In a dramatic turnaround, the U.S. agreed to a compromise that sets a two-year timetable for reviving an ailing, aging treaty on global climate change after two weeks of intense and at times emotional talks among the world’s countries in Bali, Indonesia.
“The Bush administration had earlier made a significant change in policy, ending its long-held objection to formal negotiations on new steps to avoid climate dangers. This time, the United States agreed to set a deadline for an addendum to the original treaty, the Framework Convention on Climate Change, which was signed by President George H.W. Bush during his final year in office in 1992.
The agreement notes the need for “urgency” in addressing climate change and recognizes that “deep cuts in global emissions will be required.”
Still, it does not bind the United States or any country to commitments on reducing greenhouse pollution…”
