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The Guardian view on climate change: a global emergency

OPINION The consequences of catastrophic warming will be political and even military, not just environmental.

Dealing with climate change – regulations versus market methods

The market will work better at a global level. Usually each country sets its own regulations and so...

Dealing with climate change – regulations versus market methods

The European trading systems has run into problems, but this is mostly because politicians interfere...

Dealing with climate change – regulations versus market methods

Using the market will persuade people to choose greener ways of living which put less carbon into th...

Dealing with climate change – regulations versus market methods

In the past there was no cost for polluting the atmosphere because although everyone needs air, no o...

Dealing with climate change – regulations versus market methods

Market solutions can take advantage of the fact that it does not cost the same amount everywhere to ...

Dealing with climate change – regulations versus market methods

Market systems are easy to understand and run efficiently because everyone acts out of self-interest...

"Obligations"/"equality" distract from solving climate change

The idea that some countries are more responsible than others to cut emissions and fight global warming misses the point - global warming is a collective, global problem that can only be successfully combated if every country puts its wits and resources fully behind resolving the crisis. Developed and developing countries are equally responsible to resolve the crisis. Developing nations should swallow their legitimate frustrations with developed nations for causing global warming, and focus their attention on helping form a collective solution.

Developed states are doing everything they can on climate change

Developed countries typically are much more energy efficient than developing countries. This is an example of how they are already taking major steps to combat global warming; steps which developing countries are not taking. They have no further obligation beyond these steps.

States should contribute equally to combating climate change.

It is true that developed states will contribute more resources and money on absolute terms, simply because their wealth is greater. But, they have no obligation to contribute more money and resources as a percentage of GDP. This should be roughly equal across all states.