U.S. & Papua New Guinea disappoint environment and youth groups at UN Climate Talks

The United States and Papua New Guinea were awarded “Fossil of the Day” by a coalition of more than 600 environmental and youth groups on the third day of UN Climate Talks in Bonn Germany. “Fossil” awards are given to countries judged to have done their ‘best’ to block progress in the negotiations. Below, are excerpts from the media release:

The first place Fossil of the Day Award goes to the United States of America. This fossil is awarded for opposing a discussion of sources of long-term finance in the LCA [track of climate negotiations]. Secretary Clinton herself pledged to work with other countries to jointly mobilize $100 billion per year by 2020 for climate action in developing countries. Meeting that commitment has to start with exloring options of innovative sources of public finance in the UNFCCC. The US must be open to a process under the LCA to at least start conversation.

And for PNG’s dubious honor:

Papua New Guinea recieves the second place Fossil. THis award goes to PNG for saying Tuvalu did not have enough trees to be entitled to have an opinion on REDD or advocate for the rights of indigenous peoples. PNG has shown it is far removed from the reality of its Pacific island neighbours in terms of REDD. PNG’s response to Tuvalu’s call for transparency was tacky to say the least and reflects its ignorance of the ‘Pacific Way’. Tuvalu took a principled position in supporting the interests of indigenous peoples – whether that is in the interest of Tuvalu is not the issue, as countries should not only defend their national interests but also global ones.