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Climate change adaptation and the transition to a low carbon society

10 June 2008

The national science academies of the G8 nations and Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa have signed a statement on climate change adaptation and the transition to a low carbon society. Adaptation is necessary if the worst impacts of climate change, now and in the future, are to be alleviated. Mitigation and adaptation can complement each other and if pursued together can significantly reduce the risks of climate change impacts.

The statement calls on world leaders, particularly those meeting at the G8 Summit in Toyako, Hokkaido, in July 2008 to:

  • To make maximum efforts to commit to halving global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
  • Agree, by 2009, a timetable, funding, and a coordinated plan for the construction of a significant number of Carbon Capture and Storage demonstration plants.
  • Prepare for the challenges and risks posed by climate change by improving predictive and adaptive capacities at global, national and local level and supporting the developing world in carrying out vulnerability analyses and addressing their findings.
  • Take appropriate economic and policy measures to accelerate transition to a low carbon society and to encourage and effect changes in individual and national behaviour.
  • Promote science and technology co-operation, innovation and leapfrogging, e.g., by transfer of some basic critical low-carbon and adaptation technologies.
    Urge governments to support research on greenhouse gas reduction technologies and climate change impacts.