What do developed nations mean by "meaningful"?
On entitlements:
Each human being is entitled to a share of the global commons. This entitlement should not be dependent on wealth. However, it is difficult to get people to agree on the principle of per capita entitlement. Countries want to continue with current levels of emissions. The Montreal Protocol did not discuss entitlements. At present, differentiated entitlements have been allocated, giving more to the rich.
On ways to approach equity:
Contraction and convergence is one way to approach equity. There is the Brazilian proposal also which states if you have emitted X amount of green-house gases, you have Y amount of responsibility. But how do you deter-mine entitlements? Safe levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have to be determined to fulfil the objective of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. The answer is to determine safe emission levels and then allocate entitlements on the basis of population.
On reduction targets:
The Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change calls for 60 per cent reductions. But that target cannot be met unless the economies suffer major setbacks. Large emitters cannot be expected to cut down overnight. Reduction and adaptation time schedules will have to be practical.
On "meaningful participation" by developing countries:
What do the developed countries mean happen when there is an endorsement of entitlements. Only when there is an endorsement on entitlements can there be an endorsement on emission trading or any talk of voluntary commitments.
On the Clean Development Mechanism (COM):
The CDM is a project-based mechanism. It must meet two conditions: sustain-able development and reduction of emissions. However, it is difficult to ensure equity through CDM because there will be bilateral agreements. In any case, any of these mechanisms should be you have emitted X amount of green-house gases, you have Y amount of responsibility. But how do you deter-mine entitlements? Safe levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have to be determined to fulfil the objective of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. The answer is to determine safe by "meaningful"? Has there been no participation by developing countries? The developed countries should define "meaningful participation". It is their problem. Developing countries have taken initiatives. Only, they have not made loud announcements. Participation of developing countries would supplementary to domestic action in the developed countries.
On issues that will show some progress in Buenos Aires:
Definitely not sinks. Some progress on equity is likely. On CDM, the answer is maybe, maybe not. However, all these issues are linked.