The United Nations Climate Change Conference, attended by some 192 nations from around the world, got underway in Copenhagen, Denmark today, with much optimism that agreement would be reached within the two-week duration of the meeting.
In his opening remarks, Danish Prime Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmuseen said that, “A deal is within our reach,” while underscoring the deep distrust between rich and poor nations on how the burden of curbing emissions would be shared. This he said, would have to be overcome if a deal was to be reached.
In addition to the commitment, yet to be reached, by both the developed and developing countries to cut emissions, another major aspect is the financing of mitigation and adaptation to climate change by poor countries. According to the UN’s chief negotiator on climate change, Yvo de Boer, the negotiations are very much about the level of financial support the developed countries would provide to developing countries and how these monies would be allocated.
In all this are the thousands of climate activists present who maintain that the goal of the conference is premised on a scientific hoax. This they say, particularly in light of the recent break-in at the climate research unit in England and the subsequent release of email exchanges among climate scientists, which suggest the data underpinning research was manipulated.
Some 110 heads of states and governments are expected to be present for the last two days of the meeting, December 17th and 18th, when the deal is expected to be sealed. Many believe that the world cannot afford to miss this opportunity. But, only time will tell.
Source: en.cop15.dk
