The latest meeting of the Major Economies Forum (MEF) on Energy and Climate convened from 17-18 September 2009 in Washington D.C. The meeting took place at the level of leaders’ representatives.
The MEF was set up by US President Barack Obama early in 2009, and comprises of 17 major economies of the world including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, the European Union, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russian Federation, South Africa, the UK and the US. The meeting aimed to build on the progress that was made at the leaders’ meeting held in L’Aquila, Italy in July, and to explore concrete initiatives and ways of working through the issues necessary to reach a positive resolution of the UNFCCC negotiations leading to Copenhagen.

The Forum also seeks to advance the exploration of concrete initiatives and joint ventures on technology cooperation and the supply of clean energy.

On 17 September, participants exchanged views about the role of the MEF and how it can contribute to a successful outcome in Copenhagen. Adaptation was then discussed followed by a discussion of ways in which countries’ mitigation efforts might be reflected ultimately in an agreement. On 18 September there was a discussion of technology and technology cooperation. An extensive discussion of potential frameworks for measuring, reporting, and verifying efforts undertaken by countries as part of the agreement then ensued. There was also some further discussion of how the mitigation efforts themselves might be reflected in an agreement. The meeting concluded with an exchange about next steps towards a successful outcome in Copenhagen in December 2009.

During a special briefing via teleconference, Todd Stern the US Climate Change envoy noted that differences remain on critical issues but suggested that some “narrowing of differences” had occurred on adaptation, technology, the way mitigation actions are reflected and the nature of measurement, reporting and verification.
Links to further information
US State Department information, 14 September 2009
Transcript of special briefing, 18 September