The Brazilian Proposal evaluated

Abstract

Last year, during the negotiations on the Kyoto protocol Brazil made a proposal for allocating the burden of emission reductions among the Annex-1 countries. They suggested using their relative contribution to the actual warming of the atmosphere as a key for burden sharing. The proposal was combined with the idea to set up a Clean Development Fund, to be financed by penalties from developed countries that violate their commitments. These funds would than be distributed to developing countries for the transfer of clean technologies, also based on their relative contribution to global warming. In the final stages of negotiation the latter idea was converted into what is now known as the Clean Development Mechanism.

The concept for burden sharing was not adopted, but it was considered interesting for further study. Many developing countries like the concept because it accounts for historical emissions. At the same time, others think it could provide a basis for translating the concept of "common but differentiated responsibilities" in the Climate Convention into differentiated commitments for both developed and developing countries. It was therefore decided to refer the proposal to the Subsidiary Body on Scientific and Technical Advice (SBSTA) to look into the scientific and methodological aspects.