ICC has welcomed progress negotiated at the G8 Summit last week in Heiligendamm, Germany addressing the challenge of climate change.

ICC commends the G8’s recognition of the role of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and of its upcoming round of negotiations in Indonesia at the end of 2007. The ICC Commission on Environment and Energy has, on several occasions, voiced its belief that the UNFCCC provides an appropriate framework in which countries across the world can cooperate to develop future global measures to address climate change.

“The UNFCCC's crucial task now should be to build an effective, long-term framework to address climate change,” said ICC Commission on Environment and Energy Chair Laurent Corbier. “Because that framework must consider greenhouse gas emissions, efforts to address climate change will inevitably affect economies, competitiveness, development pathways and lifestyles as well as the environment.”

Mr Corbier concluded: “With such potential for far-reaching, broad and fundamental consequences, the international community must find effective ways to proceed that include all countries and regions, and make use of all energy options.”

ICC members recognize the necessity of cooperative international action and —through ICC’s Environment and Energy Commission — stand ready to engage in the crucial international discussions that will lead to the development of a cooperative, long-term approach to address climate change in accordance with the UNFCCC process.