CIAO DATE: 7/04

A Climate Policy Framework
Balancing Policy and Politics

Abstract

The United States remains divided about the necessity of action on climate change, whether any action should be voluntary or mandatory, the depth and timing of needed cuts in emissions of greenhouse gases, and the structure of a national policy to reduce such emissions. This division has to date resulted in the absence of significant action at the national level. Nevertheless, many participants in the debate, whether supporters or opponents of mandatory action now, believe that such action will be taken sooner or later and that advance work to design effective policies is in the interest of all.

In this uncertain environment, the Aspen Institute, in collaboration with the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, invited a group of interested and knowledgeable people with diverse backgrounds and views on the issue to a three–day dialogue in November 2003 at the Institute’s Wye River Conference Center in Maryland. The focus was not on whether mandatory action should be taken, but rather on what policies would be preferable if Congress were to decide such action is necessary.

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