Copenhagen climate talks resume

**Negotiations at the UN climate summit have resumed after developing countries had earlier withdrawn their co-operation from the talks in Copenhagen.**Delegates were angry at what they saw as moves by the Danish host government to sideline talks on more emission cuts under the Kyoto Protocol.

The G77-China bloc said the organisers had been “undemocratic”, accusing them of advancing rich nations’ interests.

Rich nations have promoted the idea of a new agreement, replacing Kyoto.

The countries that suspended co-operation were those which make up the G77-China bloc of 130 nations. These range from wealthy countries such as South Korea, to some of the poorest states in the world.

The G77-China bloc speaks for developing countries in the climate change negotiation process.

Blocs representing poor countries vulnerable to climate change have been adamant that rich nations must commit to emission cuts beyond 2012 under the Kyoto Protocol.

But the EU and the developed world in general has promoted the idea of an entirely new agreement, replacing the protocol.

Developing countries fear they would lose many of the gains they made when the Kyoto agreement was signed in 1997.

They point out that the Kyoto Protocol is the only international legally binding instrument that has curbed carbon emissions, and also that it contains functioning mechanisms for bringing development benefits to poor countries such as money for investment in clean energy projects.

Previously during this meeting - formally called the Conference of the Parties (COP) 15 - developing countries have accused the Danish chairs of ignoring their concerns.

G77-China chief negotiator Lumumba Di-Aping explained why the bloc had taken the decision to withdraw its co-operation.

“It has become clear that the Danish presidency - in the most undemocratic fashion - is advancing the interests of the developed countries at the expense of the balance of obligations between developed and developing countries,” he told BBC Radio 4’s The World at One programme.

“The mistake they are doing now has reached levels that cannot be acceptable from a president who is supposed to be acting and shepherding the process on behalf of all parties.”

Last week, the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu forced a suspension after insisting that proposals to amend the UN climate convention and Kyoto Protocol be debated in full.

At a news conference earlier in the day, UK Climate Secretary Ed Miliband said that for the developed world to commit to further cuts under the Kyoto Protocol would be “irresponsible for the climate”.

Some developing nations are wary of the way negotiations are progressing
Developing countries split on CO2

He said it would leave some of the world’s biggest emitters without targets for cutting emissions.

Many developing countries have been arguing for a “twin track” approach, whereby countries with existing targets under the Kyoto Protocol (all developed nations except the US) stay under that umbrella, with the US and major developing economies making their carbon pledges under a new protocol.

More that 100 heads of state and government are scheduled to be in the Danish capital on Friday for the closing session to sign a final deal.

Do you have a question for world leaders at Copenhagen What would you ask them if you were at the summit Send it to us. The best questions we receive will be answered by a panel of world leaders in a special televised debate.

Send your video questions to [email protected], text them to 61124 or if you have a large file you can upload here.

Read the terms and conditions