Sustainable energy is certainly being discussed under the mitigation actions block, but anyone around here can feel that developing countries, the UNFCCC and some developed countries as well (perhaps some without the political will to take concrete actions in mitigation), are putting the emphasis on adaptation, financial resources and technology transfer. Does it sound like a typical North-South patronising aid relationship?

I will not argue that adaptation is not important. It certainly is, but perhaps it is more urgent than important.

As Yvo de Boer stated, “adaptation does not replace mitigation, but a delay in mitigation, could increase the need for adaptation.”

Therefore, I strongly believe that special efforts should be put in mitigation actions for both developed (with binding targets) and developing countries (preferably without binding but with targets after all). Sustainable energy is a key issue, with great potential for tangible technology transfer to developing countries through sustainable energy investments.

Moreover, the climate change crisis should also be looked at from an opportunity perspective. Adaptation is the urgent reaction to the crisis. Mitigation, with a strong emphasis on sustainable energy, might very well be the most important opportunity climate change has brought to the world.

Therefore, as GreenPrices has stated many times before, an enormous energy transformation towards a low-carbon economy is needed involving both all sectors and regions (in developed and developing countries).

Considering there is not a climate solution without addressing the energy issue, I would recommend to upgrade the present UN ‘climate talks’ to ‘energy and climate talks’, just like the EU did, while preparing its energy and climate policies.

Christian Hudtwalcker
Editor GreenPrices
c.hudtwalcker@greenprices.com