Many thought that the upcoming Copenhagen conference next month would lead to a global agreement on climate change.  However, it seems as though we will have to wait a little longer.

Last week, the major world leaders met in Singapore to discuss the purpose of Copenhagen.  Deciding to delay the establishment of a comprehensive and binding treaty, they instead agreed that the mission of the conference would be a less specific “politically binding” agreement.  According to a New York Times article, this agreement “punts the most difficult issues into the future.”

According to the leaders involved with this decision, this is for the sake of Copenhagen.  Michael Froman, the deputy national security adviser for international economic affairs, stated, “It is unrealistic to expect a fully internationally, legally binding agreement could be negotiated between now and Copenhagen, which starts in 22 days.”  According to Froman, forcing an agreement upon the world now would be counterproductive to global climate change cooperation.  

However, others can see through this argument.  An article in the Washington Post referred to it as a “pathetic spin.”  Copenhagen has been on the calendar for years and shouldn’t have surprised anyone.  We all knew it was coming, and we all should have been prepared.

Regardless of the validity of this argument, the delay is disappointing to all who were expecting great accomplishments from Copenhagen.  Now the comprehensive treaty discussion has to wait, at least until the second summit meeting in Mexico City.  Let us hope that a delay isn’t issued right before that meeting as well.