Reegen has signed the Copenhagen Communique on climate change which calls for an ambitious, robust and equitable global deal on climate change that responds credibly to the scale and urgency of the crises facing the world today.

Earlier this year, the world’s twenty largest economies (G20) came together and agreed an unprecedented, coordinated response to the global economic downturn. At the London Summit, the leaders of the G20 pledged to do “whatever is necessary” to restore confidence and growth to the economic system.

World leaders now need to demonstrate the same level of coordination and resolve to address climate change.

Economic development will not be sustained in the longer term unless the climate is stabilised. It is critical that we exit this recession in a way that lays the foundation for low-carbon growth and avoids locking us into a high-carbon future.

The Copenhagen Communiqué is a comprehensive international framework that will facilitate a coordinated response to climate change through the following recommended actions:

• The agreement must establish a global emissions cap and long-term reduction pathway for all greenhouse gas emissions and sources, for the period 2013 to 2050 with interim targets.

• Developed countries need to take on immediate and deep emission reduction commitments that are much higher than the global average, and which are backed up with credible strategies to de-carbonise their economies.

• Developing countries will need to play their part by drawing up their own emission reduction plans in line with their common but differentiated responsibilities and capabilities.

The CLG is also behind the Bali and Poznan Communiqués that have both played an important role in moving international climate negotiations forward.

The CLG’s goal for the Copenhagen Communiqué on Climate Change is to have pledges from more than 500 businesses representing no less than the 20 largest economies in the world. This will help establish a strong and effective framework for future international climate efforts.