Seriously I thought this was just another feel good summit where all parties get together and schmooze and back away saying progress was made but there needs to be more talk…..that is what I expected……and then I read where 195 countries came to an understanding……say whaaaaaaaat?

Against all odds, 195 countries agreed long enough on how best to fight global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to come to a draft agreement at the ongoing UN climate talks on Saturday in Paris, CNN reports. While there are still a lot of issues to hammer out, participants are optimistic that having a rough blueprint done on schedule—a rare occurrence—will give ministers enough time to negotiate an unprecedented agreement next week, according to the Guardian. “It has laid a solid foundation for next week…like when we cook a meal you need to have all the seasonings and ingredients and recipes, but next week is the actual cooking,” China’s chief climate negotiator says.

One of the biggest sticking points left to negotiate is how much money and resources developed countries will give to help developing countries meet climate change goals, NPR reports. The only line in the draft plan currently addressing that issue—as quoted by CNN—reads: “Developed countries shall provide developing countries with long-term, scaled-up, predictable, new and additional finance, technology and capability-building.” While the same issue has proved an impossible hurdle toward previous climate change agreements, many remain optimistic this time will be different, NPR reports. “It always seems impossible until it’s done,” the French ecology minister quoted Nelson Mandela Saturday at the conference. “We will do it.”

like I said….I am just amazed that this much progress was made…..this is far from a done deal….but it is a lot closer than I had anticipated…..

I am sure I will hear from the deniers……that will be good…..I will probably ignore anything they have to say unless it is a rational local opposition….