Calculations are going on in the Mitigation group

After the surprising and historic announcement by India and China, who proposed a long-term convergence of per-capita CO2-equivalent emissions called “Proposition Fairness” [link], the mitigation group had a great deal to discuss. The US immediately expressed its appreciation and support, but also cited concerns about population growth – in particular that countries with fast-growing populations would undermine the need for aggregate emissions reductions. The European Union also supported the new proposals at a broad level, and asked for more time to consider the possibility of offering stronger targets.

Following bi-lateral discussions, the group of nations appeared to be moving toward compromise, with the US offering to consider some limited population growth as acceptable, and asking India to consider aggregate emissions caps over the long run. The Indian delegate was receptive to this idea, but asked for additional financial support. The US delegate offered to look for funding solutions.

The delegate from Brazil, who is also the committee Chair, offered support in principle but asked for more time to calculate a specific proposal. Other delegates echoed the need for more time, resulting in a session break during which some delegates met privately while others listened to special presentation by the Maldives on the scientific predictions of temperature and sea-level rise under the new proposal.