Today, there was some limited progress on a few implementation issues which are largely peripheral to the main obstacles to a consensus agreement. Most of the work was done behind closed doors by separate working groups.
In the morning session, intellectual property protection was a major focus as developing countries insisted on the free flow of new climate friendly technologies while R&D companies feared the conversion and cloning of their intellectual property. In addition, scientists discussed in various briefings the implications of deforestation.
India and China continue to oppose ‘targets’ for emissions reductions. Indeed, the Chief Negotiator for the G-77 walked out amid developing countries frustrations. At this point, one possibility openly discussed is a political agreement among most developed countries only. The divide between developed and developing countries continues to center on funding, defined emissions reductions targets, and the transfer of technologies. Unfortunately, even in closed door sessions, posturing dominates over any actual concessions. Indeed, there was so little consensus that even the stream of competing drafts dwindled to a trickle.
The Conference had a frenetic atmosphere as an avalanche of people converged on the Bella Center. Already, Conference organizers have started to consider new volume control measures as worries mount that the facility will reach capacity beginning early next week. Enhanced security amidst expected protests and the arrival of world leaders have complicated the capacity issue.