NUSA DUA, Indonesia (c/o The Energy Daily)-- In a dramatic ending to two weeks of often bitter negotiations, 189 countries gave final approval Saturday to a detailed agenda to guide further talks aimed at crafting a new climate change treaty by the end of 2009 to succeed the Kyoto Protocol when it expires in 2012.
The deal came after the United States, under enormous pressure, dropped its opposition to a last-minute proposal by the Indian delegation to ensure the talks include consideration of increased aid by industrialized countries to help developing countries adapt to the worst impacts of global warming.
The U.S. opposition prompted catcalls and angry denunciations from developing country delegates -- virtually unprecedented in such a high-level diplomatic forum -- culminating in an emotional appeal from Kevin Conrad, the senior delegate from Papua New Guinea.
"If you cannot lead, leave it to the rest of us," said Conrad, the country´s ambassador for climate change. "Get out of the way."
Moments later, the U.S. negotiating team relented, declaring it would support the Indian proposal and clearing the way for final approval of the "Bali roadmap."
Winner? I say mother earth and all of humanity.
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