Climate deal sealed by US U-turn
by Staff
FILED IN: Climate Change · The Biofiles
Delegates at the UN summit in Bali have agreed a deal on curbing climate change after days of bitter wrangling.
Agreement was reached after a U-turn from the US, which had wanted firmer commitments from developing countries.
Earlier, the EU and US agreed that industrialised countries would not set firm emissions targets at this stage.
The “Bali roadmap” initiates a two-year process of negotiations designed to agree a new set of emissions targets to replace those in the Kyoto Protocol.
“I think we have come a long way here,” said Paula Dobriansky, head of the US delegation.
“In this, the United States is very committed to this effort and just wants to really ensure we all act together.”
The US acceptance came just minutes after it had signalled it would reject the compromise, a statement that drew boos from delegates in the conference hall. The EU had earlier thrashed out the compromise text with developing countries including China.
They had complained that language on reducing their emissions was too strong, and would commit them to measures that could retard their economic development.
They also wanted the West to pledge more action on transferring clean technology to developing societies.
Observers spoke of emotional scenes in the conference hall - the UN’s top climate official Yvo de Boer in tears after being accused by China of procedural irregularities, and cheers and hugs when the US indicated its acceptance.
“This is a real breakthrough, a real opportunity for the international community to successfully fight climate change,” said Indonesian Environment Minister Rachmat Witoelar, who served as conference president.
“Parties have recognised the urgency of action on climate change and have now provided the political response to what scientists have been telling us is needed.”
Talks have been intense, and the meeting has run more than a day beyond its scheduled close, with several night-time sessions.
Continue reading: BBC News
SIMILAR ARTICLES
- Apec leaders reach climate deal Asia-Pacific leaders meeting in Sydney have agreed an “aspirational” goal to restrain the rise of greenhouse gas emissions to tackle climate change. China and the US...
- Indonesia: “Want Us to Save Our Forests? Pay Us.” The Indonesian government is recruiting other developing nations in an attempt to pressure richer governments to provide incentives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Some see...
- Deal on ozone and climate relief Nearly 200 governments have agreed a faster timetable for phasing out chemicals that deplete the ozone layer and contribute to global warming. The schedule for eliminating...
- Goodbye from the
world’s biggest polluter George Bush surprised world leaders with a joke about his poor record on the environment as he left the G8 summit in Japan. The American... - Steering away from ‘climate porn’ Alarmist language used to discuss the threat of global warming is tantamount to “climate porn”, offering a thrilling spectacle but ultimately distancing the public from...
- Brazil’s president defends biofuels Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has rejected allegations that biofuels are responsible for the recent rise in global food prices. He said food...
CURRENT ISSUE
Issue 29 of Biophile is going electronic and will be available soon. It will also be available to our international readers. Stay tuned or contact us for more details! find out more
EDITORIAL
I was just checking the website of the SEXPO which has just visited SA, this is what the Cape Town site says. . . . “The world’s largest Health, Sexuality and Lifestyle expo is coming back to Slaapstad and it’s bigger and sexier than ever! continue reading
ABOUT BIOPHILE
Biophile magazine is published every two months by Biophile cc. The magazine is edited by Chris Lautenbach, while subscriptions and advertising are managed by Lindsay Mitchell.
The telephone number is 076 9055 004 and you can send faxes to 086 514 9668.
ECOTELLY
Visit Ecotelly.com for more videos
AWARD
Biophile recently received recognition for its contribution to the print & internet category at the 20th SAB Environmentalist & Environmental Journalists of the year Awards. Congratulations to a dedicated team!
SPONSOR
RECENT COMMENTS