For developing countries we can be flexible

First breakthrough in the negotiations on climate change. While discussions should resume in Bonn on June 1, the meeting of the representatives of the "major economies" in Paris last Monday and Tuesday has found that the Mexican proposal to create a green Global Fund contributions made by all countries of the world, except the poorest, has created a "substantial interest", says the final release. In diplomatic language, it means that nobody is more opposed to such an initiative.

In April 2009, the African countries were that this Fund was $ 267 billion per year. Beyond the question of figures that is not determined, this solution has the political advantage to ask everyone to contribute and encourage them to make efforts. In June, the Mexicans will host the next meeting of the forum of the largest issuers and should submit a formal proposal.

What is the Mexican proposal of a Global Green Fund

Our proposal based on the observation that it is unacceptable that some countries do all efforts to combat climate change and that others simply watch. President Calderon wanted to get out of this paralyzing dispute which is the most responsible who should start and go to more equitable, more liberal construction of what specialists call the common and differentiated each responsibilities. The concept is simple: each country has a role to play, everyone must contribute, but may discuss equitable contributions while playing on the variables gas emissions greenhouse (GHG), demographics and economy (GDP). In principle, developing countries will be able to withdraw the funds more than what they bring, and vice versa for countries developed. If a developed country must theoretically pay $ 100 million, it will pay for example that 40-60 million if it has already implemented a quantified emissions reduction plan, as did Europe with its climate package. If he is on the other hand, as the United States today still, no plan of this type, well, it will provide the maximum! He can always then to use the funds to finance its own device. In any event, the difference will be made available to developing countries.

How to weigh the different criteria for fixing the amount of the contributions

What matters is that the general principle is accepted, that the rich countries and developing countries play the same game and use exactly the same formula to contribute to the Fund, on an equal footing, but without a girl so their differences. And this, in a transparent multilateral governance. It is also an effective way to stimulate credible reduction projects, in particular in developing countries. Finally, it is the best way to mobilize sufficient resources in the long term.

How much does equip this Fund and that the monitor

The resources to significantly reduce emissions are much higher than those which are currently mobilized. Talking of 100 to 200 billion according to the calculations. It is not question to equip the Green Fund of such amounts, at least at the beginning. 10 billion a year would suffice, or even less, what counts is to grow. The control should be entrusted to the United Nations.

And if a country fails to discharge his contribution

For developed countries, there is no discussion, they must pay their contributions. For developing countries, we can be flexible. But beware, this has consequences: one which does not contribute will not help. Help guarantee the right of access.

How do you explain the success of your proposal

The States are attracted to different and sometimes contradictory reasons. The least developed, as the Pacific Islands, do contribute not or symbolically, it will be the only exception. Their emissions are negligible while, for many, the climate is a matter of survival. Other developing countries appreciate the idea receives more that they will be paid. The multilateral governance is also one of their aspirations. The United States are interested because they will be able to say to Congress: we managed to get a formula which is developing on the same plane as we.

Will carbon markets be used

A country or group of countries as Europeans could finance their participation in the Fund by selling carbon credits, because they do not want to depend on a decision of a Minister of finance that must be renewed each year.