AFP:
BRUSSELS — The UN’s top climate negotiator voiced optimism Monday that a deal can be salvaged next month at world talks on global warming, but said US President Barack Obama must first get on board.
“I think we will have a very specific agreement,” UN climate chief Yvo de Boer said ahead of a meeting with EU environment ministers in Brussels.
He has already ruled out the possibility that a comprehensive climate treaty can be reached at the UN-sponsored talks opening in Copenhagen on December 7.
The lesser deal he anticipates is likely to include “a list of rich country targets (and) clarity on what major developing countries like India and China are willing to do,” he said.
De Boer, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, also said he expected to see “clarity on finances,” with a list of pledged contributions, in particular to the poorest nations.
For these goals to be meaningful and attainable, however, major greenhouse gas emitter the United States would have to bring something concrete to the table.
De Boer expressed confidence, saying: “My sense is Obama will be in a position to come to Copenhagen with a target and a financial contribution.”