Gearing Up for the Copenhagen Climate Conference
Posted October 20th, 2009 at 9:17am in Energy and Environment 
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Cap and trade is nowhere near dead but it’s not the only weapon in the arsenal against capping carbon dioxide emissions. Another significant threat to United States energy policy is the possible climate treaty that could supplant the Kyoto Protocol as the new treaty to combat global warming. Just as scary, if not more so, is how an international treaty could affect U.S. sovereignty.
In preparation for the December 7-18 summit, The Heritage Foundation will be covering all the details – up to, during, and after the conference. From energy, to free trade to sovereignty, we’ll address all the angles and provide background information, frequent updates and international perspectives.
Whether a treaty will be signed is very much in the air. On October 19 Yvo de Boer, the head of the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat, told the Financial Times: “A fully fledged new international treaty under the [U.N. framework] convention [on climate change] – I do not think that is going to happen. If you look at the limited amount of time that remains to Copenhagen, we have to focus on what can realistically be done and how that can realistically be framed.”
The same day, UK Climate Secretary Ed Miliband told a group of journalists, “It’s an uphill battle, but I just feel today it’s more do-able than (I did) yesterday.” He also mentioned “going all out” at Copenhagen.
In a piece of good news, Todd Stern, the US administration’s chief negotiator, mentioned to the press that Copenhagen would not be an extension of Kyoto, saying, “We’re not a party to the Kyoto Protocol and we’re not going to be a party.”
But the bad news is it could be a lot worse. Stay tuned; it’s going to be an eventful two months.
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8 Responses to “Gearing Up for the Copenhagen Climate Conference”
Howard R. Roby on October 20th, 2009 at 9:17am said:
Isn’t it amazing that The president of the United States was awarded the Nobel Peace prize by some liberal people from Norway, with the Cap and trade climate treaty conference coming up and we will play a part in it.These people do not even try to hide how they buy a vote, and using the Noble prize? Shame!.
teri, columbus ohio on October 20th, 2009 at 9:17am said:
I feel better knowing that the Heritage is on this. I agree that the Nobel was an obvious pay off…how can you refuse as a prize winner? My question is: How can any country fall on the sword to it’s own detriment and destruction- especially when their own people have not voted to have this “participation”? With all of the exclusions, it seems there are very few “debtor” parties and almost everyone qualifies in some way to get the goodies: translation- our money and technology. I was wondering how they could get around Intellectual Property issue, but I see they have that covered also. It is sad that our own leaders seem to agree with all of this nonsense. I am convinced that they do not care if we object. My hope is that India or China will say “No way!”.
Bill, CO on October 20th, 2009 at 9:17am said:
It is a shame. It is my understanding, however, that the Senate must still approve treaties. We must write our Senators and let them know that a majority of Americans do not support the disastrous cap and trade legislation. Voice your opposition at http://tiny.cc/pxIgi.
Bobbie Jay on October 20th, 2009 at 9:17am said:
Hopefully, they don’t forget their bermuda’s.
The government knows we know the Kyoto protocol is not right. Just by government acknowledging a refusal to become party to, means they have much more up their sleeves of corruption. It certainly won’t be of our interests, as this whole scam is wasting time and money every minute of everyday.
What a deliberate destruction!
W Howard Baker, Bardstown, KY on October 20th, 2009 at 9:17am said:
With the president that we have, I wouldn’t be surprised if he signed it just to destroy America. As Lord Monkton said, “We have to rise up to stop him in this eleventh hour.”
W Howard Baker, Bardstown, KY on October 20th, 2009 at 9:17am said:
Be very careful. With a Communist president that wants to destroy America, he might sign anything that would strip America of its sovreignity.
George T US Virgin Islands on October 20th, 2009 at 9:17am said:
Parts of C&T already in place through EPA & RPI-Refinery Petroleum Initative with on-going reporting of emmissions and associated fees (taxes) paid. Emmission credits for ‘good’ players. Look it up!
Bill Wickline, Tampa, FL on October 20th, 2009 at 9:17am said:
This conference assumes all warming is caused by greenhouse gases. If we heat water to make steam torun generators to run heat exchangers that pump heat into the atmosphere, may that not cause warming.
If we heat our homes with electricity using steam generated electricity, or with fossil fuel or other means, may not escaping heat contribute to atmospheric warming.
The solution to thes contributions is for everyone to open windows and migrate from northern climes in summer to southern climes in winter. The nomadic lifestyle has always contributed to cultural advancement.