The Week’s Energy-Efficiency News In A Nutshell
US Congress: Climate bill for spring 2010; Clean Energy Act introduced (Van Ness Feldman, 23 November 2009)
In the US Congress, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, after consultation with five of the six committee chairs with jurisdiction over elements of a cap-and-trade bill, has confirmed that climate legislation will be considered in spring 2010. He said the compromise climate package being created with senators Lieberman and Graham will also be presented then. Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Jim Webb and Republican Senator Lamar Alexander have introduced the Clean Energy Act of 2009 (S. 2776) as an alternative to cap-and-trade legislation. The bill aims to double nuclear energy production in the next 20 years, provide USD 100 billion in loan guarantees for carbon-free electricity, and USD 150 million annually over ten years for each of five “mini-Manhattan” projects: CCS, advanced biofuels, advanced batteries, solar power, and reprocessing and recycling used nuclear fuel.
http://www.vnf.com/news-alerts-414.html
Barroso warned not to split environment, climate portfolios (EurActiv, 23 November 2009)
A letter drafted by leading members of the European parliament (MEPs), seen by EurActiv, calls on European Commission President José Manuel Barroso not to create a separate climate department, amid rumours that the environment directorate might be split. They argued climate needed to be interlinked with other environmental concerns, and to appoint an extra commissioner for climate action to the environment directorate instead.
Quebec sets 2020 greenhouse gas emission targets (Reuters, 23 November 2009)
Canada’s Quebec province has announced it aims to cut GHG emissions 20% from 1990 levels by 2020; an ambitious target, according to Premier Jean Charest, given 48% of energy currently comes from hydroelectricity and that per capita carbon emissions are half the Canadian average.
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE5AM4P120091124
Climate goal needs “more than technology”: Shell (Reuters, 20 November 2009)
Shell’s executive vice-president of future fuels and CO2, Graeme Sweeney, said that technological improvement and low-carbon sources of energy were insufficient to meet the target of limiting global temperature increase to 2C. He said work on the demand-side, including behaviour change, would also be necessary. Shell is currently working on producing transport fuels from non-food crops such as wood waste, and conversion of CO2 captured in minerals into building materials.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AJ3T620091120
India’s cabinet approves solar power programme (Reuters, 19 November 2009)
India’s cabinet approved the country’s USD 19 billion Solar India solar power plan, as part of its climate change strategy, that would see 20GW of solar power output by 2020. The plan would provide incentives for production, installation, research and development, as well as financial incentives and tax breaks for utilities. The plan’s first phase would see installation of 1 to 1.5 GW by 2012, and steps to stimulate domestic manufacturing.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AI3PM20091119
China and the US sign deal on monitoring emissions (Cop15, 19 November 2009)
Among the various bilateral agreement signed between China and the US this week is a memorandum of co-operation between the US EPA and China’s NDRC to develop an accurate GHG inventory for China. The move could help China’s climate change commitments become more transparent and credible, and as such facilitate the passage of climate change legislation in the US. Several US senators have voiced scepticism over Chinese data collection.
http://en.cop15.dk/news/view+news?newsid=2641
Small businesses focusing on clean energy receive RD&D grants (EERE Network News, 25 November 2009)
Over USD 18 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding will be awarded to 107 small advanced technology firms, through 125 grants of up to USD 150 000 each, followed by a second round of grants if the technology RD&D is successful. Technologies funded by the grants cover, among others, energy efficiency for building and industries, smart grid, advanced gas turbines, and reduction of industrial GHGs.
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=15643
DOE Awards $620 Million for Smart Grid and Energy Storage Projects (EERE Network News, 25 November 2009)
The US DOE has awarded American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds of over USD 620 million to 16 fully integrated regional Smart Grid demonstration projects in 21 states, which will leverage USD 1 billion from the private sector.
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=15644
Norway opens world’s first osmotic power plant (Reuters, 24 November 2009)
Norway’s Statkraft has opened the first prototype osmotic power plant, producing electricity from change in pressure when osmosis occurs between fresh water and sea water, separated through a special membrane. The prototype plant aims at improving the membrane’s efficiency from 1W/m2 to 5W/m2, which would bring the technology’s costs in line with those of other renewables. Statkraft sees non-intermittent osmotic power as “an interesting part” of the future renewable energy mix, estimating global production capacity for the mature technology at 1600-1700 TWh annually, and Europe’s potential at 180 TWh (approximately 5% of total consumption).
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AN20Q20091124
Eurelectric releases power statistics for 2007 (Eurelectric, 23 November 2009)
Eurelectric has published its latest statistics, indicating that in 2007 18 GW of new fossil-fuel generating capacity (a 4% increase from the previous year), and 8.8 GW of new renewables capacity (a 13% increase from the previous year) came on line, mostly in onshore and offshore wind. Nuclear and hydropower capacity remained constant.
Proposed Consent Decree Would Compel EPA Decision on NSPS for GHG Emissions (Van Ness Feldman, 23 November 2009)
Under a proposed consent decree filed with the US District Court for the District of Columbia, the EPA would have until November 2010 to decide whether it will establish New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for GHG emissions from both new and existing nitric acid plants. The existing NSPS for the plants were last revised in 1984 and do not address the potent GHG nitrous oxide. This would be the first exercise of NSPS over GHGs, and could portend the EPA setting GHG emission standards for other major categories of stationary sources.
http://www.vnf.com/news-alerts-414.html
Renewables policy hopes dashed by tariffs row (Guardian, 22 November 2009)
The announcement of a new feed-in tariff (FIT) policy for renewables in the UK in December has been delayed to the new year, as officials at the DECC, the Treasury and energy regulator Ofgem are still debating the tariff’s final levels. Ofgem advised against the FIT, saying if offered bad value for money. The Treasury is now concerned with the scheme’s price, while others say the return offered is insufficient. Meanwhile, energy companies worry the delay means they will have insufficient time to prepare for the planned 1 April launch date of the FIT to customers.
France launches consultation on eco-industries (20 November 2009)
The French government has completed a study assessing the strengths and weaknesses of France’s position in 17 “eco-industry” sectors, along with objectives for each sector. Out of the 17, 5 hold potential for France to be a world leader in, including hybrid and electric vehicles, building energy efficiency, marine energy, offshore wind and biofuels. The study also recommended France strengthen the development of 5 other sectors, including batteries and smart grids. The study is open to consultation until 15 January 2010.
http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/article.php3?id_article=6332 (links to documents found here); http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/PRESENTATION_ETUDE_FILIERE_cle188434.pdf
Danish power sector doubles energy-saving pledge (Ministry press release, 20 November 2009)
Under a new agreement from 2010 onwards, the Danish power sector has committed to achieve energy savings of up to 5.4 PJ a year, nearly double the previous commitment and half of Denmark’s national target of 10.3 PJ a year.
Pennsylvania residents sue over gas drilling (Reuters, 20 November 2009)
Residents of a Pennsylvanian town have launched a lawsuit against Cabot Oil & Gas Corp, claiming damages due to water wells contaminated by hydraulic fracturing. It is the first case against the industry regarding the technique. Residents in many hydraulic fracturing gas-drilling areas have complained of ground water contamination, but have been unable to prove it as companies do not have to disclose the composition of drilling fluids.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AJ2NB20091120?sp=true
Energy leaders back climate change deal (AFP, 19 November 2009)
The World Energy Council (WEC), which represents energy industry in 93 countries, says that uncertainty on climate change is now considered critical by executives, equivalent to more immediate economic and financial crises. Greater uncertainty would mean higher costs, which would end up on the consumer’s bill.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/unclimatewarmingenergyoil
Asia set to overtake US in green technology race (Financial Times, 19 November 2009)
A report by two think tanks indicates that Asian economies will lead in the clean technology market over the next five years, with China set to replicate the successful strategies used by the Japanese and South Korean governments to establish technological leads in sectors such as automobiles and electronics. Over the five years to 2013, China, Japan and South Korea are set to invest USD 509 billion in clean technology under current plans, as opposed to USD 172 billion by the United States.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/136f0cd4-d4ab-11de-a935-00144feabdc0.html
IDB launches process to limit climate impact of projects it finances (IDB news release, 5 November 2009)
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has issued specific standards and criteria for coal-fired power plant projects it finances. The IDB says it will not finance sub-critical pulverized coal plants, nor circulating fluidized bed combustion plants (unless they have at least 36% net efficiency in converting fuel to energy). Only projects using best-available technology to reduce emissions of GHGs and other pollutants will be financed. The guidelines are the first in a series that will extend to manufacturing, agriculture, oil and gas industries.
http://www.iadb.org/news/detail.cfm?Language=English&id=5889
FTC Proposes New Output-Based Labels for Light Bulbs (EERE Network News, 25 November 2009)
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on new labels for light bulbs. On the front of a bulb package would be the bulb’s output in lumens and energy cost information would appear. A “lighting facts” label would have information about brightness, energy cost, the bulb’s expected life, colour temperature, whether the bulb contains mercury, and wattage. The bulb’s Output in lumens and a mercury disclosure for bulbs that contain mercury would also have to be placed on the bulb itself.
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=15645
US DOE awards funding to national labs for vehicles, buildings, appliance testing (EERE Network News, 25 November 2009)
The DOE is awarded USD 104.7 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to 8 national laboratories for improved energy efficiency testing facilities. One will investigate techniques to reduce the costs of carbon fibre technology, to lower the weight of vehicles, while four work on different aspects of battery technology. Two projects look at net-zero energy buildings, and the last is for a new performance verification laboratory for verification tests on residential and commercial appliances.
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=15641
Take a look at the Financial Times’ Special Report on Green Technology (24 November): http://www.ft.com/reports/green-technology-2009 , including articles on energy efficiency in the shipping industry, lighting and electric cars.
The greening of manufacturing (Financial Times, 23 November 2009)
European manufacturers, from Siemens to Renault, believe they are well placed for the future of manufacturing, which they see as increasingly green. According to Roland Berger, Europe could have a quarter of the EUR 3200 billion green product market by 2020, despite China’s dominance in renewable energy. Many executives say the government will continue to play an important role in this growth through subsidies.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/59ec3d62-d7d0-11de-b578-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=1; More details in Fight to be eco top dog hots up (FT, 22 November 2009) http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/3da03b12-d795-11de-b578-00144feabdc0.html
Final texts of energy labelling and EPBD laws published
Revised texts on EU energy labelling and energy performance of building Directives, following political agreement between the European Parliament and member states, have been published.
Energy labelling: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/09/st16/st16080.en09.pdf; EPBD: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/09/st16/st16082.en09.pdf
Buildings are key to tackling emissions (Financial Times, 25 November 2008)
Building industry executives in the UK are actively responding to European and national targets for “zero-carbon” buildings, saying the industry will be radically changed in 10 years, though it could mean that less sophisticated contractors get squeezed. However, falling prices for property assets and planning policy combined with the higher cost of sustainable building initiatives, could squeeze profit margins. Moreover, many say the focus must be on existing buildings and refurbishment, as two-thirds of the buildings that will be standing in 2050 have already been built. Financing is the main impediment to such refurbishment, most of it dependent on public money. Getting to emission reductions beyond 50% also requires going beyond major “hassle-free” measures to more expensive and “invasive” procedures.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a014657c-d9d7-11de-ad94-00144feabdc0.html
US DOE awards funding to national labs for vehicles, buildings, appliance testing (EERE Network News, 25 November 2009)
The DOE is awarded USD 104.7 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to 8 national laboratories for improved energy efficiency testing facilities. One will investigate techniques to reduce the costs of carbon fibre technology, to lower the weight of vehicles, while four work on different aspects of battery technology. Two projects look at net-zero energy buildings, and the last is for a new performance verification laboratory for verification tests on residential and commercial appliances.
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=15641
A high-wire act (Financial Times, 25 November 2009)
While China’s strong start on climate change policies has shattered its fear of being diplomatically isolated at Copenhagen, the fact that it will decades to limit emissions growth raises big questions on whether its current policies can be sustained and make enough of a difference. Economic planners are aware that meeting energy intensity targets will get more challenging, and that efforts will need to broaden to include smaller companies and local governments. Top-down administrative measures may be less effective over time: “China needs to start thinking about the coal pricing system and introduce taxes,” according to Greenpeace’s Yang Ailun. Renewable energy projects may also face quality and overcapacity issues, if grid expansion is not increased in proportion to new capacity. Broader questions of rebalancing China’s economic model will need to be considered.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4f01ac1e-d962-11de-b2d5-00144feabdc0.html
EU 2020 strategy consultation launched (24 November 2009)
The EU Commission has launched consultation on a new EU 2020 strategy, being designed as a successor to the current Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs. Key drivers for the vision include conserving energy and resources, and using them more efficiently, and the creation of a greener economy part of the strategy’s three priorities. This will include revising transport strategy, making the right investment decisions in the electricity sector, and industrial restructuring. The Commission is accepting comments until 15 January 2010.
US Administration still behind comprehensive climate bill (Van Ness Feldman, 23 November 2009)
Carol Browner, Director of the White House Office of Energy and Climate Change Policy, said the Obama administration was still looking to sign comprehensive climate legislation – not a limited bill as some have proposed (capping emissions from the electricity sector only, or focussing on clean energy deployment). According to Browner, the business community has been clear about wanting comprehensive legislation: “If we only solve a little piece of the problem, you’re not going to give industry the predictability and certainty needed to make large investments.”
http://www.vnf.com/news-alerts-414.html
India ties solar plans to global climate support (Reuters, 23 November 2009)
Whether India will reach its new Solar Mission’s target of 20 GW of solar power by 2022 “will be dependent on the enhanced and enabled international finance and technology”. However the plan does not indicate the total investment required, nor how money is to be raised. According to Greenpeace’s Siddharth Pathak, it is not clear “how much of the plan is to be carried out unilaterally and how much with international support.”
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AM2MQ20091123?sp=true
Small businesses focusing on clean energy receive RD&D grants (EERE Network News, 25 November 2009)
Over USD 18 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding will be awarded to 107 small advanced technology firms, through 125 grants of up to USD 150 000 each, followed by a second round of grants if the technology RD&D is successful. Technologies funded by the grants cover, among others, energy efficiency for building and industries, smart grid, advanced gas turbines, and reduction of industrial GHGs.
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=15643
Coalition Advocates Greater Role for Building Retrofits in Climate Bill (Van Ness Feldman, 23 November 2009)
Rebuilding America, a coalition of NGO, business, labour, and energy groups, has submitted proposals for climate change legislation to stimulate energy-efficient retrofits to 50 million buildings by 2020. The proposals have been backed by three Democratic senators, and would mandate a greater share of allowances for energy efficiency projects, state renewable energy and energy efficiency programmes and establish an “energy efficiency resource standard”.
http://www.vnf.com/news-alerts-414.html; Info and proposals at http://www.energyfuturecoalition.org/What-Were-Doing/Energy-Efficiency/Rebuilding-America
EPA: Fuel Economy for New Vehicles Rises for Fifth Straight Year (EERE Network News, 25 November 2009)
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its annual vehicle fuel economy report, indicating that model year (MY) 2008 cars had an average fuel economy of 21.0mpg, an increase of 0.4mpg from the previous year. For 2009, the average is estimated at 21.1mpg, though the figure is uncertain since based on automaker’s projected sales prior to the launch of the model year. The EPA has included information on CO2 emissions for the first time. Average CO2 emissions have decreased by 39 grams per mile 8%, and the average fuel economy has increased by 1.8 mpg, or 9%, since 2004. This positive trend that began in 2005 reverses a long period of decreasing fuel economy from 1987 through 2004.
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=15646
US DOE awards funding to national labs for vehicles, buildings, appliance testing (EERE Network News, 25 November 2009)
The DOE is awarded USD 104.7 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to 8 national laboratories for improved energy efficiency testing facilities. One will investigate techniques to reduce the costs of carbon fibre technology, to lower the weight of vehicles, while four work on different aspects of battery technology. Two projects look at net-zero energy buildings, and the last is for a new performance verification laboratory for verification tests on residential and commercial appliances.
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=15641
Toyota gets 14,000 pre-sale orders for SAI hybrid (Reuters, 24 November 2009)
Toyota has announced orders for its SAI hybrid sedan, to go on sale in Japan on 7 December, is nearly five times its monthly target, having reached 14,000. It says government subsidies and tax exemptions, worth up to JPY 280,000 (USD 3150), and the car’s high fuel economy, are driving interest.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AN0M520091124
EU Hydrogen transport project claims success (18 November 2009)
EU-funded hydrogen project HyFLEET:CUTE presented its successes at a conference on 17-18 November, indicating that the project operated 40 hydrogen powered buses in ten cities between 2006 and 2009, with engines running safely and efficiently. The overall message was that there were no fundamental obstacles to the development of hydrogen infrastructure, and that it could be a low or zero-emission fuel.
http://www.global-hydrogen-bus-platform.com/InformationCentre/Downloads; http://hyfleetcute.com/data/HyFLEETCUTE_Brochure_November09.pdf
New Zealand passes revamped carbon law (Reuters, 25 November 2009)
New Zealand’s revised emission trading scheme was approved Wednesday, with additional support for large emitters and a two-year delay on the entry of the agricultural sector into the scheme. Increased compensation was also meant to align the scheme with that soon to be passed in Australia. During a 3-year transitional period (2010-13) emitters will have to meet 50% of obligations, and have the option of paying a fixed price of NZD 25/tonne emissions. Carbon Market Solution’s Wayne King said that while the scheme as it is wouldn’t significantly reduce emissions, it would provide certainty for business, and that a liquid carbon trading market would take time to develop.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AO0JB20091125?sp=true
California unveils draft cap-and-trade rules (CAIRB, Reuters, 24 November 2009)
California has released its daft cap-and-trade scheme regulations. The scheme would begin in 2012 with the 600 largest stationary sources of GHGs (mostly industry and electricity), and include suppliers of transportation, residential and commercial fuel. The draft avoids the contentious issue of allocation, but says a minimum number will be auctioned at the start of the programme. New estimates of the schemes costs will be available next year; businesses have criticised the scheme for going too far too fast and costing too much.
http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/nr112409b.htm; http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AN53Z20091125?sp=true
Legal threat to Canberra over carbon prices (Financial Times, 24 November 2009)
Hong Kong’s CLP, which owns Australian power stations, has raised the prospect of legal action against the Australian government if its proposed cap-and-trade scheme led to a fall in the value of its Australian assets, as it would seek to recover losses. The company argues the scheme could violate Australia’s investment treat with Hong Kong. International Power, which also has stations in Australia, is reviewing its legal options and has threatened to quit the Australian market if greater compensation to power producers is not forthcoming; it warns the electricity market along Australia’s east coast could collapse if it and other generators leave.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/59b99244-d899-11de-b63a-00144feabdc0.html
Australia to sweeten carbon scheme for polluters (Financial Times, 24 November 2009)
Aiming to see climate legislation pass the Senate this week, the Australian government has proposed another compromise that would double compensation to the coal and electricity generation sectors. The proposed change would see the coal industry receive AUD 1.5 billion in assistance, AUD 7.3 billion of free permits to power generators over 10 years, and over AUD 1 billion to manufacturing and mining businesses to help in meeting higher electricity costs. Australia’s Green party responded by saying the scheme was “worse than useless” as it would “lock in failure”, and that they would never vote for it.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9982ff9e-d8b4-11de-b63a-00144feabdc0.html
Carbon will mature as inflation hedge (Reuters, 24 November 2009)
Andrew Ager, head of emissions trading at Bache Commodities, says that as carbon markets develop, it could mature to be used as a hedge against equities and inflation. He said a sign of the market’s development is that oil, coal and gas traders now look at carbon prices for direction; carbon has recently also been strongly correlated to copper, which people look at as an indicator of industrial growth.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AN35420091124?sp=true
Ukraine to sell carbon emission rights to Spain (Reuters, 24 November 2009)
Ukraine’s government announced it is selling 3 million AAUs to Spain, without disclosing further details on the transaction.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AN2ML20091124
Poland says to sell CO2 permits to Ireland soon (Reuters, 21 November 2009)
Poland has announced it will sell EUR 15 million worth of AAUs to Ireland in coming weeks.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AK0PU20091121
Kyoto carbon scheme needs Americans: Sindicatum CEO (Reuters, 19 November 2009)
The CEO of Sindicatum Carbon Capital, Assaad Razzouk, said the CDM will work much better once the US is involved in the mechanism according to its size – as an emitter, and as an economic and regulatory leader. He said expectations had been much too high regarding what could be agreed in Copenhagen, and that Sindicaturm couldn’t afford to build a business that cared about the outcome.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AI3R020091119?sp=true
New Zealand’s ‘Kyoto forests’ sow the seeds for a massive emissions surge (Guardian, 19 November 2009)
The Sustainability Council of New Zealand has criticised the government for counting forests planted in the early 1990s as sinks, with which it will meet its Kyoto Protocol commitments – it appears the forests were not planted for this purpose, but are commercial plantations that will be harvested in the 2020s. New Zealand’s Treasury also recently referred to the forests as a “contingent liability”.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/nov/19/new-zealand-kyoto-forests
Fiscal/political risk in Australia ETS debate: report (Reuters, 18 November 2009)
The Climate Institute, an independent research organisation, has released a costing report on the Australian government’s planned emissions trading scheme, as well as on amendments the opposition is seeking. It concludes that the opposition’s amendments would increase “fiscal and political risk”, with free allocations leading to a AUD 37 billion deficit by 2020, rather than a slight surplus under the government’s proposal. It also said that excluding agriculture from the scheme would end up costing businesses and taxpayers an additional AUD 7 billion. The report was based on a commitment to reduce emissions 15% below 2000 levels by 2020.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AH2QQ20091118?sp=true
Obama offers U.S. climate cut, to attend Copenhagen (Reuters, 25 November 2009)
The White House announced it will pledge to cut GHG emissions 17% below 2005 levels by 2020, and that President Barack Obama will attend the Copenhagen climate talks next month, during their first week, before the arrival of other heads of state.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSGEE5AO1RB20091125?sp=true
China says content, not form, key to climate pact (Reuters, 25 November 2009)
In a sign that it could accept less than a treaty outcome at the Copenhagen global climate change talks, China’s top negotiator Yu Qintai said “the actual content of whatever is achieved is more important than the title of the document that is produced”.
http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-GreenBusiness/idUSTRE5AO0AB20091125?sp=true
Climate part of Indian PM’s Washington mission (Cop15, 24 November 2009)
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India was prepared to be part of a solution to the global climate challenge, and beyond actions it is undertaking with its own resources, will be open to doing more if global support is available. India’s DNA (Daily News & Analysis) quotes anonymous Indian negotiators to say a legally binding outcome is being sought in Copenhagen, and a rejection of recent statements targeting a “mere political declaration” from countries that have given up on Copenhagen.
http://en.cop15.dk/news/view+news?newsid=2681
Scientist: Leak of climate e-mails an attack on Copenhagen (Cop15, 23 November 2009)
Climate scientist Kevin Trenberth of the US National Center for Atmospheric Research found 102 of his personal e-mails posted online, following the theft of a decade’s worth of data and documents from the University of East Anglia’s Climate Research Unit by hackers. Posted online, the e-mails are being used by skeptics to argue that scientists colluded and overstated the cause of global warming. Trenberth says the e-mails are used selectively and out of context, and says the theft and posting of the e-mails so soon before Copenhagen is no coincidence.
http://en.cop15.dk/news/view+news?newsid=2655
Govt admits it doesn’t expect much from Copenhagen meet (Times of India, 20 November 2009)
India’s Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has said not to “expect anything much from Copenhagen. We will stick to our stand”. According to the Times of India, developed countries have watered down ambitions by calling for a political statement in Copenhagen, and continue to “bury” the Kyoto Protocol in the negotiations, looking to do away with it.
A Copenhagen deal, not a treaty (Financial Times, 19 November 2009)
Fiona Harvey clarifies the recent announcements on the possible form of a Copenhagen outcome: “a deal is not the same as a treaty. And a deal with a treaty to follow is not so bad”, though it would need to be a strong political deal, which is not a given despite President Obama’s commitments.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/f0ec92da-d4aa-11de-a935-00144feabdc0.html
Germany’s Merkel repeats call for climate cut rules (Reuters, 19 November 2009)
French and German leaders have both called for Copenhagen to be a strong political deal, with numbers and precise objectives, and a political commitment to reach a binding agreement next year, “if possible in the first half of the year”, according to German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE5AI53020091119
Obama and Hu revive ailing Copenhagen talks (BusinessGreen, 17 November 2009)
In a joint communiqué, US President Obama and Chinese Premier Hu indicated that an agreement in Copenhagen must include emission reduction targets for industrialised countries, and declared action plans from developing countries to curb emissions growth.
http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2253287/obama-hu-revive-ailing
