Reflection on the climate negotiations: a Southern perspective

Abstract

The post-2012 climate agenda needs to be redefined to account for inequalities in emissions distribution, energy security, food security and poverty reduction. Consumption in developed countries is the main driver for increasing CO2 emissions. The limited focus on industrial emissions targets shifts attention away from the need to change consumerism, behaviour and expectations. Paradoxically, although developed countries contribute a substantial share of emissions, those worst affected by climate change will be developing countries with the least amount of adaptive capacity. A focus on industry emissions further reduces developing countries' potential for economic growth and infrastructure development to deal with adverse impacts. The allocation of emission rights need to be based on a more appropriate model of human rights. A more constructive way forward in the current climate negotiations is a focus on transformation of the global economy and human activity in ways that ensure patterns of resource use are common for all countries.