Re-evaluation of the Netherlands long-term climate targets

The ultimate objective of the Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC) is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations at levels that prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Climate change scientists are unable to define what would be an acceptable level and time-frame for stabilizing global concentrations of greenhouse gases. This is because defining acceptable and unacceptable risks of climate change and climate change policies is essentially a political issue.

It can best be resolved through informed discussion and dialogue amongst policy makers, the private sector, public interest groups and other stakeholders, and scientists. In this way, they can arrive at a common understanding of the stakes and risks involved, and openly evaluate their own positions and the positions of others with the intent of seeking agreements upon values, interests and strategies to operationalise the ultimate objective of the Climate Convention. These agreements can then form a basis for progress in future interactions.

The Helping Operationalise article Two (HOT) project brings together policy makers, stakeholders and scientists from various regions of the world for regional and global dialogue on issues such as: acceptable and unacceptable climate change impacts; feasible and effective strategies for limiting global greenhouse gas emissions;equitable distribution of emission control and adaptation costs.

HOT will also help in linking the participants’ long term perspectives on effective and equitable policy options to medium term climate policy development, and will strive to increase mutual understanding of and respect for differences in positions, while aiming to find common ground for policy action.

To the brochure (Vrij Universiteit Amsterdam)