Alternative Deal Adopted in Cancún?

Added by Elivia DeVries on December 9, 2010

Developing nations are outraged over move by Mexico, Europe and Pacific Island to prepare new text for negotiations at the UN climate summit in Cancun.

The proposal is seen by many developing countries, including China, Brazil and India, as an attempt by rich countries to replace the Kyoto protocol with a much weaker alternative.

The Kyoto protocol is at present the only framework regulating the commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It was adopted in 1997and is up for renewal in 2012, and has thus been at the centre of attention during this year’s climate negotiations.

Japan is refusing to sign a renewal and in response some Latin American countries have said they too will refuse to sign.

The Mexican presidency will present texts prepared by Britain and three other countries as part of a final text to help save negotiations from failure at the conclusion of the summit on Friday.

Observers predict that the result will be that many elements from the non-binding Copenhagen accord would be put up for adoption; serving a victory for the U.S. and other rich countries.

Critics, including the Bolivian ambassador to the UN, Pablo Solon, argue that the new texts are being prepared in closed meetings “by a small group of ministers,” while others defend the procedure: “There is an great sense of urgency. We have to use every mean possible to negotiate. All countries have been invited to put their views forward,” said Qumrul Choudhury, speaking for the least developed countries group.