A new draft text released by one of the UN groups in Copenhagen this afternoon sets out the options that delegates will negotiate next week to reach a deal to combat climate change.
The Ad Hoc Working Group for Long Term Action under the Convention is discussing steps necessary to reach the ultimate goal of the UNFCCC to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that does not harm the environment.
The options on offer include:
- Limiting global average temperature rises, compared to pre industrial levels, to 1.5 or 2.0 degrees Celcius.
- Reducing global emissions, compared to 1990, by 50%, 85% or 95 % by 2050.
- Developed country emissions to fall by 75-85%, 80-95% or more than 95% by 2050.
The document also lays out targets for 2020:
- Developed country emissions to fall by 25-40%, 30%, 40% or 45% by 2020 in comparison to 1990 levels.
- Developing countries shall undertake plans, supported by developed countries, to substaintially deviate emissions from business as usual, possibly by 15-30%
All these options are up for discussion, and there is no commitment to even the lowest levels of reductions at this stage.