Published on Thursday, December 10, 2009 by United Press International

US Negotiator Rejects Climate Reparation

COPENHAGEN, Denmark - The top U.S. envoy to climate talks in Copenhagen, Denmark, has rejected arguments that the United States owes reparations for contributing to global warming.

Climate activists in Copenhagen hold signs reading, "Rich countries pay your climate debt!" Todd Stern, US negotiator in Denmark, rejected the notion of climate reparations. (Image: Washington Post)

The negotiator, Todd Stern, had rejected the notion before but this time his words centered on the difference between the poor and the wealthy as nearly 200 nations meet to in an attempt deal with climate change.

Diplomats and some protesters claim the United States owes hundreds of billions in aid to developing nations as reparations for years of greenhouse gas emissions, The New York Times said.

Stern, speaking at a news conference Wednesday, made it clear, that the United States would join other industrialized countries in cutting their own emissions.

Further, he promised U.S. support for the poorest and most vulnerable counties in dealing with expected problems stemming from a warming planet such as rising sea levels and drought.

� 2009 United Press International