On 24th April 2014, China Carbon Forum and the Beijing climate community welcomed the EU Climate Commissioner, Ms. Connie Hedegaard, to participate in a discussion on ‘How can China get the most out of Paris 2015?’ along with other distinguished panelists.
The panel discussed the importance of international cooperation leading up to the Paris COP21 in 2015, and emphasized the existing partnership between the EU and China in the areas of energy, urbanization and emissions trading. The panel suggested that this must be allowed to help progress discussions in the UNFCCC. While differentiation of responsibility should be considered a core principle of any deal in Paris, it must nevertheless be equally binding to all parties. The current slow progress, including climate finance assistance from developed countries, must be overcome in order to build confidence amongst parties and lift ambition. It is also important that public support contribute momentum in the lead up to COP21, as it did prior to the Copenhagen conference in 2009. The panel agreed that much has changed since Copenhagen, including increasing evidence of the seriousness of the challenge, awareness amongst leaders in both politics and industry, as well as significant domestic action worldwide. With strong cooperation between now and COP21 between the EU and China, and working to achieve agreements on key issues prior to the meeting, the chances of a successful outcome will be greatly increased.
For the full Executive Summary, please download PDF:Â How can China and the EU get the most out of Paris 2015
