Rajani Nagesh Tadimalla

In general, all countries have an understanding and are aware of the adverse affects of global warming and rising greenhouse gas emissions. Kyoto Protocol of 1997 was a major step to address the concern and reduce emission levels. However, the biggest drawback of the Protocol is the lack of ratification by the United States (U.S). Durban, South Africa is hosting this years session of the Conference of Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This years talks scheduled to begin during the last week of November are significant as the first commitment period, which began in 2008 ends in 2012. Many countries are hesitant to endorse another commitment period. Unlike the Copenhagen Session held in 2009, which generated lot of hype and hope, last years talks at Cancun and the upcoming Durban session have not received much publicity. Having said that, the upcoming session is highly significant for future efforts to deal with the complex problem of Climate change.