Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Tuvalu refuses to sign Copenhagen deal

Posted at 22:38 on 20 December, 2009 UTC

Tuvalu has refused to sign a climate change deal brokered by the United States, India, China and South Africa.

The deal is not legally binding and falls short of the demands of Pacific countries who say science indicates global temperatures need to limited to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial times to ensure their survival.

Instead the deal offers a 2 degree target on temperatures, and promises only that the commitments countries make to cut greenhouse gas emissions will be scrutinised.

Ahead of a vote on the deal, Tuvalu’s chief negotiator Ian Fry said his country could not accept it.

He gave this response to a promise included in the agreement of 100 billion US dollars a year to help developing nations from 2020.

“Can I suggest that, in biblical terms, it looks like we are being offered thiry pieces of silver to betray our people and our future. Mr President our future is not for sale.”

Ian Fry says claims by the United States that a deal had been reached, were disrespectful when other countries had not been able to consider it.