FT Climate Experts' Forum, 16 December

FT: Is it essential for developed countries to offer a clear commitment to long-term financing for developing countries at Copenhagen?

Julian Morris: Like Rio in 1992 and Kyoto in 1997, the only reason most leaders of poor countries have come to Copenhagen is that they believe they can extract some additional money from the taxpayers in rich countries. It seems unlikely that they would agree to any deal without such transfers being promised. However, my guess is that they are interested more in short-term than long-term transfers.  Actually, a few million in cash deposited into the right Swiss bank accounts would probably suffice for many of the leaders.

Julian Morris is an economist, author and director of The International Policy Network.