Copenhagen Accord

The Copenhagen accord is an agreement formulated between the developed and developing countries for the reduction of emissions of carbon and other Greenhouse gases. The accord was signed by the United States on one side and by developing countries ( China, India, South Africa and Brazil) on the other side as the representatives of fast developing economies.

The accord was signed in December 2009 but is not in any way a legal successor of Kyoto protocol (Study previous article for this) nor legally binding on the agreed countries of the Kyoto protocol. However, it provides a platform for the reduction of emission of Greenhouse gases by including both the Developed countries and Developing countries in contrast to the Kyoto protocol which was only legally bound on the Developed countries with no heavy responsibilities on the developing countries.

This accord was the result of intense dialogue for two years which was launched with Bali Action plan. Though the whole process was hampered by constant divisions and setbacks yet at the last minute, the United States of America and leading developing countries had to agree on a loose accord which was never been a formal law implemented by United Nations Organization. When this accord was publicly announced, many of the developing countries having no representative in the dialogue, rejected it outright and some expressed serious reservations about it. Venezuela declared it a coup whereas Sudan called it as Holocaust for the developing nations that are why it never got a legally binding status.

Per the accord, the developed countries pledged to provide 100 Billion dollars to the developing and poor countries for reducing emissions in next two years and was estimated to increase to 300 Billion dollars per year to meet the requirements of developing countries by 2020.

There are total 192 state parties which are expected to follow the policies that have been mentioned in the accord but here we will talk in reference to Pakistan.

-Temperature Reduction Goal is based on the scientific view that global rise in temperature should be less than 2 degree Celsius to meet the evolution of life. It strictly focuses on the temperature below 2 degree Celsius and in a long-term to 1.5-degree centigrade. Pakistan is contributing only a minor emissions so Pakistan is not included in annex 1 countries that will strictly follow such implementation mechanisms and steps.

-Emission reduction implementation is bound for all the developed countries adding some major developing economies like China with relative fewer responsibilities. Developing countries will be added to this list based on certain factors while poor countries are listed involuntary category. Pakistan is not a major contributor to these gases and hence there is not a worrying clause of Pakistan.

-Finance, As mentioned above Developed countries have pledged a large sum of financial assistance but this accord is unique in a sense that this is not limited to only developed countries in terms of financial matters, developing countries have also committed to providing funds. Pakistan is a developing country with limited resources is expected to receive funds from other countries.

-Cross-border investment is another important part of this accord where the developed nations will invest in such projects that will lead towards energy alternatives and fewer carbon emissions. Pakistan will look towards developed countries for investment to build projects that would help in the reduction of emissions.

Transfer of Technology is another important clause which bound developed countries to transfer their technology to developing countries which will be used for the clean energy projects. Pakistan is expected to receive transfer of technology from developed countries especially Europe.

Overall this Accord is in benefit of Pakistan (being a developing country) with no strict bindings.However, the most important thing to note is that these steps are necessary to save  Human life on planet earth.