russia

In his press conference this evening, Yvo de Boer gave us an update on the negotiations, focusing in particular on the group that is charged with discussing a post-2012 deal.

There are four issues on the table: reducing emissions (mitigation), adapting to climate change (adaptation), transferring low carbon technologies to poorer countries, and the finance needed to make the transition.

De Boer said good progress was being made by the group, but there are two key areas for concern.

First, we appear to be running out of time. Ministers arrive in the middle of next and there is still a colossal amount to be agreed. The ‘future' group hasn't given more than cursory consideration to the key question of how the transition to a low carbon economy will be paid for, for example. That's a big omission.