Copenhagen talks to face difficulties

A new round of climate change talks will start next month in the city of Copenhagen. And China and US efforts will be crucial in tackling climate change. Many expect the Copenhangen talks to face difficulties, as disagreements remain between developing and developed countries.

Under the rules of the Kyoto Protocol signed in 1997, developed nations were supposed to cut emissions of five kinds of greenhouse gases in 2008 and 2012, by 5.2 percent from 1990 levels.

Ding Yihui, Advisor of China Meteorological Administration said "From 2015 to 2020, developed countries must cut emission by 25 to 40 percent. Most of them have said the target is too high, but actually it is not."

Currently, only Norway has pledged to cut emissions by 40 percent by the year 2020. The targets of other developed countries are all below the expectations of developing nations.

Recent climate talks have encountered difficulties after some developed countries tried to lessen their responsibilities. The European Union, once a propellent for climate talks, has even called for an abolishment of the Kyoto Protocol.

Ding Yihui said "They don't like to see a protocol. They just want to cut emissions as much as possible without commitments."

Technology and financing is another obstacle for climate talks. Under the Kyoto Protocol, developed countries were supposed to offer capital and technology to help developing countries cut emissions. But most richer countries failed to provide material and financial support.

He Jiankun, Professor of Tsinghua University said "The talks are facing great difficulties. It depends more on the attitude of developed countries. Of course, China is trying hard to promote the Copenhagen climate change conference to be successful. "

As sticking points continue to exist, many experts say they are not optimistic about seeing substantive agreements being reached at the Copenhagen climate change conference.