Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09SEOUL1979
2009-12-21 07:44:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Seoul
Cable title:
SEOUL - MEDIA REACTION
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UNCLAS SEOUL 001979
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR ECON KPAO KMDR KS US
SUBJECT: SEOUL - MEDIA REACTION
Subject: Media Reaction; Seoul
Copenhagen Climate Change Summit
"PREEMPTIVE MEASURES NEEDED IN ANTICIPATION OF TOUGHER CARBON
REDUCTION RULES"
Conservative Chosun Ilbo editorialized (12/21): "It is highly likely
that a global warming pact will be reached before the next climate
summit, which will take place in Mexico City next year. The current
Kyoto Protocol is set to expire in 2012, and as long as the world
does not give up battling global warming, the international
community has little choice but to come up with a legally-binding
treaty. ... If there is no choice but to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, then it is best to get started as soon as possible.
Doing so will allow Korean businesses to get a head start in
developing the technologies and building the experience needed to
become globally competitive. In order to make this happen, the ROKG
must establish a system that will allow businesses to become 'early
movers' and take voluntary steps to cut their emissions."
"COPENHAGEN CLIMATE CONFERENCE ENDS UP JUST SOWING SEEDS OF HOPE"
Right-of-center JoongAng Ilbo editorialized (12/21): "The leaders of
the planet were not brave. ... They just dithered, preventing
Copenhagen turning into 'Hopenhagen.' ... The 'Copenhagen Accord'
is short on substance and is merely a face-saving measure for
political leaders. ... Now the homework has been carried over to
next year's climate conference in Mexico City. ... Only when all of
us take concerted action under the 'Me First' spirit can we save
this planet and humanity."
"MEDIATING THE INTERESTS OF DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING NATIONS FOR
CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION"
Left-leaning Hankyoreh Shinmun editorialized (12/21): "The U.S. and
China are largely to blame for this disappointing result, given that
they account for more than 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions
worldwide. China, which has overtaken the U.S. as the world's
biggest CO2 emitter, strongly rejected being included in the list of
countries subject to mandatory emissions-reduction targets while
stressing the responsibility of advanced nations. It is only
natural that developed nations should bear greater responsibility
for global warming, but preventing global warming is impossible
without a change in the stance of China, the 'world's factory.' The
U.S., for its part, was unable to show leadership to persuade
developing countries like China by taking such a lackadaisical
attitude as proposing an emissions-reduction target much lower than
those of the EU and Japan."
STEPHENS