The Japan represents 3 of global CO2 emissions

Some had hoped that the Sun in Cancun would be able to warm up the negotiations on climate change. Four days after the beginning of the 16econférence of the parties under the auspices of the United Nations in Mexico, the atmosphere is rather morose after the announcement by Japanese officials that their countries would participate in any way in a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. "it is no sense to launch a second period where the Kyoto Protocol covers more than 27 of global CO2 emissions", said at a Conference to press the Japanese environment Vice-Minister Hideki Minamikawa, before adding: "this position was clearly decided at a ministerial meeting chaired by the Prime Minister."

The lack of enthusiasm for the Japan to sign an extension of the commitment period, if already known, publicly say and repeat that neither China nor the United States are under the yoke of a binding text made the effect of a bomb in the eyes of the developing countries. When it had adopted in 1997, the Protocol covered 56 of global emissions, including those of the United States, which have never subsequently ratified the text. The Protocol ratified by 191 countries forced 39 Western countries to reduce their emissions by 5.2 over the period from 2008 to 2012, a level set in 1990. Some hoped that a European decision to extend the Protocol would restore confidence. "I am afraid that without concessions on the Kyoto Protocol, an agreement is eludes us in Cancun," said the Yemeni Abdulla Alsaïdi, who chairs the Group of developing countries which endorsed China. The Indian Environment Minister said meanwhile that the prospect of having an agreement at Cancun without second period becomes "very remote". Finally Dessima Williams, the representative of the small island developing States, acknowledged: "it is not a new position for the Japan, but I have never heard to it formulated also insistent manner."

The countries of the South know that half of the global CO2 emissions come from China and the United States, and it is not possible to limit global warming to two degrees without any effort on their part. The Japan represents 3 of global CO2 emissions. But it do not want to release the only binding text, ratified by all, without having the certainty that the future agreement to be genuinely effective. Problem: the first period ended December 31, 2012 and so a second to be valid, and ratified by all, it should absolutely be signed later this year. "Solve this problem is fundamental to achieve a positive outcome in Cancun," said negotiator Mexican Luiz Figueiredo.

The three-page text signed in Copenhagen have not been officially adopted, but simply "noted" by the Conference of the Parties last year, it has no legal existence. It only includes voluntary commitments, and provides 30 billion financing talk Western between 2010 and 2012, and then up to 100 billion per year beyond this date. Chinese and Americans have recently reaffirmed their determination to live up to their promise. But will take longer to convince developing countries.

Climate: the Cancun Summit on lesechos.fr/dossierlesechos.fr/dossier issues