"U.N. Urges Leaders To Take Charge In Climate Talks"

"BANGKOK - The shape of a broader climate pact is clearer after marathon talks in the Thai capital, the United Nations said on Friday, as rich nations were urged not to ditch the Kyoto Protocol or dodge tough emissions cuts.

Speaking near the end of two-week U.N. talks on ways to draw all nations into the fight against climate change, the world body said leaders had little time left to show more ambition on a deal to brake the rapid growth of planet-warming carbon emissions.

"All the ingredients for success are on the table and what we must do now is step back from self interest and let common interest prevail," Yvo de Boer, the head of the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat, told reporters.

The Bangkok talks are the last major negotiating session before a December 7-18 meeting in Copenhagen meant to agree on a broader framework to expand or replace the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, the U.N.'s main weapon in the fight against climate change. ...

The talks made progress on ways to help poorer nations adapt to the effects of climate change, transfer of clean-energy technology and mechanisms to collect and share climate funds.

But deadlock remained on the amount of cash available to poorer nations and the size of rich nations' commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions, two key areas the U.N. and developing nations say are halting progress."

David Fogarty and Chisa Fujioka report for Reuters October 12, 2009.

See Also:

"Potholes in Road to Copenhagen Climate Accord Widen During Bangkok Talks" (ClimateWire)

"Sen. Boxer Says Obama Admin Could Make Climate Pledge in Copenhagen" (Greenwire)

"Rising U.S. Population makes 2050 Climate Cut Harder" (Reuters)