising opportunities in
assume a leader
The Washington Post, contact Marc Rosenberg, manager of
Christia a Figuere
corporate public policy advertising,
7631 [email protected]
id some of the
Defining an Agenda for Global Action
ection, see the
By Eileen Claussen
sooner rather than later.
for companies, and to make sure
Executive Director, Pew Center on
In the United States, we
companies are confident that
Global Climate Change
believe that the appropriate
their actions will be accounted
framework is an early action
for.
A
S the world focuses on
crediting program that will
this week's meeting in
reward companies for actions
Buenos Aires, it is impor-
they take to reduce emissions
3
Create a Fair Global
Framework. What consti-
tant to set a global agenda that
before the Kyoto Protocol starts
tutes a fair response to climate
will spur action and help us meet
providing international credit for
change is the major question
the aim of the United Nations
emission reductions in 2008.
underlying many unresolved
Framework Convention on'
This framework must be delin-
issues in the global debate on
Climate Change (UNFCC): stabi-
eated by law, be clear and pre-
this topic. The "fairness ques-
lizing atmospheric concentra-
mate Change:
dictable, reward real and verifi-
tion" drives the levels of commit-
tions of greenhouse gases at
able reductions, and be princi-
ment of industrialized countries
levels that will prevent danger-
pally but not exclusively based
and is a deciding factor in the
ous human interference with the
on actions taken here at home.
discussion of developing country
climate system.
participation, the structure of
This global agenda should
2
Develop Market
market-based mechanisms, and
be based on concerted action on
Mechanisms. There is a
the nature and magnitude of dif-
n: www.sen-
three fronts, in the view of the
growing body of evidence that
ferent countries' financial com-
Pew Center on Global Climate
market-based incentives can
mitments to the goals of the
Change. We need to:
prompt individuals and compa-
Protocol.
rk Convention
nies to take action to protect the
We believe that three criteria
1
Take Action Now. One of
environment. These market
should be considered in differen-
the core beliefs of the Pew
mechanisms also have been
tiating country obligations. They
Center is that we accept the
proven successful in spurring
are: a country's responsibility for
views of most scientists that
emissions that can cause cli-
Bureau of
technological innovation. As part
enough is known about the sci-
of the Kyoto Protocol, countries
mate change; a.country's stan-
I and Scientific
ence and the environmental
have agreed to use several of
dard of living (or the ability to
impacts of climate change for us
these mechanisms in implement-
pay for efforts to reduce emis-
bal/oes
to take action to address its con-
ing greenhouse gas reductions
sions); and a country's opportu-
sequences. The challenge for
- from emissions trading to the
nity to reduce emissions. Based
our generation is to do this while
"clean development" framework
on these criteria, we can divide
sustaining a growing world econ-
that allows industrialized coun-
countries into three groups:
omy. To meet this challenge, the
tries to get credit for financing
those that must act now; those
nations of the world must take
emission-avoiding projects in
that should act now, but differ-
dwell, Jr.
concrete steps to reduce green-
developing nations.
ently; and those that could act
net
house gas emissions, The
What is needed, however, is
now if it were feasible.
sooner we begin, the more likely
to go beyond the language of
Resolving these three issues
we will be to succeed in meeting
the Kyoto Protocol and to design
is critical to the success of the
onference
the overall goal of stabilizing
the rules and operating proce-
Kyoto agreement, and it is our
greenhouse gas concentrations
dures that will turn its words into
hope that they are the focus of
€ online at
in the atmosphere. What is
reality. Our goal must be to
the conversations in Buenos
needed is a framework that will
insure that climate-friendly
Aires and in the international
encourage companies to act
actions make economic sense
negotiations to come.
At Issue: Developing Country Commitments
"Many developing countries already are reducing their greenhouse gas emissions on a
Advertising
voluntary basis, despite the fact that they have no legal obligation to do so. Reductions
in coal and oil subsidies in China between 1990 and 1995 have kept 155 million tons of
of the paper,
carbon out of the atmosphere. Mexico's energy-efficient lighting program avoids 32,000
nt is provided
tons of carbon emissions annually. And India is the world's fourth leading user of wind
power, with 950 megawatts installed in 1997.
sue.
These are just a few concrete examples of the wide array of climate-mitigating activi-
ties that are being undertaken in developing countries for sound economic reasons. Once
industrialized countries have shown near-term compliance with the Kyoto Protocol, devel-
oping countries could build on these policies and measures to assume increasing respon-
sibilities in curbing worldwide emissions. But because the responsibility for producing the
emissions that have contributed to current concentrations of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere is squarely on the shoulders of industrialized countries, these countries must
portunities in
assume a leadership role in curbing emissions."
manager of
Christiana Figueres, Executive Director, Center for Sustainable Development in the Americas
ct
The Politics of Global Climate Ch
View from the White House:
Momentum Building for "Balanced Approach"
CO
By Todd Stem
White House Climate Change Coordinator
T
his past year the world has made
important progress in mobilizing
to confront the threat of global
warming, one of the great environmental
challenges of the next century. Now, as
the 160 nations that negotiated last
year's landmark Kyoto Protocol gather in
Buenos Aires for the next round of talks,
it is fitting to take stock of how far we
have come and how far we still have to go.
The United States is heading into
Buenos Aires with significant momentum
thanks to President Clinton's success in
securing over $1 billion for his climate
change technology initiative for fiscal
year 1999, a 25-percent increase. This
funding will support research and devel-
opment in energy efficiency and renew-
able energy - investments that will
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cre-
ate jobs, and save money for consumers
and business. The Administration also
succeeded in defeating a series of anti-
environmental "riders," including a gag
order that sought to bar us even from
educating the public about climate
change.
The Private Sector Responds
Still more encouraging are the con-
structive developments in the private
sector, where a growing number of busi-
nesses are publicly recognizing the
threat of climate change and the need for
precautionary action. For example:
The 18 members of the Pew Center
for Global Climate Change's Business
Environmental Leadership Council have
explicitly called for prompt action to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Recently, British Petroleum, Shell,
United Technologies and IBM have
PHOTO COURTESY: WASHINGTON CONVENTION & VISITORS ASSOCIATION
announced specific numerical commit-
ments for reducing their emissions.
And just last week, General Motors,
Monsanto, BP and the World Resources
Development Mechanism" under which
by developing countries, and we will
Institute jointly declared that there are
industrialized companies can undertake
resist efforts by some to limit a country's
real business opportunities for corporate
clean energy projects in the developing
right to engage in emissions trading or
leaders who act early to reduce the risk
world and share the resulting emission
make investments in developing coun-
of climate change.
credits with the host countries. These
tries under the Clean Development
The private sector's growing receptiv-
provisions will help the world reduce
Mechanism. Such limitations would
its on the lesue has been reflected 00
omissions at the lowest cost ensuring
accomnlish
only
result
moking
the
PPLEMENT TO THE WASHINGTON POST NATIONAL WEEKLY EDITION
Issue Forum
al Climate Change
ced Approach"
COUNTERPOINTS
Administration's
The White House trumpets the
recent $1 billion appropriated by
Actions Fall Short
Congress for research on energy effi-
of Rhetoric
ciency and renewable energy tech-
nologies. But the Administration can't
even put a figure on how much of a
By Philip E. Clapp
dent this might make in global warming
President
pollution - it may be too small to be
meaningful. Meanwhile, energy effi-
National Environmental Trust
ciency standards approved by
Congress long ago have been bottled
O
ever the last six years,
President Clinton and Vice
up in the Administration for years.
President Gore have talked a
After negotiating the Kyoto global
great deal about the dangers of global
warming treaty, the U.S. quickly
warming. One of these days they're
became the only nation to qualify its
going to actually have to do something.
commitment with a vague and mislead-
Clinton and Gore campaigned
ing call for "meaningful participation" by
against President Bush by castigating
the developing countries.
Going into the current round of
his weak, voluntary measures to
reduce global warming pollution. But
negotiations in Buenos Aires, the
Administration seems intent on using
since gaining office half a dozen years
ago, they have done even less than
the Kyoto treaty's flexibility mecha-
nisms to achieve more than 80 percent
Bush proposed. Although the United
of the United States' emission reduc-
States pledged, in 1992, to cut global
tions overseas. While a pollution trad-
warming emissions, we're on track to
be 13 percent over the original goal by
ing plan has worked well for acid rain
and should be a part of the Kyoto
2000.
Protocol, we cannot continue to refuse
Examples of how the White House
has failed to back up its rhetoric
responsibility for our own pollution.
The Clinton Administration still has-
abound:
Both President Clinton and Vice
n't signed the Kyoto Protocol. Expect
an orchestrated fanfare when it does.
President Gore repeatedly have
Also expect a continued lack of
promised to restructure the electric
industry in a way that "delivers a signif-
progress. The United States, with its
Icant down payment in reducing green-
wealth, its technology, and its lion's
share of the contribution to global
house gas emissions," as Clinton has
said. But their proposals included no
warming pollution, should be leading
the rest of the world toward solutions.
serious effort to reduce emissions.
We're not.
U.S. Negotiated a
specific states it has created a danger-
ous diplomatic precedent for future
Flawed Agreement
arms control and trade negotiations.
Inadequate Verification. With the
Kyoto accord, which could reduce U.S.
By Richard Burt
energy consumption by more than 30
PHOTO COURTESY: WASHINGTON CONVENTION & VISITORS ASSOCIATION
Former Assistant Secretary of State and U.S.
percent by 2010, verification is essen-
Ambassador to Germany; and co-founder of
tially an afterthought. To commit to
COMPASS, The Committee to Preserve
American Security and Sovereignty
such goals without really knowing
which
by developing countries, and we will
whether and how they will be moni-
ertake
resist efforts by some to limit a country's
he Clinton Administration's new
tored both here and, more impor-
loping
right to engage in emissions trading or
T
Kyoto treaty on global warming
tantly, abroad is a major blunder.
ission
make investments in developing coun-
may rank as the most important
International Intrusion. Without any
These
tries under the Clean Development
foreign policy initiative undertaken by
clear and precise implementation and
Such
would
the I Inited States since the end of the
enforcement plans, the Kyoto agree-
The private sector's growing recepuv-
ity on the issue has been reflected as
emissions at the lowest cost, ensuring
accomplisn only
wellin the|Administration's own consulta-
that we get the biggest environmental
reduction of greenhouse gases more
strange 1
tions with U.S. industry about how, with
bang for the buck. The Protocol also con-
expensive for everyone.
almost C:
government support, companies can
tains provisions that protect our national
As we look past Buenos Aires to the
have aba
take effective, voluntary action to reduce
security, ensuring that our Kyoto targets
year ahead, the Administration will be
of a gen
emissions.
will in no way constrain the activities of
working on new domestic efforts to spur
with the
our military forces.
development and broader use of clean
result is
energy technologies and will continue
that is i
The Kyoto Protocol:
engaging with private industry to achieve
United S
"A Historic Step"
Beyond Buenos Aires
better energy efficiency and reduce
if never
On the international front, last
Despite significant progress, we still
greenhouse gas emissions. We also will
From
December's Kyoto Protocol was the
have a long way to go. Diplomatically,
strongly support efforts to ensure that
the agre
seminal event of the year. By agreeing to
important work remains on the flexibility
U.S. companies eam credit for early
tal short
cut their greenhouse gas emissions, the
measures, the way to treat carbon-
actions to reduce their emissions.
Pree
world's leading economies took a historic
absorbing "sinks" (such as forests),
The threat of climate change has
Adminis
step forward in addressing global warm-
developing country participation, and
been, decades in the making and it will
especia
ing. Thanks largely to the efforts of the
compliance. What we need in Buenos
take many years to solve. But with our
house g
United States, the Protocol takes a flexi-
Aires is not a great leap forward, but
best science and technology, smart, mar-
exclusio
ble, market-based approach that will
steady, solid progress that can begin to
ket-based solutions and, most of all, firm
China,
allow emissions to be reduced in ways
turn the Kyoto Protocol into reality.
political will, we can get the job done.
from th.
that make the most sense, both environ-
The United States delegation will
President Clinton's balanced approach to
these k
mentally and economically.
work to advance our positions in all these
the challenge of global warming will allow
bad ec
This flexible approach includes emis-
areas. Among other things, we will con-
us to maintain a growing economy and
policy,
sions trading and the new "Clean
tinue to press for meaningful participation
protect the environment.
In Congress
A Call for Early Action
Kyoto Protoc
"Dead on Arı
By Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman
tems we may adopt, to compa-
(D-CT)
nies that act now to reduce their
emissions of greenhouse gases.
By Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE)
E
vidence of global warming
This is a voluntary, market-
is continuing to mount,
based approach that will bring
The debate that has emerged
and it forces us to confront
about a win-win situation for
the U.N. Global Climate Treat
what kind of world we want to
both American businesses and
not a debate about who is fo
leave to our children. It is a
the environment.
against a cleaner environm
question that will be answered
The Credit for Early Action
The debate is over whether or
next at the Buenos Aires meet-
Act would provide the certainty
this specific treaty is in the
ing. It will also be answered by
necessary to encourage compa-
interests of the United States
how smart and conscientious we
nies to reduce emissions now.
whether this is the best appro
Americans are willing to be here
Its principles were developed
We're all for a cleaner, env
at home on our own.
with environmental and industri-
ment, but environmental ac'
During the recently conclud-
al perspectives, and were
must be predicated on sound
ed Congress, President Clinton
designed to take advantage of
ence, a balanced perspective
proposed a balanced program
an often-too-little appreciated
common sense. This treaty
that would arrest greenhouse
fact: many companies want to
on all counts.
gas emissions over five years
Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman
reduce emissions. They don't
The discussions in Bu
through tax credits for energy-
want to wait until legislation
Aires will prove to be nothing
efficient purchases and renew-
requires them to make these
than whistling past a grave
able energy investments, and
reductions. Early action will help
because in its current form
through new research and
would have gone so far as to
businesses save money by
Kyoto Protocol is dead on arri
development programs targeted
ban the agency from even edu-
allowing their costs to be spread
the United States Senate.
towards buildings, industry,
cating the public about the Kyoto
out over more years and by
The Byrd-Hagel Reso
transportation and electricity.
Protocol. Our debates in
ensuring credit in any future
adopted by the Senate last ye
The good news is that the bud-
Congress must be more
compliance schedule for their
a 95-0 vote was explicit on
get for next year provides for
informed and sensible than that.
investments today.
was needed in this treaty in
more than $1 billion some of
On October 10, 1998, I was
The debate about climate
to gain the support of the S.
these research investments.
proud to join with Republican
change is too often vested in
First, it directed the Preside
The bad news is that too
Senators John Chafee of Rhode
false choices between scientific
to sign any treaty that placed
much time and effort was spent
Island and Connie Mack of
findings, common sense, eco-
ly binding obligations on the
in the 105th Congress in battles
Florida to introduce what we
nomic growth and environmental
States to limit or reduce
with those who would stop all cli-
hope will be a climate change
protection, The Credit for Early
house gas emissions "unle
mate change investments. One
log-jam breaker in the next
Action. Act offers a model to
protocol or agreement also
Congress. The Credit for Early
demonstrate that these are not
dates new specific schedule
mitments to limit or reduce
chanism. Such limitations would
the United States since the end of the
omplish only one result making the
Cold-War.-With so much at stake, it is
ment creates an open Invitation
action of greenhouse gases more
strange that the Administration
in
United Nations and other international
ensive for everyone.
almost cavaller fashion - appears to
organizations to fill the void regardless
As we look past Buenos Aires to the
have abandoned the hard-won lessons
of the Impact on American sovereignty.
Γ ahead, the Administration will be
of a generation of tough negotiations
Clinton Administration officials
king on new domestic efforts to spur
with the former Soviet Union. The
promised that Kyoto would not be
elopment and broader use of clean
result is a seriously flawed agreement
allowed to produce any United Nations
rgy technologies and will continue
that is almost certain to bedevil. the
"green hats," but then agreed to the
jaging with private industry to achieve
United States for years to come, even
establishment of a "Framework Convention
ter energy efficiency and reduce
if never ratified.
on Climate Change Secretariat."
enhouse gas emissions. We also will
From a foreign policy perspective,
Diplomatic Cynicism. Politically,
ongly support efforts to ensure that
the agreement reflects four fundamen-
some analysts have begun to argue
6. companies earn credit for early
tal shortcomings:
that we need not worry too much about
ions to reduce their emissions.
Preemptive concessions. The
Kyoto, that it is a "feel good" accord
The threat of climate change has
Administration's capitulations are
designed mainly for its public relations
en decades in the making and it will
especially notable in the area of green-
value at home and abroad. But if the
e many years to solve. But with our
house gas emission reductions and the
Kyoto accord is nothing more than a
st science and technology, smart, mar-
exclusion of such major economies as
cynical exercise to win the support of
-based solutions and, most of all, firm
China, India, Indonesia and Mexico
the environmental lobby, the
litical will, we can get the job done.
from the agreement. The exclusion of
Administration looks manipulative and
esident Clinton's balanced approach to
these key emerging markets is not only
runs the risk of jeopardizing more seri-
challenge of global warming will allow
bad economics and bad environmental
ous diplomatic enterprises, such as
to maintain a growing economy and
policy, but in creating exceptions for
NATO expansion and fast-track trade
stect the environment.
authority.
n Congress
Kyoto Protocol Considered
"Dead on Arrival"
pt, to compa-
o reduce their
house gases.
By Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE)
Byrd-Hagel Resolution spoke
tary, market-
directly to the impact this treaty
hat will bring
The debate that has emerged over
would have on the American peo-
situation for
the U.N. Global Climate Treaty is
ple, asserting that the President
sinesses and
not a debate about who is for or
should not sign any treaty that
against a cleaner environment.
"would result in serious harm to the
Early Action
The debate is over whether or not
economy of the United States." A
the certainty
this specific treaty is in the best
recent study by the U.S.
urage compa-
interests of the United States and
Department of Energy, however,
missions now.
whether this is the best approach.
stated that average energy costs
re developed.
We're all for a cleaner, environ-
would be 17 to 83 percent higher in
il and industri-
ment, but environmental actions
2010 if the United States had to
and were
must be predicated on sound sci-
reach the emission targets in the
advantage of
ence, a balanced perspective and
Kyoto Protocol. The annual imple-
, appreciated
common sense. This treaty fails
mentation costs between 2008 and
anies want to
on all counts.
2012 are estimated to range from
S. They don't
The discussions in Buenos
$77 billion to $338 billion.
ntil legislation
Aires will prove to be nothing more
And for what? Even if the
Sen. Chuck Hagel
) make these
than whistling past a graveyard,
Kyoto Protocol were to be imple-
action will help
because in its current form the
mented, it fails on its primary
e money by
Kyoto Protocol is dead on arrival in
objective: the global reduction of
ts to be spread
the United States Senate.
greenhouse gas emissions. The
years and by
The Byrd-Hagel Resolution
Developing Country Parties within
agreement excludes the very
in any future
adopted by the Senate last year on
the same compliance period."
developing nations that will be
edule for their
a 95-0 vote was explicit on what
The Kyoto Protocol, however,
responsible for more than 60 per-
was needed in this treaty in order
does not include a single develop-
y.
cent of the world's greenhouse gas
about climate
to gain the support of the Senate.
ing nation. One hundred and thirty
emissions early in the next century.
often vested in
First, it directed the President not
four developing nations (including
The U.N. Global Climate Treaty
tween scientific
to sign any treaty that placed legal-
China, India, South Korea, Mexico
is complete folly. It cannot achieve
in sense, eco-
ly binding obligations on the United
and Brazil), many of whom com-
its goals. It has no hope of being
1 environmental
States to limit or reduce green-
pete fiercely with the United States
ratified by the U.S. Senate. Those
Credit for Early
house gas emissions "unless the
for trade opportunities, are com-
who care about this issue will be
to
protocol or agreement also man-
pletely exempt from any obliga-
better served if the Kyoto Protocol
green-
is abandoned in Buenos Aires and
vegiten
сорите
VOID
It's Time to
Step Up To the F
on Climate Chai
To reduce emissions and the consequences of
All countries sh
global climate change, every country needs to play
improve standard
ball. But just as athletes play different positions
address climate C
depending on their strengths, countries should
international com
work to the best of their abilities in addressing
advantage of emis
the climate change issue. The countries that must
opportunities wh
lead the way are those that emit the largest
And with everyor
volume of greenhouse gases; enjoy the highest
playing field, doir
standard of living; or have the most significant
share, the game C.
opportunities to reduce their emissions.
For a copy of the Pew Center on Global Climate Change's report, Equity and Global Climate
Change, call in the U.S. 703-516-4146 or visit our web site at WWW.PEWCLIMATE.ORG
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP C
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
American Electric Power
Baxter Internationa
CH2M HILL
DuPont
Enron Corp.
Holnam Inc.
Intercontinental Energy Col
Corporation
The Sun Company
3M
Toyota
United Technologies
U.S
PAID FOR BY THE PEW CENTER ON GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
o the Plate
ate Change.
quences of
All countries should be able to maintain or
eds to play
improve standards of living as they work to
positions
address climate change, particularly if the
; should
international community takes
dressing
advantage of emission reduction
3 that must
opportunities where they exist.
rgest
And with everyone on the
highest
playing field, doing their fair
nificant
share, the game can begin.
S.
PEW CENTER
lange's report, Equity and Global Climate
ir web site at WWW.PEWCLIMATE.ORG
G
Global CHANGE CLIMATE
IVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Electric Power Baxter International Inc. Boeing Company BP America
m Inc.
Intercontinental Energy Corporation
Lockheed Martin
Maytag
oyota
United Technologies
U.S. Generating Company
Whirlpool
BY THE PEW CENTER ON GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE