World News | Small Word Changes Have Big Meaning at UN Summit
Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. While the word "urges" may sound more pressing on its face than "requests," it's the other way around in the diplomatic language used at the U.N. climate conference in Glasgow.
Glasgow, Nov 12 (AP) While the word "urges" may sound more pressing on its face than "requests," it's the other way around in the diplomatic language used at the U.N. climate conference in Glasgow.
That's why environmental activists applauded when the latest draft of a potential summit agreement had the section on nations setting new national emission-cutting goals in 2022 presented as something that merited an updated emphasis, with “requests" in place of “urges.”
Environmental Defense Fund Vice President Kelley Kizzier, who used to be a lead negotiator on carbon markets for the European Union, said the definitional distinction confused her when she first got involved in negotiations, but now it's just part of the lingo to her.
“It's quite a passive-aggressive place,” she said.
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“You know in common English, 'urge' is stronger," Kizzier said. But diplomats told her “request” is like a legal requirement, which is stronger than encouragement “urge” carries, she said.
Within the context of the closing days of the Glasgow conference, the change would represent a big move, if it stays in the final decision, she said.
In 2015, negotiators debated about requiring new emission-cutting targets in five to 10 years. Now, they are talking about one year, Kizzier said. (AP)
(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)