Glimmer of hope at Durban as US supports EU climate change road map

THE first signs of a compromise have emerged in Durban when the  US negotiator gave support to the proposed new EU deal.

Durban climate summit

THE first signs of a possible last minute compromise emerged in Durban last night when the lead United States negotiator gave some support to the proposed European Union "road map" for a new deal after he was publicly heckled on the floor of the UN climate change conference.

Obama administration chief negotiator Todd Stern, was not specific in his comments but said he wanted to dispel the widespread belief in Durban that the US was attempting to stall talks on a new agreement until after 2020.

Any new deal would have to include binding targets for the world's major emerging emitters, such as China and India.

Progress on a binding deal for all emitters is central to whether existing parties to the Kyoto protocol will extend their commitment to a second term.

China and India want developed nations to agree to a new commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol.

It is unlikely that major emitters, including China and Brazil, will agree to meaningful negotiations on a new agreement until at least after the release of the United Nation's updated report into climate change science due in 2013.

Mr Sten made his comments after his statement to delegates from more than 190 countries in Durban was disrupted by a 21-year-old student from the United States, Abigail Borah.

Criticising the US congress, Ms Borah said: "I'm scared for my future. 2020 is too late to wait."

"It is completely off base to suggest that the US is proposing that we delay action until 2020."

The Durban Climate change talks are due to conclude tonight.