While the universally endorsed and widely ratified Paris Agreement of the UNFCCC aims to limit temperature increases to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, recent estimates indicate that countries' current added mitigation pledges only cover a third of the emissions reductions needed to achieve this goal.
To allow countries to scale up climate action at home without risking to see their efforts undermined by carbon leakage, some experts and policymakers are suggesting the introduction of border carbon adjustment measures.
While such measures have so far not been put to practice, the current climate urgency combined with the fact that the world’s largest economy and second largest emitter is now choosing to step aside has led John Odell, Professor Emeritus of International Relations with the University of Southern California, to revisit the border carbon adjustment topic.
At this talk, he will explain what a border carbon adjustment could look like if it is to be effective; compatible with the rules of the World Trade Organization; and sensitive to development considerations. These ideas are further elaborated in his recent think piece for ICTSD.
To attend the event, please register via the Graduate Institute at this link