The Federation of German Industries (BDI) hosted a high-level conference on 17 November to restate its expectations for the Copenhagen summit.  At the meeting it launched the 'Berlin Appeal' climate initiative which calls on the German Government to push for a fair and global deal in Copenhagen. The statement is set out below:  

 

1.    Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today. German industry appeals to the international community to conclude a global, effective and fair Agreement at the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. The priority must be to involve all emitters – only then can global climate protection be effectively achieved.

 

2.    Ambitious short, medium and long-term reduction targets for all major emitters are essential for ecologically effective and economically efficient measures to combat climate change. A global carbon market forms the basis for a fair distribution of the burdens of combating climate change without competition being distorted. A global carbon market will ensure that investments are primarily made in those areas where the capital investment can achieve the greatest benefit for the climate. In the short term, absolute and comparable reduction targets should be agreed for industrial nations and suitable emission ceilings for NICs. In the face of global competition, all sectors of industry require internationally comparable framework conditions with regard to the scope, quality and cost of reduction commitments ('level playing field').

 

3.    With its products and technologies, German industry can make a considerable contribution towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions: the BDI climate study of 2007 showed how emissions in Germany can be further lowered in an economically sensible way. With its ability to find solutions, German industry contributes significantly to a global increase in efficiency and a reduction in emissions in all sectors. Our competence and leading technological position stem from the unique structure of our industrial nation which is based on fair competitive conditions: valued-added chains from the production of basic materials to the end product enable economic and ecological advantages. SMEs and major companies, public and private research establishments are closely interlinked.

 

4.    Only a massive increase in worldwide investments in climate-friendly technologies can ensure that ambitious climate targets are actually achieved. The facilitation of cooperation with enterprises in NICs and developing countries, a greater area of application for the flexible mechanisms JI and CDM, fair conditions for the financing of investments and an improvement in investment security can also make a considerable contribution towards promoting the global use of climate-friendly technologies. Globally optimised framework conditions offer great opportunities for German companies in particular.

 

5.    Effective protection of intellectual property is the basis for successful technological cooperation. Effective protective mechanisms strengthen companies’ openness and willingness to cooperate. The prerequisites for investment and technological cooperation include open markets and reliable framework conditions for fair competition which are in conformity with WTO rules. Any form of compulsory mechanism is therefore to be rejected.

 

6.    Germany must strengthen its innovative force in order to exploit the worldwide potential of climate protection. All support for new climate technologies must be open to technologies and materials. Leading markets at home and abroad must be developed in a targeted way to accelerate the development and market readiness of German technologies and to open up future export markets. Combating climate change can thus make a contribution to economic development in Germany – for more growth and employment.

 

Related links

BDI - The Voice of German Industry