A group of rapidly growing carbon emitters, crucial for a global climate change agreement, is now open to discussing the future of the Kyoto Protocol in order to bring the United States on board. The Kyoto Protocol currently requires about 40 wealthy nations to reduce emissions by 2008-2012, and developing countries are pushing for a stricter second commitment period. However, many developed nations are against this demand and want to replace Kyoto with a new agreement that includes countries like India and China. The upcoming meeting of environment ministers from Brazil, South Africa, India, and China - known as the BASIC nations - will focus on building trust with wealthy nations, as indicated by the meeting agenda obtained by Reuters. The question of how long the Kyoto Protocol will last is also a key concern. The agenda for the upcoming meeting in South Africa on April 25-26 includes a discussion about the possibility of a shorter second commitment period focused on securing carbon markets. Another topic of discussion is what would replace the Kyoto Protocol if there is no second commitment period. The ongoing negotiations for a global climate change deal have been hindered by a lack of trust between wealthy and developing nations regarding their respective responsibilities. Officials are becoming less optimistic about reaching a comprehensive agreement in Mexico in November. Softening their stance on the Kyoto Protocol by the BASIC nations could help move negotiations forward and possibly bring the United States, which never ratified the protocol, on board. An Indian negotiator described the agenda as "realistic" and focused on exploring all possibilities to reach a beneficial agreement for all parties involved. The BASIC meeting agenda also mentioned considering how elements of the Copenhagen Accord, a political agreement from last year, could be integrated into the current negotiation process. The Copenhagen Accord aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and provide $100 billion in aid starting in 2020. The text outlines the steps taken by numerous countries, including major greenhouse gas emitters, to reduce their emissions by 2020. Originally intended to establish a global agreement to follow the Kyoto Protocol, the Copenhagen conference will also discuss the potential expansion of the BASIC bloc and the usefulness of groups like the G20 and Major Economies Forum for negotiations. Developing nations are pushing for simultaneous negotiations on both a successor to Kyoto starting in 2013 and long-term strategies for all countries to combat climate change.