Copenhagen Breakthrough
Posted December 17, 2009 in Solving Global Warming
In a conference room, locked out of the Bella Center, I just watched Hillary Clinton make a bold announcement that should give a lift to the stalled talks in Copenhagen. The administration’s commitment to contribute to a $100 billion global fund to curb deforestation and help the world's' most vulnerable countries adapt to impacts of global warming that can no longer be avoided is a major step. But Secretary Clinton made it clear that this step will only be taken if there is an operational agreement that includes transparency on the emission reductions being made by all major emitters.
Right now industrialized countries provide $60 billion in fossil fuel subsidies annually. Just redirecting those subsidies could go a long way toward the funding target as we seek a pathway to a low carbon clean energy future. We are hopeful for additional breakthroughs throughout the day and tomorrow as world leaders arrive.
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Buhler — Dec 17 2009 07:58 AM
Dear Mr. OBAMA and Administration,
Copenhagen is YOUR GORBACHEV MOMENT! The Free world challenges you to "Tear Down the Walls" of currently still meaningless commitments and excuses, at Copenhagen (your nations and others). Lay down a substantially more meaningful near-term GHGs emmision reductions target and framework against 1990 baseline to provides meaningful leadership to the world once again. There is at least one additional step that you and your administration SHOULD, CAN, MUST, take TODAY to dramatically strengthen human liberty and alter the cause of peace or conflict for future generations. Please take it!