NUSA DUA, Indonesia — The world’s countries, trying to wrap up two weeks of intense and at times emotional talks here on a two-year timetable for reviving an ailing, aging climate treaty, appeared close to a final agreement on Saturday but divisions remained. The United Nations secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, implored the assembly: ‘You have before you a strong and good draft. Seize the moment, this moment for the good of all humanity.’ Earlier, agreement appeared within sight after a significant policy shift by the Bush administration, which had long rejected the need to formally negotiate new steps to avoid climate dangers. This time, the United States agreed to set a deadline for an addendum to the original treaty, which was signed by Mr. Bush’s father in 1992. But some countries, notably China and India, still objected to parts of a compromise that was reached, and later United States representatives said they could not accept the deal either. The agreement would note the need for ‘urgency’ in addressing climate change and recognize that ‘deep cuts in global emissions will be required.’ Still, it would not bind the United States or any country to commitments on […]

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