Annan - "Frightening Lack Of Leadership" Globally On Climate Issues - AP

[hatrack]

NAIROBI — Secretary-General Kofi Annan told the UN conference on climate change Wednesday that it's clear that the world will pay far less to cut greenhouse-gas emissions now “than to deal with the consequences later.”

“Let no one say we cannot afford to act,” Mr. Annan declared, in a reference to those, such as the Bush administration, who contend that reducing global-warming gases would set back economies too much.

The UN chief also lamented “a frightening lack of leadership” in fashioning steps to reduce global emissions. “Let us start being more politically courageous,” he urged the hundreds of delegates from some 180 member nations of the 1992 UN climate treaty.

EDIT

At best, however, the conference may simply set a timetable for continuing talks into next year. Many here think real negotiations must await the end of the Bush administration. “The United States will return to the negotiating table with a serious proposal when a new president takes office in 2009,” said veteran conference observer Philip Clapp. Mr. Clapp, president of the U.S. group National Environmental Trust, noted that Democratic and Republican contenders in the 2008 presidential election favour capping U.S. emissions.

EDOITAt best, however, the conference may simply set a timetable for continuing talks into next year. Many here think real negotiations must await the end of the Bush administration.

“The United States will return to the negotiating table with a serious proposal when a new president takes office in 2009,” said veteran conference observer Philip Clapp.

Mr. Clapp, president of the U.S. group National Environmental Trust, noted that Democratic and Republican contenders in the 2008 presidential election favour capping U.S. emissions.

At best, however, the conference may simply set a timetable for continuing talks into next year. Many here think real negotiations must await the end of the Bush administration.

“The United States will return to the negotiating table with a serious proposal when a new president takes office in 2009,” said veteran conference observer Philip Clapp.

Mr. Clapp, president of the U.S. group National Environmental Trust, noted that Democratic and Republican contenders in the 2008 presidential election favour capping U.S. emissions.

EDIT

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20061115.wunclimate1115/BNStory/Front