Japan’s proposed 7 percent cut from 1990 for the Copenhagen round of climate negotiations is little better than the U.S. one. And, like the U.S., Japan all of a sudden is decideing to use 2005, not 1990, as the benchmark year.
Meanwhile, various airlines are wary, at least of the International Air Transport Association pledge to cap emissions growth by 2020.
And, the Alphonse-and-Gaston routine between Washington and Beijing continues. Japan’s newly-found weak-kneed stance can’t help but give China yet another card to play.
But, not everybody is a slacker. Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt wants Eurozone carbon taxes. And, with Sweden taking the European Union’s rotating presidency for six months, starting in July, Reinfeldt may be in a position to push that. (Sweden started carbon taxes way back in 1991. And, with Saab, Volvo and steel-making, it had heavy industry to deal with.)
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