After two years of negotiations, Copenhagen has finally arrived. The world’s eyes are now firmly fixed on the Danish capital to see if world leaders can seize the moment and deliver a strong binding climate treaty.

The stakes are high and politics are intense. The pesimissm of the last few months is gradually being swept away as more countries put their commitments and emissions reduction targets on the table. While the commitments fall far short of what scientists say is required if we are to avoid runaway global warming, the stasis that has paralysed the negotiations for months is starting to shift.

There are lots of issues on the table at Copenhagen – here are 5 of the big ones:

1. STRONG TARGETS
We need to make sure global emissions peak no later than 2015. This will mean developed countries cutting emissions upwards of 40% by 2020.

2. STOP DEFORESTATION
Cutting down forests is a major contributor to global warming. We need to stop doing it and commit to end deforestation by 2030.

3. FINANCE
Given that developed countries have largely caused this problem, there is a responsibility to help fund less developed countries to adapt to climate change that is already happening. Funds are also needed to help them transition to a low-carbon economy. We reckon it’ll take at least $140 billion a year.

4. NO LOOPHOLES
Lots of countries (including Australia) are pushing for rule changes that would allow them to offset their emissions to other countries through dodgy schemes that won’t actually result in real reductions in greenhouse pollution. If these scams are allowed, the emissions reductions targets will be little more than hot air.

5. A BINDING TREATY
Waffle and lofty statements aren’t going to cut it. We need a legally binding treaty, and we need it now.

Climate science, emissions trading schemes and accounting are undoubtedly complex things. But there are simple truths that underpin the climate issue. So long as we continue to increase our fossil fuel use, greenhouse pollution will also continue to increase. It doesn’t matter how complex our accountancy tricks are, we can’t effectively cut emissions until we stop expanding the fossil fuel industry and begin to replace it with pollution-free alternatives.

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