Analysts said on Wednesday that the tone over measuring emissions had softened between the two major protagonists in the 193-nation talks. Over the past year they repeatedly exchanged accusations of reneging on commitments and undermining the talks.
The much disputed issue involves how countries account for their actions to limit emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases and to what extent they will allow other countries to review their books. The process is known as measuring, reporting and verifying in negotiating parlance.
“Maybe the differences are not that huge,” said Su Wei, China’s chief negotiator. “In general, both countries would like to promote the process” and emerge from Cancun with a deal. Previously, China had said only some of its actions would be open to international scrutiny.
Published 02 December 2010, 17:10 IST