Combating climate change - Four key principles for a successful international agreement

European companies actively support the EU climate change objectives. But unilateral action will not solve the problem. A pragmatic global approach is needed which ensures that emission reductions in one place do not simply lead to emission increases somewhere else in the world. In view of the international climate change conferences in Poznan and Copenhagen, BUSINESSEUROPE is proposing four key principles that should guide negotiations towards a successful international agreement on combating climate change:

• 1. Mobilise all major economies to reduce emissions as soon as possible
• 2. Establish a level playing field for industry throughout the world
• 3. Strengthen global market mechanisms to reduce emissions, linking developed and developing regions
• 4. Ensure all cost-efficient climate technologies are deployed and developed