A cost analysis of the Copenhagen emission reduction pledges

As part of the Copenhagen Accord, countries have submitted emission reduction pledges for 2020. Using a long term optimisation model (TIAM-FR), we evaluate the implications of these submissions for emission reductions, carbon prices and total cost of the energy system. Our study finds that the pledges are not sufficient to meet the global recommended 2-2.4°C objective. Furthermore, reaching the overall 2°-2.4C objective would involve significant costs for China and India that explains the difficulty of international negotiations.