1115.org

How deliciously hilarious is this? The kingdom of Saudi Arabia believes (very strongly indeed) that if rich countries cut back oil consumption to fight global warming, they should have to pay compensation to oil producers:

Saudi Arabia is trying to enlist other oil-producing countries to support a provocative idea: if wealthy countries reduce their oil consumption to combat global warming, they should pay compensation to oil producers.

The oil-rich kingdom has pushed this position for years in earlier climate-treaty negotiations. While it has not succeeded, its efforts have sometimes delayed or disrupted discussions. The kingdom is once again gearing up to take a hard line on the issue at international negotiations scheduled for Copenhagen in December.

The chief Saudi negotiator, Mohammad al-Sabban, described the position as a “make or break” provision for the Saudis, as nations stake out their stance before the global climate summit scheduled for the end of the year.

That is, no doubt, rich. Maybe China will be lining up next, demanding compensation from the rest of the world for reducing their imports from China over the last year?

On the other hand, surely we can do business with these guys? We could start by demanding compensation from OPEC countries every time oil prices go up, for example.