>> The climate talks will be a disaster, says 350.org founder Bill McKibben — if we negotiate in the politics-as-usual manner instead of the physics-doesn’t-lie manner:

What I’m saying is: even the best politicians are treating the problem of climate change as a normal political one, where you halve the distance between various competing interests and do your best to reach some kind of consensus that doesn’t demand too much of anyone, yet reduces the political pressure for a few years — at which time, of course, you (or possibly someone entirely different) will have to deal with it again….

Physics has set an immutable bottom line on life as we know it on this planet…. And here’s the thing: physics doesn’t just impose a bottom line, it imposes a time limit…. It’s like nothing we’ve ever faced before — and we’re facing it as if it’s just like everything else. That’s the problem.

>> Connie Hedegaard, Minister for the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen 2009, sounds more optimistic. Granted, that’s sort of her job — I guess it would be odd if the Minister said talks are unlikely to be productive or meaningful….

In any case — In a post for the official COP15 blog, Connie writes that striking an international deal is “not easy” but “doable”:

Over the last weeks, countries have come forward almost on a daily basis. Norway will cut emissions by 40 % in 2020. South Korea will deviate with 30 % from business as usual. Russia has stepped up its commitment and will now reduce by up to 25 %. And then there is Brazil, Japan, Indonesia, and Mexico.

President Obama has announced US targets, not only for 2020, but maybe more noticeable for 2025 and 2030. 4 percent below 1990 might not be what the world has been hoping for, but the US seems to know that the price for coming late is that the pathway for reductions after 2020 will be extra steep with 18 % below 1990-levels in 2025 and 32 percent in 2030.

It is also new and very encouraging that China comes forward internationally. We must analyse more carefully what the new Chinese announcement translates to when it comes to a percentage for deviation from business as usual.

>> Can’t keep track of what country’s agreed to what eco-goals? The Wall Street Journal’s put together a handy map. (via Earth2Tech)

>> Grist’s put together Copenhagen Climate Talks site, What the føck is going on in Copenhagen. The articles aren’t as funny as the title, but are more informative….

>> You can also follow the COP15 blog and the Climate News page at TckTckTck to stay on top of the latest Copenhagen news.

Earlier:
>> Copenhagen Climate Talks begin!
>> Cutting through the confusion over Copenhagen Climate Talks

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