Latest news going into the conference:
President Obama ups the ante and changes plans to attend conference on closing day, a move viewed by many as confirming a binding agreement may be within reach.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India makes his decision and commits to attend the conference.
The UK and 52 other Commonwealth Nations commit $10B for a “Fast Start” climate fund to support developing nations in dealing with climate change, while EU is preparing to make 53B Euro commitment.
Opening Day News:
192 nations including Iraq and Somalia are represented as 15,000 were in attendance in Copenhagen on opening day, while an additional 19,000 registered would-be attendees were turned away. Copenhagen declared a UN site and falls under UN security
“A deal is within our reach,” Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Danish Prime Minister in his conference opening speech
“The EU is ready to raise its commitments from 20 to 30 percent, but this would require others to bring something to the table.”, Andreas Carlgren, Swedish Minister for Environment and current EU President
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama of Japan (#5 emitter) recommits to that countries 2020 target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent from 1990 levels if all major emitters, such as China and the United States, agree with ambitious targets.
"The final stage is here with us. Rather than describing it in optimistic or pessimistic terms, we need to focus on the substantive work before us.“, YU QINGTAI, CHINA'S CLIMATE CHANGE AMBASSADOR
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) labels carbon dioxide along with five other greenhouse gases are a threat to public health. As such, the six substances can be subject to regulation under the U.S. Clean Air Act and gives President Obama the tool he needs in Copenhagen.
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1 hour ago
Prof McManus
ReplyDeleteThe biggest stumbling block that I see is finance. The deal will utlitmately hinge on how much developed world is willing to subsidize cost of alternative sources of technology by free technology transfer. Economic crisis may be the backdrop which may force many countries to shy away from bold initiatives. Please let me know your thoughts on this.
Thanks,
Subhrat
You are right Subhrat, that's definitely THE crucial point for an agreement to be reached.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, with regard to the individual committments of countries, I think the ball is now in US's field,. More specifically, everything is going to depend on how President Obama will be able to push his climate policy in the Senate: the US dropped out of Kyoto cause of Senate's rejection during the Clinton Administration; if the US doesn't get on board this time, we won't achieve much