This agreement, though not as strong as many wanted is a major step. I remember in an unrelated speech by Kerry back years ago countering a comment that it would be too expensive to cut carbon, that he spoke of how the clean air act against acid rain ended up cutting sulphur faster than expected at a lower cost.

There is no reason to think that this could not happen with carbon as well with everyone pulling in the first directions.

...in the right direction. I am glad both Kerry and VP Gore continue the push to get this done. Next year will be absolutely critical.

...speech on the subject a couple of days ago at COP20:
http://m.state.gov/md234969.htm

Thanks to karynnj for the link...

At United Nations climate talks in Peru, rich-poor barrier begins to crack
By Associated Press
on December 14, 2014 at 5:34 PM, updated December 14, 2014 at 5:36 PM

LIMA, Peru -- A last-minute deal that salvaged U.N. climate talks from collapse early Sunday sends a signal the rich-poor divide that long held up progress can be overcome with a year to go before a landmark pact is supposed to be adopted in Paris.

Still, it remains to be seen whether governments can come up with a new formula for how countries in different stages of development should contribute in a way that keeps global warming from reaching dangerous levels.

"This issue will be contentious and it will need to be worked through all the way to Paris," U.S. climate envoy Todd Stern said after the marathon talks in Lima finished, more than 30 hours behind schedule.

The U.N. talks were still far away from reaching any agreement on reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to a level that scientists say would keep global warming in check. But the Paris agreement would be the first to call on all countries to control their emissions.

More:
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2014/12/at_united_nations_climate_talk.html