Read at : Google Alert / desertification

http://www.khabrein.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10061&Itemid=88

UN Climate Change Conference wraps up

BALI, Indonesia, Dec 15 (KUNA) — The UN Climate Change Conference officially wrapped up on Saturday, following an agreement to continue to engage in negotiations up to the end of 2009 over an agenda for combating global warming. Participants welcomed the noticeable advancement in relation to capabilities of developing countries in the areas of development and clean technology. The meeting also witnessed a change of stance on the part of India, China and Brazil with regard to curbing gas emissions.Indonesian Environment Minister Rachmat Nadi Witoelar, who presided over the conference, said in his closing speech, “We have succeeded in placing the cornerstone of a road map at this conference, but there is a lot of hard work that awaits us up to 2009.” He added that there was not much time, but that true will and serious efforts would save the world.

On his part, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the outcomes of the Bali conference, especially in relation to combating desertification.  During the conference, Australia signed the Kyoto Protocol.

(continued)