"Rich vs. Poor Clash at Copenhagen Over Money"

"COPENHAGEN (AP) -- Negotiators on Wednesday worked to bridge the chasm between rich and poor countries over how to share the burden of fighting climate change, and a top U.S. envoy was to highlight the Obama administration's efforts to curb greenhouse emissions.

Lumumba Di-Aping of Sudan, the head of the 135-nation bloc of developing countries, said the $10 billion a year that has been proposed to help poor nations fight climate change paled in comparison to the more than $1 trillion already spent to rescue financial institutions.

'If this is the greatest risk that humanity faces, then how do you explain $10 billion?' he said. 'Ten billion will not buy developing countries' citizens enough coffins.'"

John Heilprin reports for the Associated Press December 9, 2009.

See Also:

"Climate Deal Likely to Bear Big Price Tag" (New York Times)

"Smaller Nations Weigh Power of the Walkout" (New York Times)

"G77 Says Danish Climate Text 'Threatens Success' of UN Talks" (AFP)

"Leaked Climate Draft Disturbs Copenhagen Deliberations" (ENS)

"China Demands More From Rich To Unlock Climate Talks" (Reuters)

"Hottest Plan at Climate Talks Never Got Onto Table" (Bloomberg)