Submitted by: FDP (Germany), German Group of LI (DGLI)

Observing that

• Since the industrial revolution, humanity has caused the emission of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases warming the Earth, changing weather patterns, threatening agriculture, biodiversity and material assets,
• In Science it is clear that, in order to preserve a climate conducive to economical success and global living conditions, human activity as a whole must limit and eventually cease its net emissions of such greenhouse gases,
• The European Union has already led the way with a market-friendly and efficient solution by regulating companies’ greenhouse gas emissions through the choice of purchasing or selling so-called “ETS certificates”,
• Large sectors, such as agriculture, heating of buildings, transportation of people and goods, air travel and air freight are currently exempt from this ETS Regime, must be included urgently,
• Many countries are not on track to fulfil their obligations deriving from the Paris Climate Agreement.

Considering that

• We want to promote policies to keep global warming well below 1.5 °C as pledged in the Paris Climate Agreement and in accordance with the IPCC-special report
• As human beings, we want to ensure that the coming generations have the same opportunities that we enjoy. We take a clear stance to preserve a climate that can support civilization as we know it,
• As Liberal International, we want individuals to thrive in order to create wealth and happiness productively, as we are targeting a level playing field for all global population and businesses to compete, providing the best products and services at the lowest cost,
• Trusting in science, we do not intend to advance specific technologies but to create a level playing field for all innovations and technologies that help to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Believing that

• Any regulation should be simple, understandable and fair,
• The Paris signees must establish substantial control institutions with a mandate to promptly impose fines and countermeasures on any companies, governments and other actors found at fault.

The Liberal International calls for the United Nations and all signees of the Paris Climate Agreement to

• Create an effective and executable global trading mechanism reducing greenhouse gas emissions, based on a concept similar to the EU. Such must also allow for creating CO₂ allowances when activities capture and store CO₂ and equivalents.
• Aim for an urgent and adequate implementation within the upcoming years, ensuring the goal of limiting human-caused global warming to well below 1.5 °C, compared to pre-industrialised levels.