Breaking News: Obama is going to Copenhagen

TheEnergyCollective
by Rebecca Lutzy on 11/25/2009 09:44

News outlets around the globe reported this morning that President Obama will attend part of the Copenhagen international UNFCCC climate summit. He plans to be at the summit during the early days, on December 9th, on his way to Oslo, Norway to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, and will give a major speech.

The timing is significant - Obama is not planning to return to Copenhagen for the final days (it ends December 18), which is when other heads of state will be there to participate in the negotiations. The President pledged that he would attend Copenhagen if his presence would help ensure a successful outcome. Some parties involved in the negotiations are urging Obama to consider returning in the final days as well.

Obama's decision to attend follows on news earlier this week that the White House will announce its emissions reduction targets in time for Copenhagen (Obama will promise 17% drop in greenhouse gases), which will align with Congressional targets in House and Senate legislation and with what we should expect to see in the final bill.

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