World leaders meeting in Singapore have decided to punt on reaching any firm agreement at next month's global warming conference in Copenhagen.
The decision represents a huge setback to the Obama administration's goal of passing a cap and trade bill this year, which conversely is great news for virtually every company in America that has been worried about the higher cost of doing business that would come from the enactment of such legislation.
As the New York Times reported moments ago:
President Obama and other world leaders have decided to put off the difficult task of reaching a climate change agreement at a global climate conference scheduled for next month, agreeing instead to make it the mission of the Copenhagen conference to reach a less specific "politically binding" agreement that would punt the most difficult issues into the future. [...]
"There was an assessment by the leaders that it is unrealistic to expect a full internationally, legally binding agreement could be negotiated between now and Copenhagen, which starts in 22 days," said Michael Froman, the deputy national security adviser for international economic affairs. "I don't think the negotiations have proceeded in such a way that any of the leaders thought it was likely that we were going to achieve a final agreement in Copenhagen, and yet thought that it was important that Copenhagen be an important step forward, including with operational impact." [...]
The agreement on Sunday codifies what negotiators had already accepted as all but inevitable: that representatives of the 192 nations in the talks would not resolve the outstanding issues in time. The gulf between rich and poor countries, and even among the wealthiest nations, was just too wide.
Among the chief barriers to a comprehensive deal in Copenhagen was Congress's inability to enact climate and energy legislation that sets binding targets on greenhouse gases in the United States. Without such a commitment, other nations are loath to make their own pledges.
Administration officials and Congressional leaders have said that final legislative action on a climate bill would not occur before the first half of next year.
All together now -- aaaawwwww!
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.




















Editor at Large
Comments Policy
tough luck for you, Mr.
November 14, 2009 - 23:56 ET by criticalthinkingtough luck for you, Mr. Planet. Seems like the conservative plan for you is similar to the conservative health care plan: die quickly.
Thank the heavenly father for Obama
comicalthinker
November 15, 2009 - 00:00 ET by MrShyAnother possibility here, moron, is that there's no global warming crisis. Sorta' explains all of the top nation's leaders putting this hogwash on hold, doesn't it?
Hey CT
November 15, 2009 - 00:06 ET by Noel SheppardHey CT,
Please tell the class the name of each conservative in the above picture of assembled world leaders that came to this decision.
We'll wait right here for you to educate us, okay? ns
You forgot, Noel: Once
November 15, 2009 - 06:13 ET by motherbeltYou forgot, Noel:
Once anyone disagrees with the Left, they automatically become Extreme Right-Wingers.
Same ol' playbook; same ol' play
November 15, 2009 - 10:05 ET by GalvanicNoel, by Monday evening's network news, they'll be blaming Sarah Palin, and/or George W. Bush, and/or Beck & Limbaugh for this.
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
November 15, 2009 - 00:09 ET by d1carterAwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!
Question...
November 15, 2009 - 03:46 ET by ohiochilido you trolls get paid per post or per reply?
Another thing...if you were a real tree hugger, you would know earth is a lady.
"Another thing...if you
November 15, 2009 - 06:13 ET by ckc1227"Another thing...if you were a real tree hugger, you would know earth is a lady."
Yeah, but he's in to guys, so cut him some slack on his projecting.
Sure beats the liberal...
November 15, 2009 - 07:54 ET by Mitch NJstatist plan: Taxed to death slowly.
Why so down, critical (non)thinker? After all, you commies...
November 15, 2009 - 11:51 ET by R D Helm...are winning, and right handily at that..
It's like I told you last week, you can knock off this man-made climate change BS, as you no-longer need it to sneak your favorite form of government in through the back door, as Obama is rapidly turning this country into a communist hell-hole for you - and he is doing it in broad daylight, right out in front of God and everybody.
Next January, this power-drunk, idiot-infested congress is going to return to Washington with a renewed vigor in helping Obama complete his little coup, as they will know they only will have ten short months in which to do it.
By then, the Bush tax cuts will have expired, which will mean a sudden tax increase across the board for those who are still employed, and even more job-killing and confiscatory tax increases will be coming right behind.
And fear not, because somewhere along the way, Crap & Tax is going to be passed, even if they have to tuck it in the back of some meaningless farm bill for one of their middle-of-the-night votes, which should pretty much take care of whatever jobs that they haven't managed to destroy with all the other hideous taxes and regulations we all know are coming.
After all, these people are Marxists and they know they may not get another chance like this for decades, so they aren't going to be able to stop themselves. And don't worry about the sinking poll numbers, as these congress critters have been around long enough to know most of them will have little to worry about come election day.
By next November the coup will essentially be over, and whatever happens in the polling stations all over America isn't going to matter one whit.
You see, even if the republicans take the House (and I'd say its 50/50 that they even will), the congress overall won't have enough votes to override any presidential vetoes, which means Obama's hideous, nation-killing laws will be untouchable for another two long years.
By 2012, it really isn't going to matter anymore, as what is left of the private sector will be on life-support, and this country will most likely be mired in an economic depression unlike any that has ever been seen in 6,000 years of recorded history.
And who knows? Given the still-fawning congress and media, President Comrade ACORN might even manage to get hisself elected Dear Leader and Most High Exalted Ruler of the Universe for Life somewhere along the way.
Sheesh, you lefties ought to be dancing in the streets, as after over 100 years of trying, you have finally managed to put this country into a hole that, short of the outright impeachment of President ACORN in 2011, it probably will be unable to climb out of.
-Dave
Our elected representatives have failed us.
In your case,
November 15, 2009 - 11:57 ET by fitzfongIn your case, "criticalthinking", the sooner, the better. The planet would be in much better condition if wastes of space like you did the honorable thing to spare the world of your self-righteous gas emissions.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
Neat Photo
November 14, 2009 - 23:56 ET by needleAre we to understand that these folks are waving good-bye? Let’s hope it is for good.
- Relying upon the State Run Media for your information is like relying upon an embezzler for your portfolio management.
- I didn't leave the Republican Party; the Republican Party left me.
Could be fascist salutes -- that would be appropriate.
November 15, 2009 - 03:11 ET by GalvanicI think this is the photo for the album cover of Sgt. Obama's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
When you play the CD backwards on your turntable, you hear the words, "I buried Ron Paul."
Their cover of the single "Taxman" will be released later this fiscal year.
Thank heavens...
November 15, 2009 - 00:07 ET by PrairieSkyThis asinine economy-destroying insanity has been put on ice (hopefully for good)...What great news!
Poor Obama...Looks like this "president-thing" is turning out to be a whole lot harder than he thought, huh? ;)
"The problem is not that people are taxed too little...the problem is that government spends too much." ~President Ronald Reagan
Obama---
November 15, 2009 - 00:59 ET by matthewdeanPrairie:
So far, I think that is all he HAS done, i.e., looked at it.
MD
"There is no distinctly American criminal class - except Congress."
Mark Twain (1835-1910)
" Poor Obama...Looks like
November 15, 2009 - 12:03 ET by MikeB" Poor Obama...Looks like this "president-thing" is turning out to be a whole lot harder than he thought, huh?"
It's definitely above his pay grade, and he is proving it in all 57 states.
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
We can count on world
November 15, 2009 - 00:41 ET by Mitchell BlattWe can count on world leaders to plan on addressing global warming next year, every year.
Now, who was the goofball
November 15, 2009 - 00:44 ET by BKeyserNow, who was the goofball who just recently said we had only so many days to save the world?
Why doesn't Obama just put
November 15, 2009 - 00:49 ET by MassConservativeWhy doesn't Obama just put San Fran Nan on it. If anyone can put together a job killing, tax hiking, economy destroying POS in just 22 days it would be her.
She's already got the job killing, tax hiking, economy destroying PelosiCare on her resume. What's one more?
2012 campaign slogan - "Carter got his 2nd term, NOW can we move on?"
The cast of Star Trek: The Musical, ladies and gentlemen!
November 15, 2009 - 01:22 ET by Mike BrattonGive them a nice round of applause!
--Mike
www.thebrattonreport...
Thank you, Mike---
November 15, 2009 - 01:25 ET by matthewdeanI was wonderin' where the hell I had seen that group before.
MD
"There is no distinctly American criminal class - except Congress."
Mark Twain (1835-1910)
Check out all the Vulcan hand signs up there!
November 15, 2009 - 02:32 ET by Mike BrattonAnd the reviews are beaming in!
"This show lives long, and prospers!" --USA Today
"Trek Tuner Tops! Tribble Tapdance Terrific!!" --Variety
"A Star Trek musical? Set phasers to stunning!" --San Francisco Chronicle
--Mike
www.thebrattonreport...
Grooooooan!
November 15, 2009 - 06:11 ET by motherbeltBig groan!!
LOL!
May I add the breakout his song: I Wanna Meld Your Mind
re: the cast of Star Trek.......
November 15, 2009 - 06:20 ET by speppergood one MB-- I was thinking, when I first saw the pic: "....why are they all dressed in Dr. No Halloween costumes? KILL BOND!"
New Blog Post
November 15, 2009 - 01:57 ET by webmonkeydcAn Open Letter To President Obama: http://ow.ly/CjLh
Apparentaly no recession...
November 15, 2009 - 02:13 ET by JPR1In the Taiwanese textile industry. Overtime for the tailors must be terrific.
Since one of the main
November 15, 2009 - 05:33 ET by MidAmericaSince one of the main goals of the so-called climate change agreement was to drain the USA of it's wealth, it is no longer important to proceed on even though the lives of every person on the planet hangs in the balance. Only by giving huge amounts of money to poor countries is it possible to change the weather.
Obama looks really
November 15, 2009 - 08:29 ET by stratmanObama looks really really happy in his Mao shirt.
Guess even the great O couldn't persuade the world... again.
The world has Maobama's number and they ain't calling.
Take a bow, Barry.
Once again, the only one not saluting
November 15, 2009 - 08:37 ET by SickofLibsOK, there is one other guy, but just sayin'...
There's no teleprompter in
November 15, 2009 - 09:34 ET by ThisnThatThere's no teleprompter in front of him telling him what to do.
At least he's not bowing -- this time.
__________
"mmm, mmm, mm. Barrack-Hussain-Øbama↓." - The liberals coolaid drinking song
What's really scary is
November 15, 2009 - 08:42 ET by MidAmericaWhat's really scary is that these few folks in funny shirts want to decide how billions of other people should live.
If Crap and Tax dies by Obama's hand
November 15, 2009 - 08:52 ET by Worriedthe EPA is more powerful than Congress and they can enact it themselves.
Does anyone know when the EPA was granted so much power?
Thanks.
It ain't over till it's over, Noel
November 15, 2009 - 09:32 ET by ThisnThatNoel, you quoted Froman. However, here's the rest of what Froman said: The first step would be to have all 191 countries involved in the Copenhagen summit signing on to a framework that includes key ingredients such as how to finance the coordinated effort to battle climate change. The second step, a binding deal on cutting carbon emissions, would be hashed out in further negotiations.
Note the Copenhagen intent -- to finance the effort. That's the real goal of the UN. It isn't climate change per se, the UN wants the money.
It's Obama that wants to do the harm to the country. Notice this: In July, Obama joined the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Russia in pledging to work for a 50 percent reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with developed countries cutting their emissions by an aggregate 80 percent or more to help meet that goal.
And how do you get to 80% reduction? By shutting down industry, that's how. And what happens when you do that? Prices skyrocket; and we become a 3rd-world nation. Obama's goals would then be accomplished.
__________
"mmm, mmm, mm. Barrack-Hussain-Øbama↓." - The liberals coolaid drinking song
No Doubt!
November 15, 2009 - 09:44 ET by Wildcatter1980There is no doubt that the politicians support climate change initiatives for one reason and one reason only. The more money they have under their control, the greater their power. Why do you think Gore and the rest of the limousine liberals don't lead by example?
--
We need to stop calling them "Progressives" when in reality they are big government "Socialists" who no longer value the individual's rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
I agree with you
November 15, 2009 - 11:04 ET by jdhawkI agree with you thisnthat. This is far from being a successful twarting of crap and tax. This is just the beginning. Socialist never give up, never. We will have crap and tax - eventually.
In fact, wasn't it heralded on this web site a few weeks ago, how the legislation for socialized medicine was "on its knees."
How is that working for you?
You all at NB just don't get it. These socialist will take over your lives and your livelihoods. Theirs is a relentless quest.
I Highly Doubt...
November 15, 2009 - 09:38 ET by Wildcatter1980...the recently released paper by Richard Lindzen and Yong-Sang Choi had anything to do with this decision.
Also, if anyone has any doubts about there being a transnational movement need only look at the picture Noel included with his post. Talk about conformity among the leaders of different countries. Yoy!
--
We need to stop calling them "Progressives" when in reality they are big government "Socialists" who no longer value the individual's rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
How did they decide who
November 15, 2009 - 09:47 ET by DingbatHow did they decide who got what color shirt?
(Albeit, the bigger question is why are they wearing them?)
(Albeit, the bigger
November 15, 2009 - 09:55 ET by ThisnThat(Albeit, the bigger question is why are they wearing them?)
Conformity. What I want to see is obama forcing everyone, at the next such meeting, to wear a Snuggies. Multiple colors are ok.
__________
"mmm, mmm, mm. Barrack-Hussain-Øbama↓." - The liberals coolaid drinking song
" Administration officials
November 15, 2009 - 11:58 ET by MikeB" Administration officials and Congressional leaders have said that final legislative action on a climate bill would not occur before the first half of next year."
But ... but ... a month ago we only had 50 days to save the world! Even if Congress passes Cap and Trade on January 1, it'll be too late! We're doomed! Dooooommmmmeeeeedddddd I tell you!
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
Good news folks, The
November 15, 2009 - 13:03 ET by SnappyGood news folks,
The planet has been gven a slight reprieve and the countdown to destruction has been postponed until such time as the economy picks back and the populace goes back to sleep. Once the angry unemployed ingnorant masses get back to work and firmly settled back in front of their favorite reality show, the clock will begin ticking again and the push for the final blow to the system envied by the world can finally be dealt, the US economy. Once firmly cobbled everyone should be happy again...........we all know misery loves company.
I don't think Algore is
November 15, 2009 - 21:52 ET by msh1973I don't think Algore is going to be very happy about this decision.