Nine centrist Democrats led by Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania Thursday sent a letter to President Obama spelling out the principles that they believe should be the core of any international climate policy negotiated in Copenhagen, Denmark.

“The United States cannot stop climate change alone — success depends on marshaling an effective global response. Engaging developing nations will be especially important as they represent half of global emissions today and are expected to account for nearly all of the growth in future emissions,” the senators wrote.

Climate change talks in Copenhagen start next week (see Daily GPI, Nov. 30).

The senators said the core principles to be articulated in a Copenhagen agreement should include reducing global emissions by 50% by 2050, with industrialized nations cutting emissions by 80% or more by that date; requiring all major economies to adopt ambitious, measurable and verifiable actions; addressing the trade implications of climate policy; providing incentives to developing nations to take ambitious and verifiable action on climate change; and helping the most vulnerable populations adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change.

In addition to Specter, the letter was signed by Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Tim Johnson of South Dakota, Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Kay Hagan of North Carolina and Mark Begich of Alaska.

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