Climate change: A G8 Overview
Developing Visions Towards a Low Carbon Society ThroughSustainable Development – June 16 2006
David Warrilow
Head of Climate Change Science Policy
DEFRA, UK

WHY IS CLIMATE CHANGE AN ISSUE FOR THE G8?
• The G8 accounts for over 65% of global GDP and 47% of global CO2emissions.
• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – Article 3:“the developed country Parties should take the lead in combatingclimate change and the adverse effects thereof.”UK G8 PRESIDENCY – GLENEAGLES SUMMITOUTCOMES•G8 leaders agreed that climate change is happening now, that humanactivity is contributing to it, and that it could affect every part of the globe.
•They recognised that, globally, emissions must slow, peak and then decline,moving to a low-carbon economy.
•Gleneagles Dialogue on Climate Change, Clean Energy
And Sustainable Development.
•Gleneagles Plan of Action on Climate Change, Clean
Energy And Sustainable Development.

Gleneagles Dialogue on Climate Change, Clean Energy
And Sustainable Development• First meeting held 1st November 2005
• “We invite other interested countries… (G8+5 and others)• ”Transforming our energy systems … a more sustainable future• “Monitor implementation of… the Plan of Action• IEA and World Bank involvement

Gleneagles Dialogue Working Groups•Meetings in Mexico 7-9 June
•Preparations for Ministerial meeting in October•Not an alternative to official UNFCCC process•Facilitates discussion on aspects of combating climate change: Technology Transfer
 Market Mechanisms
 Adaptation

Gleneagles Plan of Action Climate Change, Clean
Energy And Sustainable Development• Using less energy• Cleaner sources of energy• Developing country interests• Adaptation and logging – sustainable development

International Energy Agency (IEA) Workplan•Advise participants in the Dialogue on alternative energy scenarios andstrategies to create a clean clever and competitive energy future.
•Identifying best practice for achieving energy efficiency.
•Additional pieces of work in key areas, including on energy efficiency andcleaner coal technologies.
•Extend and enhance technology collaborations that already exist – throughIEA Implementing Agreements.

World Bank Energy Investment Framework•A new framework for clean energy and development, including
investment and financing.
•Look for opportunities to use existing WB instruments more effectively.
•Work with the private sector and regional development banks to create
platforms to invest at scale in key lower carbon energy systems.

Energy Research and Innovation Workshop (WIRE).
Attended by G8 plus key emerging economies.
Objectives/Aims:•

to provide an opportunity to exchange information on research andinnovation planning, priorities, and organising research systems; and•to stimulate ideas to make the climate for energy research and innovation
more effective; and to encourage closer working; and•to identify specific areas of mutual interest where there is scope forenhanced research co-operation, and where initiatives for facilitating thiseither do not exist or could usefully be complemented.

2nd workshop to be hosted by Brazil this year

Forthcoming Key Events.
•July 15th-17th – G8 Summit, St. Petersburg•September (dates tbc) – Energy Research and Innovation Workshop(WIRE) Hosted by Brazil•October 3rd-4th – 2nd Gleneagles Dialogue on Climate Change,
Clean Energy and Sustainable Development – for energy andEnvironment Ministers•Future G8 Presidencies: Germany (2007), Japan (2008)