Copenhagen Summit – Day 12 Summary

The last day of the UN climate conference in Copenhagen ended with a group of countries including the US and China agreeing a deal which the EU early Saturday described as “not perfect” but “better than no deal.”

UK PM to push for legally binding treaty – At a midnight press conference Friday evening, the Prime Minister says he will lead an international campaign for legally binding treaty

EU: “The only deal available in Copenhagen” – While the head of China’s climate delegation thought “everyone should be happy,” it was uncertain late Friday night whether the “Copenhagen Accord” agreed by the US, China, Brazil, South Africa and India would win broader support among countries.

US, China, India, Brazil and South Africa reach deal - According to a senior Obama administration official the United States, China, India, Brazil, South Africa and South Africa have reached a “meaningful agreement” on climate change Friday evening.

New draft for Copenhagen deal - In a newly written draft named the “Copenhagen Accord” a 2010-deadline for reaching a legally binding climate treaty has been dropped, Reuters reported Friday afternoon.

Chávez felt excluded - Venezuela’s President, Hugo Chávez, criticized the UN climate conference for “a real lack of transparency.”

EU challenges US and China – The European Union makes clear it is ready to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels – if the US and China “do their part.

Obama: I came here to act - “Our ability to take collective action is in doubt,” US President Barack Obama warned the plenary at COP15.

Brazil ready to provide funding – “As the first developing country Brazil offers to contribute to the finance mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol – if an agreement is reached in Copenhagen Friday, says President Lula.

World leaders in last-minute climate talks - The UN climate talks were in serious disarray Friday, prompting President Barack Obama to upend his schedule and hold close-door talks with 19 other world leaders to work out a last-minute agreement on fighting global warming.

China and India signal progress on transparency – The world’s two largest emerging economies both respond positively to a call from US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. “We are 75 percent underway with a solution,” says Indian minister.

Hillary Clinton brings positive momentum - After statements by the US Secretary of State on financing, a number of key players have agreed on a draft text that will be discussed on the UN conference’s last day.

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