News from Copenhagen

The COP-15 Conference on Climate Change is finished. In spite of numerous lengthy discussions, no real progress has been made towards future agreements. Far more Heads of States were present and delivering statements than at past United Nations Conferences on Climate Change. Many NGOs and lobby groups would have liked to attend; however, strict security measures have been implemented, enabling only representatives of countries and intergovernmental organizations such as the IIR to attend the final days.The next Conference is scheduled to take place in December 2010 in Mexico City. Some discussions on HFCs have taken place. However, it seems to be difficult to obtain agreements on any particular issue without a general framework. The HFC issue will probably continue to be discussed in meetings and conferences on the Montreal Protocol next year.