Developing Countries Boycott Climate Talks

A group of 125 developing countries, including China and India, boycotted the climate change talks in Copenhagen today, accusing developed countries of trying to ditch the Kyoto protocol, and the penalties it imposes on them if they don't meet emissions limits. The Africa-led move created chaos at the talks, which were already faltering over long-running disputes between rich and poor nations over emissions cuts and financing for developing countries to deal with climate change.

“We can never accept the killing of the Kyoto protocol,” one spokesman said. “It will mean the killing of Africa.” Reuters reported a breakthrough and possible return to the negotiating table this afternoon after Danish hosts agreed to give developing nations' demands for the Kyoto extension more attention. “The developing countries have won this round,” the group’s top negotiator told the Guardian, “because Africa and other countries stood up.” (More Copenhagen stories.)