43 Days Until Copenhagen

Government representatives from major global economies meeting in London this week suggested a Copenhagen accord is still expected and possible, but even some London participants, voiced by the Dutch diplomat, believe that there is not sufficient time before the crucial December meetings to reach concrete, binding agreements on all key issues. The lack of a US congressional agreement is cited as the major barrier to successful negotiations. In lieu of a comprehensive agreement, there is hope that an international carbon monitoring system, technology sharing framework and country emissions reductions and disclosure commitments will emerge from Copenhagen as building blocks for a 2010 agreement.