Statement By The White House Press Secretary

    WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United States
 extends its gratitude and congratulations to the President of Indonesia for
 hosting the Thirteenth Conference of the Parties in Bali and for his able
 leadership of this important process.
 
     The United States joins the consensus Decision of the Conference of the
 Parties in Bali that is a critical first step in assuring that the UN
 negotiation process moves forward toward a comprehensive and effective
 post- 2012 arrangement.
 
     There are many features of the Decision that are quite positive,
 including those provisions recognizing the importance of developing clean
 technologies, financing the deployment of those technologies in the
 developing world, assisting countries in adapting to climate change,
 exploring industry sector agreements on emissions, and addressing
 deforestation.
 
     The United States does have serious concerns about other aspects of the
 Decision as we begin the negotiations. Notably, the United States believes
 that, in three important ways, we have not yet fully given effect to the
 principle of common but differentiated responsibilities that is a pillar of
 the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
 
     First, the negotiations must proceed on the view that the problem of
 climate change cannot be adequately addressed through commitments for
 emissions cuts by developed countries alone. Major developing economies
 must likewise act. Just as the work of the IPCC has deepened our scientific
 understanding of the scope of the problem and action required, so too
 empirical studies on emission trends in the major developing economies now
 conclusively establish that emissions reductions principally by the
 developed world will be insufficient to confront the global problem
 effectively.
 
     Second, negotiations must clearly differentiate among developing
 countries in terms of the size of their economies, their level of emissions
 and level of energy utilization, and sufficiently link the character or
 extent of responsibility to such factors. We must give sufficient emphasis
 to the important and appropriate role that the larger emitting developing
 countries should play in a global effort to address climate change.
 
     Third, the negotiations must adequately distinguish among developing
 countries by recognizing that the responsibilities of the smaller or least
 developed countries are different from the larger, more advanced developing
 countries. In our view, such smaller and less developed countries are
 entitled to receive more differentiated treatment so as to more truly
 reflect their special needs and circumstances.
 
     Accordingly, for these negotiations to succeed, it is essential that
 the major developed and developing countries be prepared to negotiate
 commitments, consistent with their national circumstances, that will make a
 due contribution to the reduction of global emissions. A post-2012
 arrangement will be effective only if it reflects such contributions. At
 the same time, the United States believes that any arrangement must also
 take into account the legitimate right of the major developing economies
 and indeed all countries to grow their economies, develop on a sustainable
 basis, and have access to secure energy sources.
 
     We have seen what can be accomplished when we come together to work for
 a common cause. Only by doing the necessary work this year will it be
 possible to reach a global consensus under the Convention in 2009. The
 United States looks forward to participating in the negotiations envisioned
 in the Bali Roadmap, in the Major Economies Process, in the G8 and in other
 appropriate channels in order to achieve a global and effective post-2012
 arrangement.
 
 
 

SOURCE White House Press Office