New treaty draft presented at Bonn climate talks, some developing nations sharply criticize it

Negotiators debate new climate treaty in Bonn

BONN, Germany — Top negotiators at United Nations climate talks in Bonn have presented a new draft text to get closer to a possible deal to fight global warming.

As the two-week meeting drew to a close Friday, the chair of a negotiating group, Margaret Mukahanana-Sangarwe, published a document that could become the basis of official negotiations.

It says industrialized countries should aim to cut greenhouse gases 25-to-40 percent by 2020, but does not set a year when that comparison should start. It also leaves most other major sticking points unresolved.

Some developing nations immediately criticized the proposal. Bolivian Ambassador Pablo Solon said the text favors developed countries and “this is not a basis for negotiations.”