Doubts over outcome of gas-cut talks

By BRIAN FALLOW

As talks in The Hague on curbing global warming enter the final stretch, New Zealand's minister there, Pete Hodgson, says the prospects of an agreement are still uncertain.

The 180 countries represented are trying to agree on rules to give effect to commitments undertaken in Kyoto three years ago to cut net emissions of the greenhouse gases blamed for climate change.

Dutch Environment Minster Jan Pronk, who is chairing the meeting, yesterday rated the chances of reaching agreement as 50:50.

Mr Hodgson expressed reservations about a proposal Mr Pronk has tabled in a bid to broker a deal.

"We are not yet convinced that the proposed rules on carbon sink credits for land use and forestry have sufficient environmental integrity," Mr Hodgson said.

"Our concern is that the rules would allow countries to selectively count credits for land use projects or activities that deliver no new benefit to the atmosphere."

This had become a point of difference between New Zealand and such countries as the United States, Australia, Canada and Japan, he said.

The US wants liberal use of credits for carbon sinks - not only forests but farmland - which soak up carbon dioxide, at least temporarily.

Opponents see that as a bid by the world's No 1 polluter to avoid cutting actual emissions of greenhouse gases.

Mr Hodgson said New Zealand's other main concern lay with attempts, particularly by the Europeans, to restrict the scope of international trading in carbon credits. "New Zealand has rejected these proposals, but it seems possible at this stage that an acceptable compromise may emerge."

Protests at the negotiations, which have included a pie in the face for the chief US negotiator, have been temporarily disruptive, Mr Hodgson said.

"But most have been very well organised, imaginative and often very funny. They have definitely kept delegates' minds on the job."

Mr Pronk has extended the meeting's deadline until tomorrow morning (NZT).