About the Spring 2006 Conference

The Earth Institute at Columbia University, June 2006—The third meeting of the Global Roundtable on Climate Change convened on June 12 and 13 in Reykjavik, the site of a summit that helped end the Cold War, as well as home of the world's most advanced, low-carbon energy projects. Over the course of the two-day meeting, participants discussed in increasing detail how members of the business, political and scientific communities can increase public understanding of the dangers posed by human-induced climate change and at the same time present some possible future courses of action that avert the worst risks associated with emissions of greenhouse gases.

Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, President of Iceland, welcomed the assembled participants and held his country up as an example of how significant changes can be realized in a relatively short period. He recalled a time 60 years ago when visitors to Iceland would have been met not by the clean air and advanced energy technology of the present day, but by a vast cloud of coal smoke blanketing the capital of Reykjavik. "If it had been predicted half a century ago that my nation, which at that time was literally one of the poorest nations in Europe, could within that time become a leader in energy solutions for the world, it would have been considered an unrealistic dream," said Grímsson. "But if Iceland, which at that time was economically in the same position Asia, Africa and large parts of Latin America are today, can within a generation transform itself in this way, then it can be done elsewhere."

Over the following two days, participants heard scientific, political and business leaders address some of the most pressing issues related to climate change and the future of society. Among those who spoke were government ministers of India, Nicaragua and Papua New Guinea; leaders of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), who invited Roundtable participants to review sections of the upcoming Fourth Assessment Report due early next year; and experts on topics ranging from carbon sequestration to rainforest deforestation to affordable energy solutions for the poor.

Organized by The Earth Institute at Columbia University and supported by a grant from the Lenfest Foundation, the Roundtable meetings have three overarching goals. First, to assist development of a global consensus on a sensible course for public policy that steers between the simultaneous objectives of achieving economic development and growth while avoiding the serious dangers of human-induced climate change. Second, to identify and champion development of demonstration projects in different parts of the world that highlight innovative approaches to addressing climate change. And third, to help participating businesses understand and adjust to the reality of climate change in all its dimensions, from forecasting and adapting, to anticipating public policies, to navigating unprecedented stresses on the world’s economic and natural systems.

"The purpose of the Roundtable is not just to increase public understanding of the risks posed by climate change, but to present practical steps forward," said David Downie, director of the Roundtable. "By championing the most promising technological options, we can play a central role in helping bring them to fruition in a timely way and on a scale that will make a difference worldwide."

The meeting discussed a diverse set of potential demonstration projects that the Roundtable may eventually endorse as part of a broad portfolio of practical solutions that help meet the energy needs of a growing world population without contributing to increased greenhouse gas concentrations in the Earth's atmosphere. This included a carbon capture and storage pilot project in Iceland, solar-powered LED lighting solutions, incentives to avoid carbon emissions associated with deforestation, and strategies and infrastructure solutions promoting energy efficiency.

The meeting also continued work on a potential consensus statement that organizers hope the Roundtable will adopt at the next meeting in New York. The draft document circulated at the third meeting included a statement of consensus on the serious threat posed by human-induced climate change, a call for stronger public and corporate policies to address this threat, and sets of principles to help guide the creation and implementation of these policies. The entire text will continue to be reviewed and revised before the next meeting.

"The central issue before us is whether we can arrive at a consensus," said Downie. "I believe we can, and if we do it will be a very powerful statement around the world. People are demanding answers and to a large extent, the business community is moving ahead to find those answers."