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The Politics of Global Warming: Can World Leaders Reach a Climate Change Pact?

Summary: The international climate conference in Copenhagen ended with a watered-down agreement that some observers believe will be ineffective in slowing global warming. During the meeting, the U.S. agreed to contribute funds to help poorer countries deal with climate change. The European Union pledged $3 billion in such aid starting next year.

A new report released earlier this month found that an overall global warming trend is continuing and another study suggested that the steps needed to slow, or reverse, it will cost trillions of dollars.

Separately, three lawmakers in this country unveiled new climate change legislation in an effort to break a Congressional roadblock.

Read more…
Jan 5, 2010 C.I.A. Is Sharing Data With Climate Scientists
Dec 18, 2009 5 Nations Forge a Climate Deal, but Many Goals Remain Unmet
Dec 17, 2009 U.S. Offer of Long-Term Aid Pushes Climate Talks Forward
Dec 15, 2009 Delegates at Talks Scramble as Gulf on Issues Remains
Dec 11, 2009 Europe Pledges Billions for Climate Aid for Poor Nations
U.S. lawmakers are considering strategies like so-called “cap-and-trade” proposals under which companies could sell or buy pollution permits. The Obama Administration is also hoping to use legislation to stimulate the production of alternative energy and the creation of “green” industries.

The Copenhagen meeting follows an earlier international summit held in Kyoto, Japan, that produced an agreement in 1997 that did little to slow global warming. Negotiators have signaled that an agreement at December’s meeting is unlikely absent broad consensus among nations on how to share the costs of switching to lower-carbon technologies and fuels.