| December 16, 2009 |  |
Final Push Toward Interntional Deal Starts in Copenhagen
Statement by Alden Meyer, strategy and policy director, Union of Concerned Scientists
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (December 16, 2009) — The Copenhagen climate summit shifted into its final phase today, as negotiators prepared for the arrival of some 115 heads of state and government.Below is a statement by Alden Meyer, director of strategy and policy at the Union of Concerned Scientists:
“The Danish prime minister will put two draft decisions on the table today, one spelling out how Kyoto Protocol commitments would be extended beyond 2012, and another that would cover the United States, which is not part of the Kyoto agreement, and stronger actions by developing countries to limit their emissions. The proposals will include compromises to longstanding disagreements on key issues. Ministers will then have one day to whip those decisions into shape before the leaders take over tomorrow. This is the last shot at reaching an agreement in Copenhagen that includes a clear path to finalize legally binding decisions.
“Ministers and leaders are going to have to make tough decisions a range of issues: emissions reduction commitments by developed countries, actions by developing countries to limit their emissions, and funding to help developing countries deploy clean technologies, reduce deforestation, and adapt to the impacts of global warming. Leaders from the United States, Europe, Japan and other industrialized countries must go beyond a short-term financing package and indicate how they will mobilize substantial long-term resources for these purposes. That was the promise made by these countries in Bali, and they must start to deliver on it here in Copenhagen if there’s going to be a deal by Friday.
“Climate science sends a clear and urgent message: Political leaders must stop bickering and take strong action without further delay. As President Obama noted at the United Nations climate summit in September, ‘Our generation’s response to this challenge will be judged by history.’ Despite the procedural rollercoaster ride here this week, the Copenhagen climate summit can still meet this test—but only if President Obama and other leaders provide real leadership. People around the world deserve—and are expecting—nothing less.”
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
