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Lack of agreement in Copenhagen doesn't mean we should shirk our duty as global citizens.

GLOBE-Net - http://www.globe-net.com/

VICTORIA, December 18, 2009 - There are moments in history when a crisis pulls the world together to act in concert against a common threat and toward a single goal. The battle against climate change is one of those crises, and the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this month is one of those moments that should unite the world in action.

It would be ideal if national governments could agree on a single, binding agreement that would set international greenhouse gas reduction targets.

That, unfortunately, will be difficult. Not because we don't share the goal of safeguarding the future of our planet, but because there are different views on how to achieve that goal and who is responsible for carrying the heavy load.

Failure to reach a formal, binding agreement in Copenhagen does not mean we should shirk our responsibilities as global citizens to take substantive action to combat climate change. Such an impasse instead validates early actions sub-national governments across the world have taken and puts an increased onus on those same sub-national governments -- states or provinces such as British Columbia -- to play an even more prominent role in reducing carbon emissions.

First, all governments -- sub-national and national -- must put hard emission reduction targets into law and develop market mechanisms that put a price on carbon pollution. The lack of these targets in jurisdictions around the world has led to rising greenhouse gas emissions that have contributed to serious shifts in our climate. One only needs to look at the recent devastating forest fires in British Columbia or the rapidly melting polar ice caps to see we can no longer wait for the "next"government to take action. Without setting caps and putting a price on carbon, there is little or no incentive to reduce emissions, particularly for major polluters.

Here in North America, we need to develop a continental cap and trade system, one that is internationally compatible. British Columbia was one of the first jurisdictions to join the Western Climate Initiative, which is developing a regional cap and trade system that spans Canada and the U.S. California and B.C. now jointly chair the WCI, now the largest climate collaborative in North America, representing approximately 80 per cent of Canada's population, 73 per cent of the Canadian economy and 20 per cent of the U.S. economy.

We are inviting sub-national governments across North America to participate in this initiative to reduce emissions at the lowest possible cost. To develop effective polices and share our experience, we are also partners in the International Carbon Action Partnership, which shares the same goal of reducing emissions across the globe by linking cap and trade systems.

Secondly, sub-national governments can create policy that provides clear direction to the private sector to reduce emissions while creating jobs. Tailpipe emission standards and low-carbon-fuel-content requirements will direct automobile manufacturers to apply innovative technology to new products.

Governments have the ability to legislate renewable portfolio standards to ensure new electricity comes from clean renewable sources as well as directing producers to reduce or eliminate net greenhouse gas emissions.

Such policies will encourage clean, renewable energy sources such as bioenergy, geothermal energy, tidal, run-of-river, solar and wind power.

They will encourage innovation in fuel-cell technology, clean hydropower and biomass. Each of those innovations creates jobs that can be long-term and stable -- given the right political environment that supports and promotes the low-carbon economy.

Sub-national governments need to be bold, innovative and show leadership that can drive national-level change. Successfully implementing these kinds of policies on a state or provincial level can spur adoption by national governments once they see the benefits on a smaller scale.

California tailpipe emission standards are a prime example of a sub-national policy that is now expected to be adopted nationwide both in Canada and the United States.

Finally, sub-national and local governments play a vital role in developing adaptation strategies. States and provinces that share a coastline are all responsible for ocean health and dealing with the impacts of climate change that we know are inevitable. British Columbia has formed the Pacific Coast Collaborative with other Pacific states to monitor, research and implement strategies to protect our shared Pacific Ocean. Subnational governments must use their research institutions to share science and new adaptation strategies that impact specific climates.

From protecting our forests from fires to securing our communities from increased seasonal flooding, it is incumbent on all governments to take immediate action that protects our water, our land and our people.

The outcome in Copenhagen does not dictate how all levels of government -- national and sub-national alike -- must respond to climate change. We have a moral responsibility to our citizens today and to future generations to enact laws that reduce emissions and protect our planet.

That responsibility cannot wait for national governments to agree to a global plan. It starts with us -- we can be the example that national governments follow. Let's do it.

Gordon Campbell is the premier of British Columbia

GLOBE-Net - http://www.globe-net.com/