The meeting of the UN in Bonn this week aimed at working out what to do about Kyoto Phase II, post-2012, (when only 1 or 2 countries are even close to being on track to meeting their Phase I commitments) has resulted in…further talks being scheduled (PDF link). The bureaucratese is classic:

“We have set an ambitious agenda which focuses on a sound process leading towards science-based emission reduction targets on the part of industrialized countries within the next few years” said Michael Zammit Cutajar, Chair of the “Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol”. “There is a strong sense of urgency and there’s clear consensus that there should be no gap after 2012, when the first commitment period ends”, he added… “Industrialized countries have emphasised the importance of these negotiations being based on the latest scientific data and taking into account new technological solutions available today” said Feng Gao, UNFCCC Deputy Executive Secretary, Implementation. “Negotiations on the next phase of the Kyoto Protocol and discussions in the ‘Dialogue on long-term cooperative action’ are mutually reinforcing in shaping international action to combat climate change”, he added.

Translated: the developed countries realize they aren’t going to be able to meet their Phase I commitments without fudging the issue, while the developing countries, currently commitment-free, want them to cut emissions deeply but do not want commit to any cuts themselves.

Another “historic victory” for Kyoto.