E3G

News from Nairobi: NYT

By Jennifer Morgan

E3G’s Jennifer Morgan has been attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.

The New York Times today looks at the outcomes of the conference, and quotes Jennifer’s analysis of the impact of the recent changes in domestic US politics.

Climate Change Meeting Ends Without Pact

New York Times

Jennifer Morgan, who directs energy and climate programs for E3G, a London-based environmental group, said that a letter sent to President Bush from three Democratic senators on Nov. 15 — and widely distributed in the conference halls — provided at least a hint that a shift might be possible in Washington ...

Ms. Morgan said that the senators’ letter “was very influential and welcome here.” She continued, “Countries here are now understanding that there is a big difference between what the Bush
administration is doing and what other leaders in the U.S. want to do on climate change. That’s very important in giving them the trust to move forward.”

For the moment, though, she said, the American position at the talks remained an impediment to progress. “They haven’t blocked things directly, but the fact that you have the largest polluter in the world not constructively engaging in real efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions makes it more challenging for everyone else,” she said.