COPENHAGEN AND HOT AIR - AT 7:21 P.M. ET:  Even though we're told this is the last chance to save the planet, and maybe the entire Solar System, the delegates at the climate change conference in Copenhagen are having a tough time doing salvation:

COPENHAGEN (AP) -- The 10-day-old climate talks ran into disputes and paralysis as they entered a critical stage Wednesday, just two days before President Barack Obama and more than 100 other national leaders hope to sign a historic agreement to fight global warming.

That's right.  Barack is coming.  The man can't stay home for more than a week.  Doesn't he like the house?

Poorer nations stalled the talks in resistance to what they saw as efforts by the rich to impose decisions falling short of strong commitments to reduce greenhouse gases and to help those countries hurt by climate change. Conference observers said, however, that negotiators still had time to reach agreements.

And if they don't, Copenhagen will sink into the sea immediately.  Pass it on.

Outside the meeting site in Copenhagen's suburbs, police fired pepper spray and beat protesters with batons as hundreds of demonstrators sought to disrupt the 193-nation conference, the latest action in days of demonstrations to demand "climate justice" -- firm steps to combat global warming. Police said 230 protesters were detained.

I have to go into New York City tomorrow for a briefing on space weapons.  It's expected to be cold and windy.  I am demanding that Mayor Bloomberg produce climate justice...or else.

Earlier, behind closed doors, negotiators dealing with core issues debated until just before dawn without setting new goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions or for financing poorer countries' efforts to cope with coming climate change, key elements of any deal.

"I regret to report we have been unable to reach agreement," John Ashe of Antigua, chairman of one negotiating group, told the conference.

COMMENT:  It's the "financing poorer countries" that's the big deal.  A lot of this is about money.  If our aid programs to "poorer" nations can serve as any guide, a lot of that money will go down the corruption drain.  But we'll feel good about ourselves.

Doesn't look like this conference is accomplishing much.  Maybe the delegates, like a majority of the American people, are starting to wonder just how much of a "crisis" the world is actually facing.

December 16, 2009