| December 17, 2009 |  |
Sec. Clinton Announcement Injects Fresh Promise into Copenhagen Talks
Statement by Kevin Knobloch, president, Union of Concerned Scientists
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (December 17, 2009) — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today announced the United States would participate in a $100 billion annual fund by 2020 to help developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change, cut their own emissions, and protect tropical forests.
Below is a statement by Kevin Knobloch, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists:
"Secretary Clinton's announcement—to join an effort to raise money for an international fund—sends the strongest signal yet that the United States is willing to step up its commitment to getting a deal here at Copenhagen. This offer could help break the deadlock that we've seen in these talks over the last 10 days. Her announcement gives ministers something to work with.
"Countries have been urging the United States to put an emissions target on the table and contribute funds to help developing countries cope with climate change. The United States has now done both. President Obama is unfortunately constrained by pending legislation, which sets a short-term emissions target that is still too low, but at least it is a start. We also need more clarity on how much of the $100 billion Secretary Clinton called for would be from public financing as opposed to the private sector, what share of that public funding the United States would contribute, and where that money would come from.
"We support the United States putting public dollars on the table and money from the sale of emissions allowances from a cap-and-trade program. We also support President Obama's initiative at the G-20 summit in Pittsburgh in September to phase out fossil fuel subsidies by 2020. Funds freed up by eliminating these subsidies should be channeled to promoting clean energy technologies in developing countries and the United States.
"Secretary Clinton has improved the chances for success here in Copenhagen with her announcement today. President Obama must now come to Copenhagen prepared to work with other leaders to seal the deal."
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.
