CRI听力:High-level Climate Change Talks Open

High-level talks aimed at forging a global climate change deal have officially opened at a ceremony in Copenhagen.

The talks are to be conducted by environment ministers over the next two days, with world leaders expected to seal a deal by the end of the week.

The climate conference in Copenhagen has entered its crucial final stages as world leaders began to arrive for the summit's high-level phase.

Connie Hedegaard, the Danish chairwoman of the conference warned that the summit risks the danger of failure unless delegates work in the spirit of compromise in the final phase of negotiations.

"We can't risk failure. No one here can carry that responsibility." (www.hXen.com)

Speaking at the opening of the high-level segment, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told delegates that they have a chance to change history.

"Our job here now is to seal a deal on climate change, to forge an agreement that all nations can embrace, an agreement that is fair, ambitious and comprehensive."

With three days left to complete an international climate deal, Ban Ki-moon elaborated on the key issues to be discussed in the ensuing talks.

"First, more ambitious midterm mitigation targets from industrialized countries. Second, more action by developing countries to limit emissions growth below "business as usual." Third, an adaptation framework for all countries. Fourth, financing and technology support. Fifth, transparent and equitable governance that gives all countries a voice."

UN Climate Chief Yvo De Boer says more progress has yet to be made at the conference.

"There has been some progress, but not nearly enough to present to the world as a success in Copenhagen. And we have almost run out of time, so we cannot continue to run over the same old ground. There is simply too much at stake."

Many countries are demanding a deal coming out of Copenhagen. But divisions between developed and developing nations over greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and financing are eroding chances of such a deal.

Many developing nations are dissatisfied with rich nations' reluctance to raise their emission reduction targets and provide financial support to help them mitigate and adapt to climate change.

So far, developed countries have indicated their intentions to give merely 10 billion U.S. dollars annually in the following three years.

The Copenhagen conference, which ends Friday, is aiming for a new global deal on climate change as the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.

Chen Zhe, CRI News