Day 10: Highlights from Poznan - Countries missing in action on climate targets

The Wilderness Society delegation is still madly pumping out media, holding press conferences, writing submissions into the climate process and holding as many bilateral meetings as possible with delegates from around the world.

In Poznan, The Wilderness Society delegation will be urging world leaders to take strong action to reduce logging and land clearing - as part of the global plan to tackle climate change.

But getting firm commitments on increasing forest protection to reduce emissions and increase carbon banks, as well as pushing countries to adopt tough emissions reduction targets has been a tough gig so far in Poznan.

With only 3 days to go, here is some of the latest "intelligence" on how some countries are lining up at the talks.

Australia
After setting expectations high by signing Kyoto to global applause, so far has failed to follow through with substance. Has announced a good partnership project with Indonesia for forests and peat-lands. Australia is blocking the inclusion of a 25% - 40% emissions reduction target in a new protocol, as recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Canada
Possibly has shown the worst form of all countries at Poznan. Helping the Aussies push against a tough emissions target while justifying their own poor record and their alarming emissions trajectory.

Japan - See above.

Russia
See above, except occasionally throwing in strong statement about how developed countries also need to lock into reducing emissions from logging and deforestation.

United States
Who? Oh yeah, apparently they did turn up to Poznan but maybe they've been out seeing the sights. With Obama taking office in late January next year, the US have been largely sitting this one out.

European Union
Traditional leaders in these negotiations haven't entered into Poznan with a clear position. Looking shaky on committing to 25% - 40% emissions reduction targets and to financing developing countries to help them meet their targets.

NZ
Historically good on rhetoric, New Zealand greenhouse emissions are up 26% on 1990 levels. Under the newly elected National Party Government their position is likely to get worse. The new government has suspended their Emissions Trading Scheme and a moratorium on fossil fuel power stations, as well as scrapping a NZ$1billion home energy conservation package.

Ukraine
Is planning to announce a 20% emissions reduction target for 2020, and 50% by 2050. Sounds good eh? Problem is Ukraine's emissions are about 55% below 1990 levels now, so this would allow them to increase their emissions by 77% by 2020!!!

So looks like this conference needs a good shake up ... TWS style. On top of the action on the EU finance Ministers in Warsaw yesterday, the youth delegation, along with our own forest campaigner Gemma Tillack, are planning actions for the final 3 days of talks, to remind leaders that it's only 1 year until a decision on tough climate change mitigation measures are needed in Copenhagen.

Check out our regular 'Postcards from Poznan' for updates and progress on the climate change negotiations.

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