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BIOFORE
Tiilikainen notes that the general attitude towards the
climate convention has evolved positively.
“Several participating countries had drafted their own
climate plans. What is most important is that the superpowers,
such as the United States and China—which are in a key
position here—are willing to do more for the climate.”
One of the most difficult questions in terms of reaching
an agreement was the division of responsibility between
developing and industrialised countries.
“My hope is that there are only a few countries still voicing
the opinion that industrialised countries must foot the bill
alone. Wealthy countries cannot be obligated to carry the
entire burden; instead, we must urge private investors to
channel funding in new directions.”
Previous climate conventions have proposed that an annual
total of USD 100 billion in public and private funding should be
allocated to developing countries to support their efforts to cut
emissions andmitigate climate change up to 2020.
“According to last year’s statistics, the funding has already
increased to 62 billion per year, or around two thirds of the
target level,” Tiilikainen points out.
“Due to the current economic situation, Finland,
for example, will not be able to increase its share of the
funding burden before 2020. We will, however, honour our
commitments, and we are willing to work hard to make
businesses more committed to funding this process.”
Forests source for sustainable materials
Growing forests bind a large amount of carbon dioxide.
Tiilikainen points out that the convention did not include
any detailed regulations on carbon sinks or similar issues, but
the national proposals recognised the significance of forests
in preventing climate change.
“Agreements have already beenmade to stop the
eradication of tropical forests. This is the only concrete
issue addressed so far that directly concerns forests,” notes
Tiilikainen.
“Finland and other countries with plentiful forest
resources must keep reminding others of the fact that
sustainably managed forests are an excellent source of
renewable rawmaterials to replace fossil rawmaterials.”
Tiilikainen sees sustainable forestry and the bioeconomy
as forming the core of the climate process.
“There are plenty of businesses in the Nordic countries
that focus on the future and want to be involved in resolving
these issues. I believe the forest-rich Nordic countries could
co-operate evenmore closely than they do currently.”
Headway in EU climate policy
The European Union conducted negotiations in Paris based
on goals set by the Commission. Tiilikainen says that the
member states support the Commission’s policies but will
wait until the signing of the convention to further specify
Kimmo Tiilikainen
At the time of publishing 149 countries had announced
their contributions, which covers 90% of global emissions.
Many important oil-producing countries have not announced
their input yet, inc. Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
ANNOUNCED INTENDED NATIONALLY DETERMINED
CONTRIBUTIONS (INDCS) FOR COP21
EU
40%
reduction
by 2030
compared
to 1990
USA
26%–28%
below its 2005
level by 2025
and to make best
efforts to reduce
its emissions
by 28%
CANADA
reduce GHG
30% below 2005
levels by 2030