Correspondence continues on C&C and SP

I have again written again to the Government re Contraction and Convergence and Simultaneous Policy - See my blog item 10th May for the Government's most response to my original email and 20th April for more background.

It is perhaps encouraging that the Government are beginning to show a rudimentary grasp of C&C - they even see "certain aspects as ...appealing" - however they do not yet seem to have grasped Simultaneous Policy or at least they didn't answer my question on it. Here is my email sent today:

I welcome your comments that Contraction and Convergence (C&C) has appealing aspects however I do not consider that you have answered my specific question relating to Simultaneous Policy (SP). To me this is key to the whole process.

There is no shortage of sensible solutions to our global problems, but we lack an effective means to cooperatively implement them everywhere, simultaneously. It is clear that individual nations cannot tackle the challenge of global problems alone or even in limited alliances or unions. Other nations, alliances or unions would still be free to ignore or exploit problems like climate change to gain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace. SP allows us to commit our nations to implement global solutions simultaneously. With SP, no nation, alliance, or corporation need go it alone; no one loses out, and everyone wins. To use this in conjunction with C&C seems a win-win situation and in line with all that the Government is saying about seeking a fair system.

You note that it would be premature to commit to a particular framework so what stage would the Government be prepared to join a Simultaneous Policy for Contraction and Convergence process if it were to be initiated by some other country?

As a final point I note that the Brazilian proposal would seem to be the only tabled alternative to C&C - but in that it would probably mean a 99% cut in UK emissions, while C&C would only mean a 90% cut or so. I do not understand why the Brazilian idea is appealing? C&C is a fair way that has gathered much international support.

I look forward to hearing from you again. All the best - Philip

John Bunzl from Simultaneous Policy emailed me to thank me for the first letter to Defra - he notes there are now 23 UK MPs officially signed up to the Pledge to implement Simpol alongside other governments. Let us hope we will break into the media's consciousness in the run-up to the next general election and that this will give added impetus to both C&C and Simpol.

Meanwhile Aubrey Meyer, the originator of C&C noted in an email to me "nothing worthwhile in life comes easy" - indeed - he also shared the news that he had just given evidence to ICE [Civil Engineers] and their six inquisitors included Elliott Morley. Things are moving forward....but where is the urgency.... James Lovelock had a grim piece earlier this month in the Sunday Times.