Harlan Watson In Bangkok - "The Clean Development Fund Seems Not To Be A Popular Item" - AFP

[hatrack]

The United States warned Thursday a worsening economy could hit the funds it gives poor nations to fight global warming, as African activists appealed for major polluters to commit one percent of GDP. More than 160 countries are meeting in Bangkok to lay the groundwork for a deal on combating climate change after the landmark Kyoto Protocol's commitments to slash greenhouse gas emissions run out in 2012.

But rich and poor nations remained at loggerheads a day before the week-long session is set to end. Chief US negotiator Harlan Watson urged delegates to look at the "very troublesome situation" in the global economy. "It is going to be a factor that's going to hang over these negotiations," he said.

He criticised calls for the governments of rich countries to channel help on climate change through the United Nations, saying the private sector was better suited to the task. "We have to get real," Watson said. "We're talking trillions of dollars. We're not exactly talking chump change."

He acknowledged a lack of interest in a new initiative by US President George W. Bush to provide developing nations with eco-friendly technology. "The Clean Technology Fund seems not to be a popular item. So be it -- I'll take that message home," he said.

EDIT

http://www.terradaily.com/2007/080403141428.cn3r7xm3.html