Energy Efficiency and Climate Change News: : 1 - 6 October 2009
Industry, business and utilities
Emissions trading/Carbon market
General Policy
U.S. 2009 carbon emissions to fall 5.9 percent: EIA (Reuters, 6 October 2009)
Reduced demand for electricity and transport fuel due to the recession will lower US GHG emissions 5.9% in 2009, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). Heavy industry electricity demand is to fall 11%. Weaker transport fuel demand should account for 30% of the drop in emissions. For 2010, project recovery should increase emissions by 1.1%.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5952Z020091006?sp=true
Europe to throw $73 billion behind energy research (Reuters, 5 October 2009)
In an attempt to hold its own in a technology race with Japan and the US, the EU is looking to triple funding into RD&D in energy research and clean energy technologies, aiming to spend an additional EUR 50 billion over the next ten years. Research areas will include solar and wind energy, CCS, materials science, and EUR 11 billion for “Smart Cities”.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5942I920091005?sp=true
Obama Aide Concedes Climate Law Must Wait (New York Times, 2 October 2009)
Carol Browner stated that the Senate passing climate change legislation by December was “not going to happen”. She said the Senate may complete all hearings on the bill by 7 December, which along with recent moves towards GHG regulation from large emitters, could provide the necessary show of resolve and leadership need by the US in Copenhagen.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/03/us/politics/03climate.html?_r=2&hp
Concise overview of the Kerry-Boxer Senate Bill: http://www.vnf.com/news-alerts-394.html
1,000 mayors agree to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (LA Times, 3 October 2009)
1000 US mayors signed a pact to reduce GHG emissions 7% from 1990 levels by 2012, and to urge the federal government to do the same. The mayors’ conference has been active in lobbying the federal government for energy efficiency and renewable energy grants to states, municipalities and tribes.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-mayors-climate3-2009oct03,0,4137038.story
Governors' Global Climate Summit Backs Treaty With Teeth (ENS, 2 October 2009)
At the second Governor’s Global Summit, 30 governors, premiers, mayors and senior officials from around the world issued a declaration recognising the importance of climate change mitigation and adaptation, requiring an unprecedented level of collaboration and cooperation at all levels of government. California signed a Statement of Intent with the UNDP to work with African countries to share policy success and technologies, as well as an agreement with Governor Luo Zhijun of China's Jiangsu Province. The California-Jiangsu partnership will cover technological cooperation, and measures to promote GHG emission reduction, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability.
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/oct2009/2009-10-02-094.asp?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzEmail&utm_content=556211&utm_campaign=0
France Budget 2010: “Green” fiscal measures announced (1 October 2009)
France’s 2010 Budget includes a provision for a carbon tax, starting at EUR 17/tonne, to be introduced as of January 2010. Households paying income tax would benefit from tax reductions, while other households would receive “green checks”. The fishing and agricultural sectors would be partially exempt from the tax, at least initially, with the agricultural sector being reimbursed ¾ of the carbon tax paid. The budget also plans to reduce the tax credit on housing loan interest rates for buildings that do not meet low-energy consumption standards; these would go down by 5% in 2010 and 2011 for housing purchased for rental purposes. The government will also reduce the emission level for the “penalty” tax on vehicles to 151gCO2/km.
http://www.gouvernement.fr/gouvernement/projet-de-loi-de-finances-2010-un-budget-de-reprise-volontariste-et-vert; agriculture http://www.budget.gouv.fr/presse/dossiers_de_presse/plf2010/dispositions_fiscales/remboursement_partiel_taxe_carbone.pdf
Water worries threaten U.S. push for natural gas (Reuters, 1 October 2009)
The US gas industry may be facing an unexpected hurdle, with possible implications for future energy supply, with residents living near gas wells and exploration areas increasingly complaining of contaminated drinking water and resulting illness. Recent water well testing by the EPA in response to these concerns in Pavillion, Wyoming found that 11 out of 39 wells were contaminated. While the Agency couldn’t identify the cause of the contamination, it did indicate that gas drilling was a possibility. Part of the difficulty in relating contamination to gas drilling is that industry is not required to disclose exactly which chemicals it uses in a drilling technique called hydraulic fracturing. The EPA is continuing testing and will release a report in 2010.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5900FD20091001?sp=true
New technologies may grab carbon right out of air (Reuters, 1 October 2009)
Collaborations between BASF, Corning and Columbia, as well as between Global Research Technologies and the University of Calgary, are looking into developing air capture technology to capture carbon dioxide directly from the air. Columbia’s Graciela Chichilnisky says technology resulting in negative carbon, which decreases the net carbon concentration in the atmosphere, is necessary given “we procrastinated too long”. She also said such technology would be a way for poorer developing countries not currently benefitting from the carbon market to power such technology with renewable energy sources and enter the market.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5906V120091001?sp=true
Britons creating 'more emissions' (BBC, 30 September 2009)
Speaking unofficially in a previously recording interview, the UK government’s new chief science advisor David McKay quoted a paper by professor Dieter Helm and argued that if “embedded carbon” or “carbon outsourcing” were factored when counting the UK’s GHG emissions – referring to the carbon content of goods consumed by the UK but produced elsewhere – emissions have actually risen by 19% rather than fallen by 15% since 1990. He pointed to the UK’s “favourable” terms under Kyoto, and the country’s strong historic responsibility for emissions: “…we really have an ethical duty to take a lead and show the way and show that it is possible for a developed country to seriously decarbonise its economy.”
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8283909.stm
E.P.A. Moves to Curtail Greenhouse Gas Emissions (NYT, Reuters, 30 September 2009)
The US EPA proposed regulations requiring large stationary emitters (25 000 tonnes of GHG a year or more) to prove they have installed the best available technology to reduce emissions or face fines. SMEs would not be covered by the rule. While industry groups were quick to challenge the proposed rule and the EPA’s authority, administrator Lisa Jackson insisted the rule would stand up to a court challenge.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/01/science/earth/01epa.html?_r=1&th&emc=th; http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE58T7GF20091001
EU mulls carbon tax to curb global warming (EurActiv, 29 September 2009)
According to a draft document seen by EurActiv, the European Commission is proposing an amendment of the 2003 Energy Taxation Directive that would oblige member states to levy taxes per kg of CO2 that would be set at levels higher than the general tax on energy consumption. The taxes are intended to primarily cover the transport and agriculture sectors, and others not covered under the EU-ETS. National governments would retain the right to exempt households from the tax under the proposal. Opinions diverge on how much political will would be behind the proposal.
http://www.euractiv.com/en/climate-change/eu-mulls-carbon-tax-curb-global-warming/article-185832#
Industry, business and utilities
Google partners on device to monitor home energy (Reuters, 5 October 2009)
Google’s web-based PowerMeter launched in February, allowing homeowners to monitor their energy use if they have a smart meter installed, now bypasses the need for a smart meter by teaming up with Energy Inc. Consumers can now buy a power-usage measuring device from Energy Inc. costing USD 200 and use the PowerMeter software on top of it.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE59508220091006?sp=true
Apple, citing climate, tells U.S. Chamber iQuit (Reuters, 5 October 2009)
Apple Inc. has become the latest company to leave the US Chamber of Commerce due to disagreement with the group’s climate change policy, following in the footsteps of power utilities Exelon Corp, PG&E Corp and PNM Resources Inc.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5945QP20091005
Smart meters 'need live displays' (BBC, 5 October 2009)
The UK Energy Savings Trust is calling on the government to include a requirement for energy monitors to be installed along with smart meters, as part of its plan to have smart meters installed by 2020. Minimum specifications for energy displays could also be required to ensure consumers are provided with the information they most need.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8287130.stm
New standard set for green products, firms (Korea Herald, 1 October 2009)
The Korean government unveiled a plan to certify as “green companies” those businesses for which “green” products account for over 30% of their total output. The plan aims to facilitate provision of tax support to those investing in accredited green technologies and projects. Tax revision plans announced last month include tax benefits to private investors in green funds and savings ventures. The list of “green” projects and technologies will include clean production technologies, projects that use technologies to reduce GHGs and pollutants, energy-saving buildings and green vehicles, among others.
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2009/10/01/200910010058.asp
New guidance for business to help measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (Defra, 1 October 2009)
The UK DECC and Defra have released guidance for voluntary reporting on GHG emissions by businesses, based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The government hopes guidance will help businesses identify areas in which emissions can be reduced, thus reducing energy use and saving money. Businesses can measure and report on both direct and indirect emissions, and are not required to make public their report or submit data to the government.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=407206&SubjectId=2; Guidance http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/business/reporting/pdf/ghg-guidance.pdf
China to limit industrial expansion (Financial Times, 1 October 2009)
China’s State Council is issuing a plan to manage overcapacity in seven industries, including barring new aluminium smelters, criticising over expansion in steel and cement, and also restricting manufacturing of equipment for wind and solar power. The government is concerned over industrial over capacity producing a new round of bad bank loans. It is also concerned that energy-intensive expansion would make meeting energy intensity targets a greater challenge.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/41e8b100-ae22-11de-87e7-00144feabdc0.html
Advanced metering interoperability specifications for utilities in Europe, Middle East and Africa (ESI-Africa, 25 September 2009)
Meter manufacturers Iskraemeco, Itron and Landis+Gyr have announced the completion of testing proving that each manufacturer’s smart meters are fully interoperable. The companies developed interoperability specifications by incorporating interoperable device interface specifications (IDIS) based on the existing open international standards as defined and maintained by the DLMS-UA. The development will facilitate deployment of smart metering, spurred by requirements in the EU’s electricity market Directive and mandate to the European Standardization Organizations to develop smart metering standards.
http://www.esi-africa.com/node/10740
Buildings
Demand up for energy-efficient homes: survey (Reuters, 6 October 2009)
A quarterly survey by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) indicates that while consumers are much more budget conscious than before, they are increasingly interested in energy efficiency. Two-thirds of architects surveyed said clients are requesting better insulation, as well as double- and triple-glazed windows, solar panels, and water conservation devices. The survey polled over 500 architecture firms that focus on residential buildings, and covers work on existing buildings as well as new homes. The prolonged housing downturn in the US led to a drop in the median home size in 2008 for the first time in 13 years; it has continued to fall in 2009.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5950WK20091006?sp=true
Code Compliance Tool Upgraded to Support State’s Responses to Recovery Act (EERE, 1 October 2009)
A software tool that helps builders and designers demonstrate compliance with the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), REScheck 4.3.0, was upgraded at the beginning of September. As part of Recovery Act funding, state governors had to assure the DOE they would implement residential building codes meeting or exceeding 2009 IECC, and achieving 90% compliance of new and renovated residential building space within 8 years. The upgraded REScheck produces compliance forms and certificates and allows compliance forms to be submitted electronically.
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/states/news_detail.cfm/news_id=14869
New York City Cultivates Green Building Upgrades Two Ways (ENS, 29 September 2009)
New York City launched an initiative to offer a 40-hour course to 1000 building service workers and superintendents to train them in identifying and addressing wasted energy, performing cost-benefit analysis for owners and managers, and develop a “green” operating plan. Another initiative was launched to mobilise volunteers to coat the rooftops of participating buildings with reflective white coating. Cool roofs absorb 80% less heat, thus reducing energy use and costs associated with air conditioning.
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/sep2009/2009-09-29-093.asp?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzEmail&utm_content=556211&utm_campaign=0
Appliances and equipment
EU voluntary agreement on imaging equipment immature and insufficient: NGOs (5 October 2009)
Six environmental NGOs have expressed disappointment with a voluntary agreement on imaging equipment proposed to replace regulation under the EU Ecodesign directive. Participating companies would commit to 50% of products placed on the market to meet Energy Star requirements – which the groups say diverge little from business-as-usual trends. The NGOs recommend the Commission draft Ecodesign regulation for imaging equipment, leaving industry a chance to address the significant shortcomings of the proposed agreement. A similar voluntary agreement on complex set top boxes has also been proposed, with certain areas for improvement also highlighted by the NGO coalition.
http://env-ngo.eup-network.de/fileadmin/user_upload/ENGOs_Intern/Position_Papers/Environmental_NGOs_EuP_Imaging-CSTB_Oct09.pdf; Documents for voluntary agreement http://env-ngo.eup-network.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Produktgruppen/Lots/Working_Documents/Lot_04_Imaging_Equipment/Annex_3_-_Voluntary_Ind_Agreement_EUP_LOT_4_Imag_Equipment.pdf and http://env-ngo.eup-network.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Produktgruppen/Lots/Working_Documents/Lot_04_Imaging_Equipment/Explanatory_notes_VA_on_Imag_Equip_01.pdf
EU survey backs new open-ended energy label (ENDS Europe, 1 October 2009)
An EU survey of over 8000 in 8 countries has found that consumers favour an open-ended revised energy labelling system for appliances, rather than a revised closed A-G rating. The "A+" and "A-x%".open-ended labels were deemed less confusing. The Commission hopes results will help break an impasse between the Commission and member states – in favour of an open-ended label – and MEPs, who rejected such a label for TVs, narrowly approved one for fridges, and then voted that all labels should be based on a closed scale. According to ENDS, most MEPs did not change their positions when presented with the survey results this week. Informal negotiations between MEPs and the Swedish Presidency on this issue will begin next week.
http://www.endseurope.com/22273?referrer=bulletin&DCMP=EMC-ENDS-EUROPE-DAILY (By subscription; free trial available)
Transport
DOE and Chinese Ministry Co-Host Their First Electric Vehicle Forum (EERE, 7 October 2009)
US and Chinese officials met in Beijing to discuss progress and opportunities in the electric vehicle industry. Over 140 officials participated, and the forum was presided by DOE's assistant secretary for policy and international affairs David Sandalow and Minister Wan Gang of the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology.
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=15533
Obama Administration Invests $300 Million in a Green Federal Fleet (EERE, 7 October 2009)
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced on October 1 that it met the goal of spending USD 300 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to increase the fuel-efficiency of the federal fleet. The majority of fuel-efficient, alternative fuel and vehicles will be delivered by the end of October, while compressed gas and hybrid electric buses will be delivered during 2010. Each new vehicle must have higher miles per gallon rating than the vehicle it replaces. The GSA estimates the replacements will save USD 40 million in fuel costs, and money from the sale of replaced vehicles will be used for additional investments in the federal fleet.
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=15534
Mazda to raise $1bn for 'green' cars (Financial Times, 6 October 2009)
In an attempt to close the “green car gap” with its competitors, Mazda is planning to raise JPY 96 billion from share sales to raise capital for technological innovation. It plans to increase the fuel efficiency of its fleet 30% by 2015 compared with 2008, and develop a hybrid passenger car, potentially using hybrid components supplied by Toyota. The move is an indication of the pressure on even small car companies to develop more expensive hybrid, more efficient and low-emission vehicle vehicles.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/88987f32-b20e-11de-a271-00144feab49a.html
Toyota mulls EV development with Fuji Heavy: report (Reuters, 5 October 2009)
Japan’s Mainichi newspaper reported that Toyota may cooperate with Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru cars, on the development of electric vehicles. Subaru has been an early mover in the field, having started limited sales of a plug-in vehicle in Japan in June. The paper reported that Fuji Heavy would shift battery procurement to a joint venture between Toyota and Panasonic, Panasonic EV Energy.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE59500220091006
EU: Tyre labelling deal ready to roll (European Parliament, 1 October 2009)
The European parliament and member states reached agreement on labels for tyres designating fuel efficiency, wet grip and noise performance. The label will follow an A to G classification, as for appliances. However, MEPs were unable to obtain that labels must be displayed as stickers on the tyres, at least from 2014 onwards. Labels must be shown to customers before purchase, but not necessarily as a sticker on the tyre itself. MEPs insisted the label also be shown on or with bills, and an early review date (February 2016) was agreed. The labelling requirement applies to tyres produced after 1 July 2012.
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/052-61342-271-09-40-909-20090928IPR61340-28-09-2009-2009-false/default_en.htm
EU Action Plan on Urban Mobility Released (30 September 2009)
A year later than initially planned, the European Commission has adopted an Action Plan on urban mobility. The action plan contains provisions on greener transport which include: supporting research and demonstration projects in lower and zero-emission vehicles, as well as setting up an internet site with information on cleaner and energy-efficient vehicles, and also discuss the possibility of including energy-efficient driving in national driving tests.
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/urban/urban_mobility/doc/2009_urban_mobility_leaflet_en.pdf; Action Plan available at http://ec.europa.eu/transport/urban/urban_mobility/urban_mobility_en.htm
Emissions trading/Carbon market
UK firms face rising fines in new government green plan (Reuters, 6 October 2009)
The UK’s Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRCEES) would require firms that spend over GBP 500,000 on electricity annually to register with the DECC, monitor and report on their energy usage as of April 2010, and begin purchasing emission allowances for GBP 12/tonne CO2 to cover emissions from 2011 onwards. The total number of allowances will be capped and auctioned from 2013 onwards. Consultancy firm WSP said the scheme could increase the average firm’s energy costs by 15%. Best and worst performing companies will receive bonuses or penalties.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE59606A20091007?sp=true
Renewables credits are not CO2 offsets: U.S. expert (Reuters, 5 October 2009)
With the status of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) unclear under both the House and Senate climate bills, a coalition of energy firms support the use of RECs as offsets that could be used to meet obligations under a cap-and-trade scheme. Tim Juliani of the Pew Center on Global Climate Change argues that RECs do not in any way meet the additionality test, since the electricity sector would be regulated and required to generate and sell these, and should in no way be included as such in a future climate bill.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5943YC20091005?sp=true
Australia government has big lead as carbon vote looms: poll (Reuters, 5 October 2009)
Should a snap election be called in Australia over inability to end divisions over climate change policy and the introduction of a cap-and-trade bill, Australia’s government is well placed to win; Prime Minister Rudd’s Labor is a record 16 points ahead of the Liberal Party led by Malcolm Turnbull in opinion polls. Turnbull would like to negotiate changes to the climate change laws, but members of his party as well as the junior opposition National Party are completely opposed to the laws.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE59509S20091006?sp=true
The Czech Republic makes big money through carbon trading (Cop 15, 2 October 2009)
The Czech Environment Ministry reported that the country has sold 20 million AAUs to Japan on 1 October, after purchasing twice as many earlier in the year.
http://en.cop15.dk/news/view+news?newsid=2264
EU moves to tackle carbon trading fraud (EurActiv, 1 October 2009)
The European Commission is proposing a harmonised EU response to VAT carousel fraud, including for carbon allowances. The measure is similar to one applied by the Dutch government when faced with VAT fraud on emissions allowances. The customer would be liable for paying VAT under the measure, and would declare and deduct it at the same time without paying it to the treasury.
http://www.euractiv.com/en/climate-change/eu-moves-tackle-carbon-trading-fraud/article-185933
Fight looms on U.S. climate price controls (Reuters, 30 September 2009)
Analysts foresee significant negotiation over price control mechanisms contained in the proposed Boxer-Kerry Senate climate bill. The bill currently includes a “soft collar” on the price of permits, allowing the EPA to auction permits from a reserve should the price reach USD 28/tonne. The ceiling would go up by 7% a year plus inflation from 2018 (the House Bill escalates the ceiling by 5% a year plus inflation). Utilities would like to see a hard collar, with a ceiling at a lower level than USD 28/tonne.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE58T6XU20090930
CFTC's Chilton backs position limits on carbon trade (Reuters, 30 September 2009)
Bart Chilton of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) said that a carbon trading scheme in the US could make carbon the largest physical commodity market in the world, making it “probably appropriate” for position limits to apply to such a scheme. He also added that for the market to work "We are going to need speculators."
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE58T5GO20090930 ; position limits: http://www.investorwords.com/7443/position_limits.html
Mining industry sounds off against emissions trading scheme (ABC Rural, 29 September 2009)
Various sections of the Australian mining industry, from big to small players in coal, gold and zinc mining, say they are concerned about the impact carbon costs imposed on them under an emission trading scheme will have on their operations.
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/200909/s2699419.htm
Climate change negotiations
U.S. "stumbling block" in U.N. climate talks: Mexico (Reuters, 7 October 2009)
The US continues to be under pressure to put ambitious mid-term GHG reduction targets on the table. Mexican climate delegation head Fernando Tudela said the US needed to show the leadership expected of them, warning that if Congress passed climate legislation the US would not be in a position to negotiate since the bill’s reduction target is inadequate compared to cuts being demanded. Jonathan Pershing, head of the US delegation, said an international agreement would be strong because of how it supports domestic action, and that countries should make their domestic actions visible and transparent, to show they are moving forward domestically.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE59617A20091007?sp=true
Downturn is 'climate opportunity' (BBC, 6 October 2009)
The IEA, in its special release of WEO 2009 findings on climate change, calculates that global GHG emissions will fall 3% this year, providing an opportunity to bolster policy measures that would put the world on a path to stabilise GHG concentrations in the atmosphere at 450 parts per million.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8292175.stm
Major non-OECD must halt CO2 growth by 2020: IEA (Reuters, 6 October 2009)
Reuters notes the WEO climate change release, highlighting the need for emissions from major non-OECD emitters to peak by 2020, including Russia, China and the Middle East. http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE59524820091006?sp=true
The WEO 2009 Climate change excerpt, How the energy sector can deliver on a climate agreement in Copenhagen, is available for download at http://www.iea.org/weo/docs/weo2009/climate_change_excerpt.pdf
Rich nations trying to kill Kyoto pact, says China (Reuters, 5 October 2009)
The G77 and China are accusing developed countries of aiming to “kill” the Kyoto Protocol and changing the rules of the game. They see any attempt to change the Protocol as a means of reneging on firm emission reduction commitments.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE58R05820091005?sp=true
FT interview transcript: Marina Silva (Financial Times, 5 October 2009)
Brazil’s former Environment Minister Marina Silva, in an interview with the Financial Times, talks about how Brazil should lead in Copenhagen by taking on targets not only for reducing deforestation, but reducing emissions in all sectors of its economy. Arguing that all countries need to change their models of economic development to ensure sustainability, Ms Silva says Brazil needs to lead by example since “There is no example in the world to be followed”. The Brazilian people are largely supportive of stronger environmental protection, even at greater cost: “…a fantastic political energy that can’t be thrown away at a time of negotiations like this.”
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c0c93e86-b1c4-11de-a271-00144feab49a.html
EU backs US bid to corner India at climate talks (Times of India, 3 October 2009)
The Times of India is describing current climate change negotiations in Bangkok as “entrenched battle lines”, where the EU is backing the US’s desire to do away with the Kyoto Protocol and get emerging economies “to take on a set of internationally binding emission reduction targets without financial or technical compensation to cover for the economic costs of achieving them.”
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/environment/global-warming/EU-backs-US-bid-to-corner-India-at-climate-talks/articleshow/5082158.cms
India challenges US over 'measly' climate change efforts (The Guardian, 1 October 2009)
India’s environment minister Jairam Ramesh said the US needed to step up its efforts to mitigate climate change if it wanted to persuade India to make serious commitments. Ramesh dismissed the recent climate change bill introduced in the Senate the day before, saying the target “…is really only a measly 5% reduction on 1990 levels.” He also said countries needed to commit to cuts by 2020, not 2050. He was immediately rebuffed by US chief climate change envoy Todd Stern who said narrow focus would jeopardise the prospects of an agreement.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/oct/01/india-us-climate-change
Poor hit back at rich over new carbon emission demands (Reuters, 1 October 2009)
Developing countries at the Bangkok climate change talks are resisting efforts to have their efforts to curb emissions written “on a piece of paper”, as part of an appendix to a future agreement or a registry. They fear this would eventually mean binding targets or international oversight of their activities, according to Agus Purnomo, head of the Indonesian delegation: "We will do our measurement, reporting and verification. But it's our initiative. It's none of their business," though he admitted part of it becomes their business “If they put money, if they supported us”. Barbados delegate Selwin Hart also said this shouldn’t be a means to establish “escape clauses or options “ for the targets developed countries must commit to.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5902K020091001?sp=true
U.S. group urges strong patent rights in climate deal (Reuters, 30 September 2009)
The US Chamber of Commerce warned that giving in to developing country demands that could lead to governments forcing a patent holder to license the use of a product or technology would freeze investment and could cost the US a million jobs by 2020, and possibly more after that. He called on the government to oppose those who “…think weakening of IP (intellectual property) rights via compulsory licensing is the most effective way for developing countries to get the technologies they need."
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE58T61320090930