Don't wait for Copenhagen: implications of the international climate change impasse for Australia and APEC

Stephen Howes, ANU Professor of Economics and key contributor to the Garnaut Climate Change Review, says an effective response to climate change requires a mix of unilateral and multilateral action - and individual countries must demonstrate good faith. Just as APEC has promoted unilateral trade liberalisation, it should encourage its member countries to compete with each other to reduce emissions and develop new technologies. Waiting for Copenhagen would do nothing to discourage free-riding countries