WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Friday abruptly altered the timing of his upcoming appearance at an international climate summit in Copenhagen, hoping to capitalize on steps by India and China and build a more meaningful political accord, the White House said.
The move means Obama will be at the summit Dec. 18, considered a crucial period when more leaders will be in attendance, as opposed to his previously scheduled stop Wednesday on his way to Nobel Peace Prize events in Oslo.
Now with the U.S., India and China all with specific proposals on the table for the first time, a political agreement seems more likely. World leaders are no longer expected to reach a legally binding agreement but are aiming for a deal that includes commitments on reducing emissions.
