The Disappearing Deal
American obstacles in Copenhagen
By R.K. Pachauri
This December representatives from around the world will meet in Copenhagen under U.N. auspices to hammer out a new agreement for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and taking other measures to tackle climate change. The deal is expected to include a commitment by developed countries to pay for measures in developing states to adapt to the impact of climate change and to cut emissions, as well as providing them with easy access to clean technologies.
If there is a deal, that is. In recent months, the prospects that states will actually agree to anything in Copenhagen are starting to look worse and worse. Although the Obama administration initially raised hopes by reengaging in the negotiation process, the U.S Congress has since emerged as a potential spoiler. While the European Union has resolved to reduce emissions 20 percent (from 1990 levels) by 2020, and Japan’s newly elected government has set an even higher target of 25 percent.
All this matters because the effects of climate change are very real. They are also diverse, and will likely hit hardest in the most vulnerable and poorest regions of the world. These areas can expect an increase in the frequency, intensity, and duration of floods, droughts, heat waves, and extreme precipitation. Agricultural yields will decline, with some countries in Africa losing up to half of their farm output by 2020. Food security will get worse, and malnutrition and hunger will grow.
(Newsweek, october 26, 2009. Adaptado)
