We need to respond accordingly. Many developed countries are yet to come to terms politically with the size and projected growth of future developing country emissions. Yet commonsense tells us that there will be strong growth in emissions from countries such as China and India for decades to come. Developing countries clearly need a program of emission abatement that matches their growth and development needs. Australia alone cannot make much headway on the developing country issue.
Progress here requires major developed and developing countries to engage in constructive dialogue.
Experience tells us that only a constructive, rather than a confrontationist, approach will work in bringing developing countries on board as a part of the global effort. Properly constructed, the Clean Development Mechanism which will serve as a clearing house for emissions offset projects in developing countries could be an important means of securing low cost reductions throughout the world. This could provide real economic incentive to lead developing countries to more climate-friendly technologies. It is not a question of slowing their economic growth, but making it more environmentally sustainable, including through increased uptake of improved technology. Choices involving cleaner energy and sustainable resource use in investment decisions on new infrastructure could lead to less greenhouse intensive processes.