The Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate Change (MEF), taking place in Washington, DC on 27-28 April, will bring together representatives from 17 major economies plus the UN Secretary General.
The goal of the Forum is to facilitate dialogue around key climate and energy issues and build the political leadership necessary to achieve a successful outcome at the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen in December 2009. The first meeting takes place at a pivotal moment for US domestic climate and energy policy as momentum is building towards the passage of mandatory climate legislation in Congress.
In a new briefing note, An effective, fair and robust global climate agreement: Considerations for US policymakers, E3G argues that the US can and must go further than the commitment by the Obama administration to return its emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.
The EU Climate and Energy Package commits Europe to reduce its emissions 20% below 1990 levels by 2020 and by 30% if other countries make comparable efforts. Developing countries are also taking significant steps to improve energy efficiency and control emissions. By raising its own level of ambition the US can revive its economy, bolster energy security and mobilise the global effort needed to prevent catastrophic climate change.
