Blame it on China? - The international politics of climate change

Ten years after Kyoto, this report highlights the difference between current emissions and historical emissions; the difference between emissions per country and emissions per person; the UK’s recent patchy history in reducing emissions; and the recent trend for the UK to ‘import’ emissions from countries such as China. The report suggests the need to understanding that different are based on different ways of looking at who is responsible, and that accommodating these differing perspectives is a critical part of the negotiations. Unless we acknowledge historical responsibility; the gaping inequality in emissions and consumption; the patchy record of industrialised countries in reducing emissions; the need to address the current emissions situation, and unless the fear of being ‘first to move’ is overcome, we face the frightening prospect of irreversible, climate change.