US, Chinese announcements lift hopes for climate deal
18 Dec 2009
After the uncertainty that marked the last couple of days at Copenhagen, a deal may finally emerge on the final day of the UN climate change talks, but there are fears that it may not prevent a 3-degree C temperature rise.
Analysts say hopes have increased after US and China the two largest emitters of greenhouse gases indicated that they may make concessions.
It is believed, this may, in turn prompt more nations to take adopt a more flexible approach to clinch a comprehensive deal at the end of the two-week talks.
China indicated it may offer concessions on the issue of monitoring of emission curbs while the US said it would commit money for developing countries even as the Danish prime minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen held late-night talks with a group of 26 influential world leaders on unblocking the negotiations.
US secretary of state Hillary Clinton said the US administration was prepared to help extend funding $100billion a year in funding for developing countries if a deal that met US requirements could be reached.
Clinton's announcement on funding was widely welcomed.