The next meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) is at the end of November. Convened annually since 1995, under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), it monitors results and approves globally binding climate action. The guiding principle is of “common but differentiated responsibilities”, recognising that differing fiscal capacity merits differentiated responsibility. Developed economies must (a) vacate sufficient space in the global carbon envelope to create room for developing economies; (b) subsidise green technology to contain the increase in carbon emissions as developing economies grow and (c) provide finance for abating climate change impact. Science informs that…