Setting Thresholds for Country Participation: A New Approach to Developing Country Commitments in the Global Climate Change Regime

Abstract

This paper proposes a new framework for addressing the responsibility of developing countries to limit greenhouse gas emissions in the context of the international regime on climate change. Following the commitment of developed countries to greenhouse gas emissions limits under the 1997 Kyoto Proto­col, significant attention has focused on whether or not to establish similar commitments for developing countries. This paper argues that the conventional debate over setting specific emissions targets for developing countries should be replaced by a focus on determining the appropriate emissions thresh­olds for developing country action. The paper explores the application of similar thresholds in other international agree­ments, describes relevant proposals for determining develop­ing country responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions, and explores a series of interactive formulas for setting developing country thresholds. Finally, the paper proposes a three-part threshold standard that would provide for appropriate devel­oping country participation.