Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Copenhagen Blog - COP15 turns into cop out by world leaders

December 18, 2009 12:00 AM
By George Lyon in the Steamie blog
Originally published by George Lyon - Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland

What was heralded as the last chance to save the planet has become a rushed attempt by world leaders to save face.

The Copenhagen Accord that has been agreed by world leaders has no legally binding targets, no transparency to monitor progress towards the domestic targets set, and no target date for finalising a real global deal in the future.

COP15 has turned into a cop out. No matter how much they spin it, world leaders cannot, in good conscience, claim that this is a 'meaningful agreement'.

If you wanted to look very, very hard for a silver lining, you could concede that it is a small step in the right direction given the potential for a complete collapse of talks as looked likely earlier on today.

But there is an overwhelming sense of frustration and deflation People, like the thousands of Scots who marched in the Wave protests, have every right to feel angered by the actions of those who they tasked with reaching a global solution to a global problem.

All quiet now at the Bella centre. That is how this agreement has been received - with deafening silence.

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image