Asia Report: Two Views on Durban Deal
By
Renewable Energy World Editors
December 12, 2011 New Hampshire, USA -- European negotiators wanted a binding agreement, and the United States seemed content to sit on the sidelines. The real focus of the U.N. climate talks, though, rested with China, India and Brazil — nations destined for huge growth in their economies and their emissions. Reaction to the deal forged on the final weekend of the annual summit in Durban, South Africa, is split, mostly because its objectives are vague and its timetable is distant. China and India were each adamantly against a legally binding treaty. But in the end, they were for a slight change in stance — they will now begin to discuss a cap on emissions. The move was greeted as hollow for those who wanted real action. Others saw the promise to move toward a global treaty as an accomplishment because it forced two growing economic giants to shift their stance. China and India both see a growing market for clean energy manufacturing and project development at home, and their inclusion in the deal could be seen as an indication of an increased confidence that they can pull off these changes once a timetable is set. Of the developing nations, India and China may stand to gain the most from an energy deal -- especially once that is years away. Their ability to structure growth around these targets will be unmatched when compared to developed nations, and this potentially will put them in a position of leadership.
Climate Talks in Durban Yield Limited Agreement
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