Rich nations backtrack at China climate meeting13 October 2010
The last round of climate talks before the crucial climate summit in Mexico has ended in frustration.
In Tianjin, China, rich countries continued their threats to abandon existing legal commitments under the Kyoto Protocol.
What we saw in Tianjin was backsliding on the commitments rich countries have already made
Meena Raman, Friends of the Earth International
Rich countries have not agreed to a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol. They're attempting to shift the burden of tackling climate change to developing countries and ignoring their historical responsibility.
Glimmer of hope
There was some hope of progress in other areas of negotiation - a global fund to support developing countries to tackle and adapt to climate change.
A global climate fund under the authority of the UNFCCC appears within reach.
Karen Orenstein, Friends of the Earth US
In a letter to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, 5 prominent members of Congress stated their strong support for the fund to be established under the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).
It's hoped that pressure within the US administration will drown out the Government's calls for the World Bank to play a central role in the fund.
Time to change the tune
As in Copenhagen last year, Tianjin saw rich countries refusing to do their part to solve the problem.
But something new is happening.
Copenhagen also saw a massive clamour for climate justice. This is becoming an international movement that will put political leaders under pressure to take real action.
The movement will be crucial to making progress in Cancún.
Take action
Please join Global Action and become part of the campaign for climate justice.
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