| – Right direction or more confusion?By Neil Marks in CopenhagenThe two negotiating groups responsible for drafting a new global climate change deal in Copenhagen released two draft proposals last evening.For some, it offers hope that a climate deal could actually be worked out by environment ministers and passed to world leaders – about 110 of them – who have begun descending on the Danish capital.For others, it marks a fresh round of fighting over the proposal; much the same as erupted when a Danish proposal was leaked and pointed to an attempt by the host nation to hijack the process, show the UN the door in the negotiations, and asking rich countries to emit half the amount of carbon into the atmosphere than was being demanded of poor countries.“The centerpiece of the deal being proposed…gives no guarantee that the deal in Copenhagen will deliver action,” said Oxfam International just after the proposal was released.Guyana’s President Bharrat Jagdeo, a major voice in the push for an agreement that pays countries for forest, arrives here sooner that most leaders. He may be happy that the text cites a scheme to reward countries for Reducing Emissions that come from deforestation and degradation, or what is called the REDD scheme. But there are no specifics.One of the proposals cites an agreement for “scaled-up, predictable,NFL Cheap Jerseys, new and additional,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, and adequate funding” to be provided to developing countries to enable and support enhanced action on mitigation, including REDD, adaptation,Wholesale Jerseys, technology, development and transfer, and capacity-building.And the money is coming on the table. The UN climate chief Yvo de Boer is happy that some countries are finally giving out actual figures. The 27-member European bloc pledged 7.3 billion euros (US$10.8 billion) to help developing countries over the next three years.That’s good enough for a year that de Boer says would be needed immediately to help poor nations cope with climate change.He has talked about a US$30 billion package over the next three years in immediate assistance before a long term package is worked out.But that is not enough for Oxfam’s Antonio Hill,Wholesale Football Jerseys, the organisations Senior Climate Advisor.“There is a huge gaping hole in these proposals where the long term finance package needs to be,Cheap NFL Jerseys China,” Gill said.“Large-scale, regular payments to developing countries is the glue that will hold together a successful deal – not an optional extra.Climate cash is critical for a real deal,Cheap Authentic Jerseys, it will enable real action in poor countries, and it requires real action from rich countries now.”Oxfam said the two documents which cover the two separate tracks of negotiations – the Kyoto Protocol track which does not include the United States and the “Long-term Cooperative Action” track which does – reflect two years of official negotiations.According to the document, the negotiating parties have to decide whether they want an agreement that says increase in global average temperature above pre-industrial levels ought not to exceed two degrees Celsius or 1.5 degrees Celsius.Regarding emissions in the next 15 years for rich countries, the proposal is set at a minimum of 25 percent and the maximum 45 percent. But the proposal also wants poor nations to cut emissions, by a possible 15-30 percent.“Unless negotiators can improve on it within the two working days remaining available,Cheap NFL Jerseys Supply, this will be what Ministers and Heads of State will be looking at when they arrive in Copenhagen…,” said Oxfam. |
