Reports from Copenhagen #3

Day 3 report from Gary:

Copenhagen UN Climate Conference report 3

Somewhat of a stalemate has developed in the last couple of days. Here’s the simplified version: Tuvalu, supported by other island states, least developed countries, and others moved to establish a process to consider some major issues (as has been done with other issues). Tuvalu, and other island states are being submerged by sea level rise due to climate change, and say they cannot compromise their very survival. They want a new protocol outside Kyoto to establish new binding requirements that would limit CO2 concentration to 350 ppm, and warming to 1.5 degrees C, and to speed up financial and other support from developed countries. This motion was opposed by China, the OPEC states, India, Brazil, and some others, who fear being subjected to strong binding emission reduction targets. The US and other industrialized countries took no position. The conference operates by consensus, so a country can block agreement on an issue. Behind the scenes negotiations are underway. We’ll have to stay tuned.

Meanwhile, the meetings are continuing to address other items on their agendas.

Rafael @www.climateatbay.net