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Today is the last official day of the two week international gathering in Cancun on Climate Change sponsored by the United Nations. As negotiations reach a fever pitch questions still remain on whether or not to extend the 1997 Kyoto Protocol and the emissions cuts that it requires from 40 industrialized countries. Japan has emerged as the most intractable obstacle to extending Kyoto, followed by Canada and Russia. Rich nations want a single accord that all countries regardless of development levels would be bound by, while developing nations want a separate accord for themselves and a stronger Kyoto protocol for nations that have been most responsible for current dangerous greenhouse gas levels. Also at stake in Cancun are the following issues: levels of acceptable temperature rise for the planet, how to measure emissions and hold nations accountable for agreed-upon emissions levels, a special agreement on protecting rainforests called REDD (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation), a development fund to help poor countries develop greener technologies, and an adaptation fund to help poor countries adapt to current climate-change related effects. Earlier in the week, thousands of activists marched from the Cancun city center to the luxury hotel where the meeting is being held, demanding significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions particularly by rich countries. They also demanded an extension of the Kyoto Protocol and the exclusion of the World Bank in climate financing. Bolivia’s president Evo Morales has been particularly outspoken, echoing many of the concerns of activists inside the meeting halls. The next Climate talks are scheduled for Durban, South Africa, a year from now.

GUEST: Jamie Henn, Communications Director of 350.org

Find out more at www.350.org.