There is a good deal of controversy about whether the Copenhagen accord on climate change is step forward or a step back. But there is no doubt that the negotiations were messy.
Mark Lynas was in the room and describes the chaotic end of the Copenhagen conference:
Copenhagen was a disaster. That much is agreed. But the truth about what actually happened is in danger of being lost amid the spin and inevitable mutual recriminations. The truth is this: China wrecked the talks, intentionally humiliated Barack Obama, and insisted on an awful “deal” so western leaders would walk away carrying the blame. How do I know this? Because I was in the room and saw it happen.
….Even George Monbiot, writing in yesterday’s Guardian, made the mistake of singly blaming Obama. But I saw Obama fighting desperately to salvage a deal, and the Chinese delegate saying “no”, over and over again….Here’s what actually went on late last Friday night, as heads of state from two dozen countries met behind closed doors….
It is becoming increasingly clear that China was a big obstacle, a point that has not gotten much attention in the press. But the U.S. also lacks a coherent policy on climate change.
There is lots of blame to go around.
