Talks in Copenhagen Continue as Draft Climate Plan is Released

On December 7, delegates from over 190 nations met in Copenhagen to begin talks on a new global treaty to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Among the key issues being discussed are emissions reductions targets for both developed and developing countries, the level and means of financing a clean energy transition for poor nations, and strategies for reducing deforestation. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon noted that he has been active in discussions with several key leaders as negotiations have begun. "I have been very consciously engaging with developing countries," he said. "Even if there have been some trust issues, we have been bridging this gap as much as we can. This is what I am going to continue to do."

On December 11, members of the Ad-hoc Working Group on Long-Term Cooperative Action released a draft text just over six pages long. It stipulates that the world should seek to keep global temperatures from rising beyond a range of 2.7–3.6°F above pre-industrial levels. The text also offers a range of possible emissions reductions targets for developed countries by 2020 compared to 1990 levels: by a range of 25 to 40 percent; by 30 percent; by 40 percent; or by 45 percent. Major developing countries could reduce their GHG emissions 15 to 30 percent of 1990 levels by 2020. The draft also calls on rich nations to create fast-start financing over the next three years to help poor nations deal with climate change, but does not specify any amount. As the draft text was released, the European Union (EU) pledged to provide $10 billion to help poor nations over the next three years.

The conference in Copenhagen is set to conclude on December 18, and at least 110 heads of state have committed to joining the summit as it draws to a close. President Obama announced that he would attend the talks on December 18, with the White House stating that “continued U.S. leadership can be most productive through [Obama’s] participation at the end of the Copenhagen conference.”