Climate Strategy – Between Ambition and Realism
An ambitious climate policy calls for a long-term global strategy. The current policy focuses too much on reducing CO2 emissions within national borders and is consequently ineffective, the WRR concludes in its report Climate Strategy – Between Ambition and Realism (Report no. 74, 2006).
Three possible solutions
Despite the considerable uncertainties regarding the climate system, to do nothing would be reckless. In this report the WRR therefore sets out a climate strategy that could offer a rationale and give direction to Dutch policy within the EU and the EU’s policy at a global level. The strategy is based on three possible solutions: adaptation to the consequences of climate change, reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases and effective worldwide coordination.
Effective worldwide coordination to generate support
In addition to the Kyoto approach, a ‘multicoloured flexibility’ involving an array of initiatives is required. The UN Climate Convention of 1992 provides a suitable basis for multilateral coordination. But only an institutional framework will provide stronger incentives for cooperation and create problem-ownership. A World Climate Organisation, a permanent institution supported by permanent diplomatic missions, should be established for this purpose.