US Opposes Bali Carbon Caps

Draft resolution runs into trouble as Americans balk
By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 11, 2007 7:41 AM CST
US Opposes Bali Carbon Caps
Environmental activists dressed as sunbathing penguins protest against global warming during the UN Climate Conference Tuesday Dec. 11, 2007 in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia. Opposition from the United States and at least two major allies is likely to scuttle attempts to include emission reduction targets...   (Associated Press)

The American delegation to UN climate talks in Bali last night ruled out a draft resolution that would call on industrialized nations to cut carbon emissions by 25% to 40% in 12 years. The US called the proposal "totally unrealistic" and "unhelpful." But the US isn't the only holdout, reports the Guardian: Canada and Japan are also balking at the draft plans.

The UN published the draft resolution on its website, a choice that perhaps reflects the summit's international attention. It's now being debated by the 190 countries present. With John Kerry telling delegates that a Democratic president would sign up for carbon caps, some in Bali are already treating the Bush administration as a lame duck: China has said it is waiting for the next US president before deciding its own policy. (More climate change stories.)

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