"The U.S. would not consider a climate deal 'genuinely binding' if it excludes the biggest emerging economies or if those countries' commitments were conditional upon financial support from developed countries, the lead U.S. climate negotiator said Monday."
"Todd Stern, U.S. special climate change envoy, said certain developing countries are seeking 'escape hatches' that would let them back off their emission reduction targets if industrialized countries fail to deliver financial support.
The head of the U.S.' climate delegation briefed reporters on Monday on the outcome of last weekend's Major Economies Forum (MEF), which was the 12th gathering of 17 of the world's biggest emitters from the developing and developed world.
Stern said the central area of discussion during the U.S.-led meeting, held on September 16-17 at the State Department, was whether there should be new regime to replace the Kyoto Protocol or if it should be extended after the first commitment period ends in 2012."
Valerie Volcovici reports for Reuters September 21, 2011.
SEE ALSO:
"Analysis: Extreme Steps Needed To Meet Climate Target" (Reuters)
"Obama's Envoy for Climate Change Casts Doubt on Kyoto Protocol" (Guardian)
"UN Leaders Focus on Preventing the Spread of Deserts" (ENS)
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