Cop15 News

President Nicolas Sarkozy intends to invite the countries that signed the Copenhagen Accord to a meeting in spring 2010. One purpose will be to reinstall the goal of halving global emissions by 2050.

Many are disappointed with COP15’s main output. However, the summit did not only introduce the Copenhagen Accord but also a new kind of dynamics in global climate policy.

In their first media briefing since returning from talks in the Danish capital, environment minister Buyelwa Sonjica (photo above) and her two top climate change negotiators said Tuesday that part of the blame rested with the way the host guided the conference.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also urges richer nations to contribute to a multi-billion dollar fund to help poorer countries cope with global warming which will become operational in January.

After the UN climate talks ended on Saturday, European carbon markets on Monday suffered from the aftermath of the climate deal.

Businesses and investment analysts had preferred clear carbon targets to invest appropriately.

In an article in the Guardian, the British climate secretary raises questions about the structure and nature of future climate negotiations.

The Copenhagen Accord is reasonable, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh says.

Despite its lack of targets to curb emissions, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other leaders agree to defend the new climate deal.

Yet, amidst statements of general disappointment over the outcome of the UN conference on climate change in Copenhagen, some green interest groups are beginning to look ahead.

Strengths and weaknesses of the UN system for dealing with climate change were highlighted by the process leading to the Copenhagen Accord.

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (left on picture, with Prime Minister Wen Jiabao) praises the outcome of the UN climate conference in Copenhagen for upholding the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" recognized by the Kyoto Protocol.

UN climate chief Yvo de Boer: "The challenge is now to turn what we have agreed politically in Copenhagen into something real, measurable and verifiable.”

More confidence building between “emerging economies, the least developed countries and the developed countries” is needed before a legally binding global agreement on climate change can be reached, says US President Barack Obama.

An agreement drawn up Friday night by leaders from the US, China, India, Brazil and South Africa has been recognized Saturday morning by the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The UN climate conference was threatened with collapse Saturday after a small group of nations blocked the adoption of a political accord brokered by President Barack Obama with China, South Africa, Brazil and India.

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."

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, South Africa and India would win broader support among countries.

According to a senior Obama administration official the United States, China, Brazil, India and South Africa have reached a "meaningful agreement" on climate change Friday evening.

As negotiations continue into Friday evening, rumours are plenty and facts are few. World leaders are beginning to leave the conference centre.