Developing, developed countries in blame game

       The start of environment talks in Bangkok has been swamped with petitions as developed and developing countries accuse each other of not doing enough to combat climate change.
       There had been strong indications the two sides of the development coin were moving towards overcoming their differences and gearing up towards a new deal. But the Bangkok talks have started disappointingly and have turned into a platform for delegates to make more demands than commitments.
       Developing countries yesterday called on developed nations to commit to firm emissions targets and financial assistance, while developed countries said poor nations needed to do more to cut their greenhouse gas outflow.
       Green groups observing the talks called on negotiators to work harder and faster to prepare a more "precise and readable"text for the Copenhagen climate summit in December.
       "Time is not just pressing. It has almost run out," UN climate chief Yvo de Boer said in his opening remarks.
       Mr de Boer said he hoped the Bangkok meeting would produce clarity on developed countries' financial support to
       poorer nations in tackling climate change.
       "At the end of the Bangkok talks, we are expecting to see practical meaning of technology transfer and financial mobilisation," he said.
       Connie Hedegarrd, Denmark's minister for climate change and energy, called on developed countries to make an urgent commitment to deliver fast-track financing for climate change adaptation.
       "Developed countries must prove that they are serious," Ms Hedegarrd said in her opening speech.
       "Here in Bangkok, we need to be more precise on what kind of actions should be financed."
       Shortly after the opening session, the European Commission held a news conference at which it called for stronger contributions from developing countries in reducing carbon emissions growth.
       "What has been missing here is concrete proposals from developing countries, including India and China,on what they will do [to cut greenhouse gas emissions]," said Artur RungeMetzger, the European Commission's chief climate negotiator.
       "We need a firm commitment from developed countries and the developing countries to act."
       The EC has been heavily criticised for its financing scheme. It earlier this month estimated that developing countries would need at least 100 billion euros (4.9 trillion baht) a year to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions while adapting to climate change, but pledged to pay only 2 billion to 15 billion euros a year.
       Tove Ryding of Greenpeace said the EC's pledge was like "throwing the tips and running away from the bills".