Aussies Take the Lead at Climate Talks

Nation passes Kyoto Protocol; leaves US out in the cold
By Lucas Laursen,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 3, 2007 5:13 AM CST
Aussies Take the Lead at Climate Talks
A member of Green Peace activist sets up a giant thermometer as a symbol of global warming during their campaign in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. World leaders launch marathon negotiations Monday on how to fight global warming, which left unchecked could cause devastating sea level...   (Associated Press)

Australia won a standing ovation today at the first day of climate talks in Bali as it approved the Kyoto Protocol to cut pollution. Australia's vote now leaves the US the only developed nation not to back the pact. The Kyoto Protocol calls for industrialized nations to cut emissions below 1990 levels. President Bush has insisted that climate change must occur “in a way that does not undermine economic growth."

Europe has already committed to a 20% reduction by 2020. Envoys at the two-week talks sponsored by the United Nations also plan to discuss the replacement to the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012. The European Union favors binding emissions limits, while the US favors voluntary technological solutions, and critics fear an impasse. "The world is watching," said one official. (More climate change stories.)

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