CHINA TALKS CLIMATE DEAL

Flexibility at Durban gives hope
Lan Lan and Li Jing, 2011 December 6 (China Daily)

"China's openness toward a legally binding climate deal that would come into effect after 2020 has given a boost to the ongoing climate change talks in Durban…Experts said the flexibility that China showed is encouraging, but it's also important to pressure developed countries for much deeper emission reduction targets…"

"…Xie Zhenhua, China's top climate negotiator… laid out five preconditions [for] a legal framework, including an extension of the Kyoto Protocol and actions by developed countries to help developing countries adapt to climate change…Xie, deputy minister of the National Development and Reform Commission, said there are no new requirements, but countries need to implement the commitments and legal documents that have already been agreed to."

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"Tim Gore, Oxfam climate change policy adviser, said what seems to be missing in China's conditions is requesting deeper emission reduction targets from developed countries before 2020…The fate of the Kyoto Protocol, regarded as the cornerstone and most crucial issue at the meeting by developing countries, is still in the air one week into the conference…

"…Developed countries are being urged to sign onto a new round of enforceable pledges under the Kyoto Protocol…The first commitment period of the treaty will expire in 2012…So far, no country has said they will not continue the Kyoto Protocol, while some said they won't have a second commitment period…A plausible outcome of the Durban meeting seems to be that the EU and some other developed countries confirm their targets for a second commitment period…China also announced it is looking to expand cooperation with climate vulnerable countries, such as small island states, least-developed countries and African nations…"