For 15 years, United Nations talks aimed at fixing a faltering 1992 climate treaty have provided little drama. But at the latest session last month on the Indonesian island of Bali, Kevin Conrad, a young man representing one of the world’s least influential nations, Papua New Guinea, gained a worldwide spotlight as he faced down the sole superpower, the United States. It was during the final formal plenary, which was crammed with observers, journalists and officials from more than 180 countries. The American negotiators had objected to language inserted in a document at the last minute by developing countries led by China and India. A swell of boos and jeers built. After a long sequence of polite criticisms from developing countries over the sudden diplomatic logjam at the very end of two draining weeks, it was Mr. Conrad’s turn. ‘I would ask the United States, we ask for your leadership,’ he said. ‘But if for some reason you’re not willing to lead, leave it to the rest of us. Please get out of the way.’ The room erupted in applause, and within minutes the lead American representative, Paula J. Dobriansky, dropped the objection and said, ‘We will […]