Cancun Climate Conference Ends in Consensus

With the sole objection of Bolivia, led by socialist president Evo Morales who has taken on the role of representing the world's indigenous peopleand the "rights of nature", the UN climate conference ended in a broad consensus agreement among 194 nations. Hailed as a clear mechanism for reaching a global solution to climate change, the Cancun Agreements contain several significant developments, but stop short of a binding international climate treaty, a point repeatedly made by the Bolivian delegate. Nevertheless, the Mexican meeting chair, Foreign Minister Patricia Espinosa, ruled against the objections of the isolated Bolivian delegate in plenary session despite the UN rule calling for consensus agreement. The Cancun Agreements are similar to the Copenhagen Accord which are intended to compliment a binding international treaty that may be reached at a later date.

The Agreements establish a temperature target for mitigation (2°C); a system of measuring, reporting and verifying emissions (MRV)--a key requirement insisted upon by the United States; an agreement on forestry and land use (REDD+); green technology transfers; and a green climate fund ($100bn by 2020) that applies to all parties, not just developing countries. For more details see this. Most observers agree that for a conference that was headed for more paralysis after the disappointing Copenhagen session, the Cancun conference is a positive sign that multilateral negotiations can lead to a binding climate compact despite an excruciating procedure. A deadlocked meeting this time would have crippled the process, perhaps permanently. Others have blamed the deadlocked US Congress for the failure to reach a final, binding treaty by now. Formally recognizing the Copenhagen reduction targets including the US pledge of just 17% by 2020 still leaves the world short of what needs to be accomplished to advert catastrophic warming. However, the Cancun Agreements are a modest "leap for mankind" in the positive direction. It is on to Durbin, South Africa for more detailed talks and golf next year, and perhaps the establishment of long overdue binding emission targets.