Inching closer: Day 9 at COP16

Parties remained deadlocked over key issues on day 9, with some even hardening their stances as others called desperately for compromise. Anchoring any pledges to a legally binding commitment, together with financing, remained sticking points in the negotiations. Disagreement came from both developed and developing nations, with key polluters proving tough on their stances, however signalling possibilities for progress. Japan remained firm on its opposition to any new commitment to the Kyoto Protocol, a stance which again earned it the shameful Fossil of Day award. The US meanwhile, continued its age-old demands for emission reduction targets to cover all nations, not just developed ones. Progress did inch forward on several issues, in particular on the protection of rainforests under REDD+, and a process towards a new fund for adaptation and capacity building. The high-level ministerial statements continued throughout the day. Mexican President Calderon announced that payments would be made to indigenous people protecting the forests in Oaxaca, to neutralize CO2 emissions from the conference. Considering the waste I’ve seen produced here, this is a good move but falls far short of the neutralising the actual environmental impact of the conference. The fast approaching deadline of 6pm Friday seemed to be on everyone’s mind, with COP President Espinosa reiterating the need for outcomes to be ready by Friday morning. European Union climate commissioner Connie Hedegaard said it was ”absolutely imperative that we deliver something substantial. To come out of Cancun with nothing is simply not an option.” Australian minister and co-facilitator of the finance negotiations Greg Combet said he was preparing for two “all-nighters” ahead. Exhaustion is evident on all the faces of delegates, observers and press here, and everyone is gearing up for a big final 48 hours. Hopefully in that time negotiations will start to come together, and from them emerge a modest balanced package that will enable significant progress at COP17 in Durban.

By Tim Hall, photo by Laura Owsianka.