Countries deadlocked at Copenhagen climate change talks

COPENHAGEN, Dec. 18 (Yonhap) -- Countries at the United Nations Climate Change
Conference in Copenhagen have become deadlocked on how best to reduce greenhouse
emissions cited for global warming, government sources said here Friday.
Parties have made little headway on issues such as the extent of reductions that
must be made by advanced economies and how developing economies should
voluntarily cut emission levels, said officials from the knowledge economy and
environment ministries.
Other issues, like monetary support for poor countries that will be affected the
most by climate change, have also become an obstacle, with some potential
beneficiaries demanding no preconditions for aid, they said.
"There is understanding that a deal must contribute to greenhouse gas reductions
and not become a political statement with little real detail, although reaching
this may not be easy," an official who declined to be identified said.
He said the process may be considered a success if developed countries are able
to agree on specific reduction targets, and if developing countries like China
agree to ensure transparency and verification in their respective reduction
plans.
The United State has insisted that headway can only be made in the ongoing
climate talks if China, the No. 1 emitter in the world, and other countries that
produce large amounts of greenhouse gases accept measurable, reportable and
verifiable formats.
China, along with the U.S., accounts for roughly 40 percent of all greenhouse
gases released into the atmosphere, making their full-fledged participation vital
for global climate control.
"Representatives are engaged in talks and will try to reach an understanding in
the next few hours," another official said. However, he said that with so many
conflicting views, a significant deal may have to be delayed.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)