Climate Action Network (CAN)

CAN's work is based on a 3-track system infused with the principle of historical responsibility: industrialised countries, because they have contributed the majority of greenhouse gases that are now causing climate change and have benefited most from their exploitation of this global public good, have the obligation to act first to reduce their emissions. The system also operates on the equity principle, which posits that all countries have equal access to atmospheric commons, including future generations, and that developing countries must be given the opportunity to industrialise. The 3-track system includes:

1. The Kyoto track utilises the legally binding instruments of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol (the international plan to reduce climate change pollution) to drive greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The Kyoto Protocol contains mandatory provisions for the reduction of greenhouse gases by Annex I (industrialised) countries. CAN contends that the Kyoto track will spur "the rapid development of sustainable technologies by industrialized countries, which will then be transferred to developing countries..."
2. The "greening" (decarbonisation) track involves the rapid introduction of clean, sustainable technologies to developing countries in order that they may reduce their current emissions and follow a low carbon path to development. This track applies to all developing countries except the least developed countries (LDCs), whose emissions are negligible.
3. The adaptation track is designed to assist the most vulnerable counties (small island states and LDCs) in anticipating and limiting the unavoidable effects of climate change. According to CAN, industrialised countries bear the responsibility of providing assistance to these countries and, in the case that some consequences of climate change cannot be mitigated, the responsibility of compensation.

The key information and connection space for CAN members who are pursuing one or more of these 3 tracks is the CAN website. Details about climate change advocacy initiatives, such as the Kyoto Protocol and the UNFCCC, are included here - with position statements from CAN.

CAN has engaged in its own advocacy efforts. For instance, during the December 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Copenhagen, Denmark, CAN held a theatrical, ironic presentation of "the Fossil of the Day Award". This mock award was given daily to the country or countries that campaigners feel are doing the most to obstruct progress in the global climate talks. As part of the presentation, CAN personnel, dressed in tuxedo, dinner gown, and a mermaid suit, were accompanied by music and then fake acceptance speeches. (A video may be viewed below).

Environment.