On February 1st, the secretariat of the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (the “Convention”) announced the
pledges made by countries under the Copenhagen Accord (the
“Accord”). Developed country parties to the Accord pledged
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets to be achieved
by 2020. Most notably, developing country parties to the Accord
also pledged mitigation actions. By the January 31st deadline,
pledges had been provided by countries representing
approximately 80% of global GHG emissions. pledges made under
the Accord Adhering to legislation passed in its House of
Representatives, the U.S. pledged a 17% reduction from 2005
levels.1 Canada also pledged a 17% reduction from 2005 levels,
“to be aligned with the final economy-wide emissions target of
the United States in enacted legislation.”2 Like Canada, many
parties made pledges contingent on action by others. The
European Union, for example, pledged to reduce its emissions 20%
below 1990 levels, or by 30% should other part