Global Climate Policy Debate – Lessons Learned and Preparations for Copenhagen

On 12 June 2009, Michael Mehling of the Ecologic Institute in Washington DC moderated a plenary session on the “Global Climate Policy Debate” at Carbon Finance North America 2009, an annual trade conference organised in New York. The panel focused on preparations for a post-2012 climate regime and the integration of US policy into an international post-Kyoto agreement, reviewing developments since Poznan (COP 14) and expectations for Copenhagen (COP 15).

Drawing key players in the carbon market, the finance sector and industry, this two-day event explored the implications of proposed federal climate legislation in the United States and other emerging market developments. The Global Climate Policy Debate panel focused on preparing for the post-2012 world and the US's potential role. Presenters reviewed developments since Poznan (COP 14) and outlined the expectations for Copenhagen (COP 15), providing insights on ways in which Poznan achieved and failed expectations. Discussions then centered on key obstacles and implications for carbon markets, as well as planning for the potential outcomes of Copenhagen. In this context, Panelists also outlined preparations for the integration of US policy into an international post-Kyoto agreement, including aspects of US climate policy that might be assimilated into a transnational program through bi- and multilateral cooperation.

Michael Mehling was joined by David Hunter, Director of US Policy at the International Emissions Trading Association, and Nathaniel Keohane, Director of Environmental Policy & Analysis at the Environmental Defense Fund. The conference program can be downloaded at the Environmental Finance website.