CLIMATE CHANGE : SIX MONTHS TO GET READY FOR POST-DOHA PERIOD.

"Assimilating" Doha is how Climate Action Commissioner Connie Hedegaard described, after the Environment Council on 17 December 2012, the next phase of the European Commission's climate policy work. Its efforts are expected to culminate in spring 2013 with the presentation of a communication proposing guidelines for the European Union's climate policy to 2030. In the meantime, the Irish EU Presidency, the Commission and member states will attempt to stabilise the carbon market and, in keeping with their commitment, prepare to implement the second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol.

The Irish Presidency has a lot of work ahead. Among the many tough issues to be handled, the most difficult will be to stabilise the carbon market. Dublin will have to deal with Poland's opposition to the freeze on allowances (postponement of sale) proposed by the Commission as a way of raising the price of carbon and will aim to work...