Even if one insists on pasting that label on COP6, it is still worthwhile asking in what way did it fail. In my view, the failure consists of nothing more than the inability of the governments, notably the US and EU, to strike a deal within the allotted timeframe in The Hague and their decision to postpone the negotiations for six months. This was always a possible scenario, as I noted in my Commentary of 17.11.
Agreement is still within reach.
If it is held, it will likely deliver a deal. Otherwise, there is no purpose in meeting. Moreover, some positive results did emerge from the session. The prompt start for the CDM is virtually agreed, for example, with the Interim Executive Board to be constituted in the next year. On compliance, Parties accept the principle that sanctions should have an economic impact as well as the EU s idea of a Compliance Action Plan.