Because of inequalities in historical and per capita emissions, many believe that industrialized countries should make and keep the first round of commitments under the Kyoto Protocol before asking developing countries to do more. Eventually, however, effectively addressing climate change will eventually require a global effort that includes all major emitting countries, since the bulk of future emissions are likely to originate from rapidly growing developing countries. Thus, the timing, extent and nature of more formal developing country participation in the efforts to reduce global emissions is a highly controversial issue. A first step toward a more comprehensive approach to reducing future emissions in developing countries could be the use of more appropriate indicators that better address the real climate challenge now facing developing countries-reducing the greenhouse gas intensity of economic growth. Carbon emissions are from fossil fuel burning, cement manufacture and gas flaring only.
Carbon intensity is a function of a country's economic structure, fuel mix, and energy efficiencies.
Over time, carbon intensity indicators show how well countries are decoupling economic growth and emissions growth, two variables that historically are closely correlated. Some developing countries, such as China and Argentina, have already succeeded in lowering carbon intensity by improving energy efficiency, shifting economic activity to lower emitting sectors, and using lower carbon fuels like natural gas or renewable energy. Prepared for the OECD Climate Forum. Trends and Baselines.