The UN Climate Change negotiations in Copenhagen held in December 2009 failed to deliver an international plan of action to prevent runaway climate change. However we must continue to pursue a binding global deal that delivers the scale and speed of emissions cuts that are required to keep average global temperature rises as far below 2 degrees as possible, and in the longer term stabilise global temperatures well below this level. Such a deal must be fair and equitable, and must protect the world’s ecosystems.

By proving that we are prepared to meet our domestic obligations, and by demonstrating the very real benefits of investing in a low carbon economy, the UK will lend practical reality to its rhetorical commitments. That said, it is clear that the UK will need to maximise the impact of its international diplomacy and leadership opportunities within the EU and elsewhere, from now until a global deal is secured.

• The UK must work with all countries for a definitive post-2012 deal (i.e. when the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol ends).
• Industrialised countries must lead the effort in reducing global carbon emissions. These countries must deliver an aggregate emissions reduction of at least 40% by 2020 (compared to 1990 levels), decarbonising by 2050 to contribute to a global emissions cut of at least 80% by the same date.
• The UK must also work within the EU to immediately and unconditionally secure agreement for a 30% emissions cut by 2020 in the EU on a path to the 40% that is ultimately needed. This must not be undermined by loopholes in the forestry and land use accounting rules.
• The UK must work with a wide range of developing countries to bridge the trust deficit between developing and developed countries that is currently preventing international agreement. Progress on climate finance issues during 2010 is paramount to move negotiations forward and the UK is in a position to play a leadership role in this area.
• Any binding international plan of action to reduce global emissions in a fair way will need a framework to set the obligations of each country. This framework must be socially equitable.