Why should developing countries take action to reduce their emissions when they have not caused the climate problem?
The second track of CAN’s three track approach would require the more economically advanced developing countries to assume certain types of appropriate emissions reductions commitments. Although developed countries have been primarily responsible for the growth in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases since the Industrial Revolution, the projected growth in emissions comes mainly from rapidly industrializing countries. In order to stay below 2ºC, projections of emissions indicate that reducing emissions from such countries is essential. It is important to note, however, that CAN does not advocate that developing countries should take on the same absolute emissions caps that Annex I countries have under the Kyoto Protocol, as these are inappropriate for their levels of development. However, there is the potential in some of the more advanced developing economies for emissions reductions through other types of commitments post 2012 that reflect the principles of equity, historic
