Meanwhile, the third conference of parties (COP-3) to the UN Framework
Convention on Climate Change was abuzz over
the release of a new draft Kyoto Protocol, which if approved would
establish varied targets for greenhouse gas emission
cuts for different developed countries.
Delegates from various factions were meeting to discuss their responses
to the new draft text as The Nation went to press last night.
Also yesterday, the US put forward its own proposal that called for
''real reductions'' below those in its previous proposal, but
the US chief negotiator still called for a ''comprehensive package''
that would include ''meaningful participation from key
developing countries''.
After expressing optimism on Monday that a compromise could be reached
on this issue, Ministry of Science permanent
secretary Kasem Snidvongs was more sanguine yesterday.
''We have another problem today,'' he said. ''The chairman is writing
his own draft text because the EU and America can't
agree on reduction targets.''
When the text finally emerged, it included Article 10 -- which
developing countries want to see deleted because it calls for
voluntary greenhouse gas (GHG) emission limits for developing countries
-- but did not specify a time frame for joining. This
follows the outline of a compromise which has been mooted, but it
remains unclear whether all the parties on both sides will accept it.
The draft also set differentiated GHG emission targets -- as a
percentage of 1990 levels -- for developed countries to meet
between the years 2006 and 2010: The US would be allowed to emit 95
per
cent of 1990 levels; the EU countries 92 per
cent; Japan 95.5 per cent; and Australia 105 per cent.
Thailand's official statement to COP-3 was delivered yesterday by Deputy
Science Minister Porntep Techapaibul, who
stated that Thailand would only agree to a protocol ''which stipulates
no additional commitments be imposed upon
developing countries''.
The statement also included a unique and rather bold proposal to
distinguish between different types of developing countries.
''The vast disparities amongst developing countries, specifically
regarding levels of greenhouse gas emissions and industrial
development must also be acknowledged,'' Porntep stated.
''An approach that classifies developing nations into least-developed
countries, countries with middle income and upper
income levels, should be adopted to enable the application of
differentiated policies and measures for the prevention of
global warming that corresponds to a developing country's capabilities
and national circumstances.
''In addition, a pragmatic time-frame for commitments should be adopted
that is appropriate to each level.''
Kasem said a differentiated policy made sense, but admitted that he
wasn't sure whether other countries would go along with it.
Some NGO sources expressed concern that US President Bill Clinton may
have tried to pressure Thai and other Southeast
Asian leaders to accept a compromise on climate change at the recent
Apec summit in Vancouver. However, Porntep said
that Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai gave him no specific instructions
for
Thailand's stance at Kyoto.
''The PM simply said he was pessimistic about whether an agreement could
be reached here,'' Porntep said.
One NGO source also speculated whether Japan, whose banks hold many
outstanding loans to Thailand, could also be
applying similar pressure. Kasem said that while Japan had urged
Thailand to try and lead developing countries into
accepting some limits on greenhouse gas emissions, it continued to
stand
by the G-77 position of refusing new commitments.
Thailand's statement to COP-3 also outlined its current ''no-regret''
policies which help to prevent climate change along with
providing other economic and environmental benefits.
These include ''the introduction of a US$500 million Energy Conservation
Fund, the adoption and implementation of a
five-year demand-side management plan by the Electricity Generating
Authority of Thailand, [and] the implementation of the
first phase of the mass transit system in Bangkok''.
In an interview with The Nation , however, Kasem and Porntep outlined
some areas where Thailand's policies could be
improved to help both the economy and the environment.
''One problem that still exists is energy pricing,'' Kasem said.
''Thailand still subsidises LPG and diesel fuel. This policy was
made a long time ago without considering the consequences on the
environment. But now we should review it.''
''I agree,'' Porntep said. ''When we use fuel, we should understand
the
full consequences.'' But the deputy minister also
noted that the current government intends to continue supporting the
price of LPG, which is widely used for cooking, for at
least the next three months.
''Thailand should also strive to install new, renewable sources of
energy,'' Kasem added. ''There are limitations, but it can be
used in remote rural areas'' where it would be expensive to extend
the
national electricity grid.