Ban Ki-Moon Demands Action at Copenhagen, Obama Not In Such A Rush

by Mike Smith · 2009-10-26 14:57:00 UTC
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Ban Ki-Moon has laid out his benchmarks for success in Copenhagen. But don't expect the Obama administration to dance to the same rhythm: they're on their own clock, and have a longer term strategy. Expect the world's eyes to be on Copenhagen, but with a peace prize to collect, President Obama may be just on-time in Oslo to talk climate.

Mr Ban asks that developed and developing countries agree to do all they can to cut emissions, explaining that it is a smart investment to make. As India has been suggesting, he agrees that funding must be made available so that poorer countries can make the transition to low-carbon economies. This of course is nothing new but Mr Ban continues to stress the US's centrality to a deal. He explained in a New York Times op-ed: "I am encouraged by the spirit of compromise shown in the bipartisan initiative announced last week by John Kerry and Lindsey Graham."

The op-ed was directed towards US leadership, but of course President Obama will not be attending Copenhagen talks. But, here's the fun: President Obama will be in Oslo two days after Copenhagen talks begin, to receive his Nobel Prize. The (London) Times report that he'll likely use that stage to set out long-term environmental goals, making the case that though a comprehensive Copenhagen Protocol may not have been signed, the U.S. is serious about combating climate change.

Photo credit: World Economic Forum

Mike Smith
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