As COP 17 comes to a close, European Union Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard blamed China and India for resisting the EU-designed “road map” designed to succeed the Kyoto Protocol which is set to expire in 2012.
Although support has grown for the EU plan, it may not be enough. African nations, 43 island states and 48 of the world’s least developed countries have said that they back the EU plan for binding targets by 2015. Even Canadian Environment Minister Peter Kent said Ottawa had forged a partnership with small island states
The EU roadmap calls for UN talks to agree on a mandate to negotiate by 2015, a new climate deal covering all major economies, in return for the bloc signing up to a second period of emissions cuts under the existing Kyoto treaty.
The EU wants action from other countries as the Kyoto Protocol, which was never ratified by the US and does not cover major economies such as China, accounts for just 15% of world greenhouse gas emissions.
US agreement is difficult due to opposition from Congress, which must ratify any treaty. Nonetheless, climate change envoy Todd Stern said Washington supports an EU roadmap to a new treaty. Stern told reporters. “The EU has called for a roadmap (to a future deal). We support that.” However, last night the US said it would not agree to talks for a legally binding deal.
© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.
Related Posts
Details of the Deal Reached at COP 17
Extended COP 17 Negotiations Yield Agreement
Hope Remains Despite Expectations of a Dissapointing Outcome at COP 17
China an Unlikely Hero at Cop 17
The Costs of Global Warming
A Binding Agreement on Climate Change is a Matter of Life and Death
Canada is a Pariah at COP 17
The Costs of Canada's Failure to Act on Climate Change
COP 17 a Premeditated Failure?
Protests Around the World Call for Climate Justice at COP 17
UN Chief Warns that the Future of the Planet is at Stake at COP 17
India is Leading Resistance to a Binding Treaty at COP 17
US Demands Emissions Reductions from China and India
Polluters Dominate the Agenda at COP 17 in Durban
Video: Special Envoy Stern Discusses COP 17
Video: One South African Asks Why Canada is Silent on Climate Change
Video: COP 17 & CMOP 7 Opening Remarks
Home
action on climate change
C17
climate change
climate justice
Conference of the Parties
COP 17
COP17
Durban
emissions
GHG
Global Warming
greenhouse gases
U.N.
UN
UNFCCC
United Nations
Who is to Blame for Difficulties at COP 17?
- Blogger Comment
- Facebook Comment
Subscribe to:
Post Comments
(
Atom
)
0 comments:
Post a Comment