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Joint Statement on Clean Energy and Sustainable Development

APEC Energy Ministers met in San Diego, California on May 12, 2000, to continue cooperative efforts aimed at creating an energy infrastructure for the region that meets their economic, social and environmental goals of the 21st century.
Purpose
This statement reaffirms a commitment to the environmentally responsible development and clean use of energy and recognizes that quality of life benefits flow from the availability of clean, affordable energy.
This statement highlights steps taken and planned to reduce the environmental impact of energy development and use and recognizes integration with goals for economic growth and energy security.
This statement recognizes that the efficient and environmentally responsible development and clean use of energy aids in limiting or reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in particular carbon dioxide.
This statement is a response to the directive of APEC Economic Leaders to translate vision into action and to deliver on commitments.
This statement is cognizant of the APEC Economic Leaders? directive to implement the Framework for the Integration of Women in APEC.
Background
Energy Ministers have recognized in three previous meetings that the forecasted growth in energy supply and use will place considerable pressure on the local, regional and global environment. They have agreed that the application of economically sound measures to minimize the adverse environmental impacts of energy production and use is essential to protect the well being of both present and future generations.
Energy Ministers have recognized forecasts showing that fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and oil) will continue to play a dominant role in the region and that their development and use poses a particular challenge to sustainable development.
Energy Ministers have recognized that there are a wide range of measures available to address the environmental challenge, including improving the efficiency with which energy is produced and used, using techniques and practices that reduce emissions, and switching to more environmentally benign energy sources, including renewable energies. They also recognize the significant role and potential contribution of women in meeting the environmental challenge including the promotion of energy efficiency.
Energy Ministers have agreed to cooperate extensively in research and development, technology adaptation and uptake, and programs related to energy efficiency, cleaner fuels and renewable and alternative sources of energy.
Energy Ministers have recognized the importance of accelerating action to deal with global emissions of greenhouse gases and noted that mechanisms to address this issue are being discussed within the context of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. To reduce the growth of greenhouse gas emissions, based on the principle of shared but differentiated responsibilities and also considering the different stages of development of member economies, Ministers have recognized the importance of improving energy efficiency, increasing the use of low or non-carbon emitting energy systems, intensifying efforts to attract private investment in advanced energy technologies, and promoting regional cooperation to develop and deploy clean energy technologies.
Implementation and Progress
Energy Ministers acknowledged and reconfirmed previous commitments and initiatives, including:
  • Fourteen non-binding energy policy principles that are consistent with economic efficiency and environmental impact mitigation;
  • A voluntary pledge and review program aimed at improving efficiencies in the production, delivery and use of energy;
  • A work program on Environmentally Sound Energy Infrastructure in APEC to promote good practice in environmental policy implementation and to reduce investor risk;
  • A Natural Gas Initiative identifying principles and best practices for reducing investor risk and mobilizing private investment;
  • Establishment of a web-based Standards Notification Procedure to create transparency of action in the development and use of energy performance test procedures and help slow the further proliferation of differing test procedures, with their associated costs to business, as economies introduce new energy efficiency programs using such procedures;
  • Recognition that a partnership with the private sector is needed to achieve goals.
  • Energy Ministers also acknowledged and endorsed the broad range of cooperative activities undertaken by the Energy Working Group, including:
  • Research by the Asia Pacific Energy Research Center on efficient and environmentally sound energy development and use and practices;
  • Active work programs through Expert Groups.

Future Goals and Strategies

Ministers recognized that to succeed in making sustainable energy development and use a reality for the 21st century, continued and vigorous efforts are needed to remove remaining impediments to energy trade and investment, to promote projects to address local, regional and global environmental concerns, and to further increase opportunities for the private sector and to implement the Framework for the Integration of Women in APEC.

Toward these ends, Energy Ministers expressed a renewed and strengthened commitment to further integrate their energy, economic and environmental goals.

Energy Ministers reconfirmed the value of joint efforts to develop adequate, environmentally responsible and secure energy supplies, enhance overall environmental protection on local, regional and global levels and improve the quality of life of individuals through sustainable economic development in their economies.

In order to promote the clean development and use of energy, Energy Ministers reconfirmed the need for policies that advance research, development and deployment of energy efficiency, renewable energy and other clean energy technologies, and encouraged energy suppliers to deliver energy efficiency services and renewable energy based electricity.

Energy Ministers recognized that sustainable energy development policies are integral elements of any strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In the context of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, all parties to that Convention have committed to addressing the problem of climate change and its adverse effects. The Ministers also recognized that the developed economies have committed to take the lead in modifying long-term trends in reducing anthropogenic emissions. Ministers reiterated their commitment to the implementation of sustainable energy development policies and to take concrete steps to establish policies and programs that will enhance investments and cooperation in the development and use of clean and efficient energy technologies. Moreover, the Ministers recognized the value of market-based forces and government guidance, and that member economies may adopt new measures in order to take full advantage of the market-based mechanisms and technical cooperation that are being negotiated within the framework convention.