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Global Climate Change Digest
A Guide to Information on Greenhouse Gases and Ozone Depletion
Published July 1988 through June 1999

FROM VOLUME 10, NUMBER 9, SEPTEMBER 1997

PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS...
CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY

Item #d97sep1

"Verifying Compliance with an Unmonitorable Climate Convention," S. Subak (CSERGE, Univ. E. Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK),Intl. Environ. Affairs, 9(2), 148-168, Spring 1997.

Current arrangements for setting targets and reporting the status of individual countries under the Climate Convention ignore several intractable technical problems. The accuracy of baseline emission estimates is essentially unverifiable, as is reported progress toward controlling emissions. These problems are unlikely to be solved by some of the proposed solutions. Recommends specific measures for monitoring and reporting that could be effective.

Item #d97sep2

"A Comparative Analysis of the Decision-Making Processes of Developed Countries Toward CO₂ Emissions Reduction Targets," Y. Kawashima (Natl. Inst. Environ. Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305, Japan), Intl. Environ. Affairs, 9(2), 95-126, Spring 1997.

Analyzes results of an interview survey conducted in five developed countries, that was intended to identify and compare the factors that influenced the setting of targets in negotiations. The most critical factor is domestic politics (the strong will of political leaders, and the public awareness that supports such leaders), followed by economic concerns. To facilitate consensus building in future negotiations, recommends keeping the public and political leaders aware of the climate change problem; maintaining good communication among countries; and demonstrating that energy efficiency and renewable energy pay in the long run.

Item #d97sep3

"Strategies to Enforce Compliance with an International CO₂ Treaty," J. Heister (Kiel Inst. of World Econ., Kiel, Ger.), E. Mohr et al., Intl. Environ. Affairs, 9(1), 22-53, Winter 1997.

Instruments for deterring noncompliance, rectifying treaty breaches, and dealing with "free riders" are essential components of an effective climate treaty. This article studies economic and other instruments in the light of international law, including financial transfers to developing countries, economic sanctions to increase treaty compliance, and flexibility in meeting commitments.