Australian Env. Minister - "Five Seconds To Midnight" - Despite Need For Treaty Talks So Far A Waste

[hatrack]

ustrian Environment Minister Nikolaus Berlakovich Friday blasted UN climate talks in Barcelona as "a waste of time", as hopes faded of sealing a new global warming treaty by the end of the year.

"That was a waste of time. Nothing was achieved whatsoever," Berlakovich said of the Barcelona meeting in an interview with the Austria Press Agency. But he insisted: "We absolutely need a global agreement" on climate change. "The UN's credibility is also on the line," he added.

Negotiations this week in Barcelona were aimed at hammering out a workable blueprint for a crucial UN climate summit in Copenhagen in December.

EDIT

"It is five seconds to midnight," he added, hinting that time was running out to come to a viable agreement to reduce emissions from fossil fuels that are causing global warming.

EDIT

http://www.terradaily.com/2007/091106154355.g1xon6lb.html

[villager]

1. Maybe our Democrats can announce the official "delay until next year?"

n/t