An Introduction to Carbon Trading and Copenhagen

Carbon Trading Motion

Friends of the Earth's current stance on Copenhagen is basically this:

1. Outright opposition to the carbon trading approach of offsetting - i.e. any successor to the Kyoto "Clean Development Mechanism";
2. Any agreement must recognise the prime responsibility of emitters in the North to reduce their emissions;
3. Any agreement must ensure that appropriate technological and other assistance is provided to nations in the global South.

The motion aims to strengthen FoE’s position by additionally ruling out international emissions trading (Cap and Trade).  Motions presented by local groups aren't binding on national FoE, but we’re hoping this issue can at least be debated at conference.  It's a potential cause of division at Copenhagen, not just for FoE but the environmental movement more generally, and we would do better to start talking about these issues well in advance so we can go into Copenhagen prepared (and with stronger arguments, whatever the position on emissions trading).  Click here to view the motion.

FoE Staff Response to Carbon Trading Motion

STOP PRESS: Motion Passed 44-13!  Speech to Conference

9 Reasons to Oppose Emissions Trading

Useful Carbon Trading Links

• FoE’s damning new report on offsetting: http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/news/dangerous_distraction_20319.html

• For more on Copenhagen and carbon trading, see “Deal or No Deal?”: http://very.org.uk/dealornodeal/dond.pdf

• Climate Camp on Carbon Trading:  http://www.climatecamp.org.uk/g20-why

• Excellent in-depth report: - "Carbon Trading: A Critical Conversation on Climate Change, Privatisation and Power" (Larry Lohman):  http://www.thecornerhouse.org.uk/summary.shtml?x=544225

• More useful background reading on carbon trading:  http://www.climatecamp.org.uk/carbon-trading/reading