China recently distanced itself from suggestions of delaying a binding climate pact to 2010, although the world’s largest CO2 emissions polluter indicated that it would be willing to sign a “political deal” at the December Copenhagen climate conference, if strong commitments from rich nations are included, CIG has learned.
China’s domestic campaign to improve energy efficiency and cut emissions growth will also continue unchecked even if a set-back in international talks slows the flow of foreign investment into carbon-cutting projects in China, CIG understands experts as saying.
The Danish Prime Minister flew to Singapore recently to encourage leaders of member nations at an Asia Pacific conference which also had Barack Obama in attendance to act proactively at the Copenhagen summit where negotiations have been hampered by disagreements over who should cut emissions, by how much, and who should pay for it, and to dismiss the growing sense of gloom surrounding the talks.
He indicated that a deal needed to cover emissions targets for developed nations, financial assistance for developing nations and a fixed deadline for a legally binding agreement.
Before leaving for his inaugural visit to China, CIG believes Barack Obama threw his weight behind the plan, but his hosts weren’t as eager on the delay.
"China has noted the idea raised by the parties concerned of a 'political agreement' and is now studying this," China's foreign ministry is quoted as saying.
