UN Climate Change Conference Outcome

A political 'deal' brokered at Copenhagen over the weekend has been dubbed the Copenhagen Accord. The Accord is not legally binding but "'recognises' the scientific case for keeping temperature rises to no more than 2C but does not contain commitments to emissions reductions to achieve that goal." "The deal was brokered between China, South Africa, India, Brazil and the US, but late last night it was unclear whether it would be adopted by all 192 countries in the full plenary session. The deal aims to provide $30bn a year for poor countries to adapt to climate change from next year to 2012, and $100bn a year by 2020." "The agreement also set up a forestry deal which is hoped would significantly reduce deforestation in return for cash. It lacked the kind of independent verification of emission reductions by developing countries that the US and others demanded." Source: Guardian UK This BBC news article offers a brief overview of the deal. Also have a look at this BBC Q&A about COP15/climate change. Now it appears that hopes are being pinned on a follow-up meeting in Mexico planned to take place in about a year's time. Interestingly, this article dated 27 November 2009 accurately spells out the outcome of Cop15. Does the outcome surprise you at all?