Hard truths about the consequences of failure

What are the objectives of the climate change summit in Copenhagen in December this year, and what would failure to meet these objectives mean?

The climate change summit in Copenhagen in December 2009 has a simple yet daunting objective – to reach agreement on an international treaty that all major economies will sign up to and deliver on. To be successful, it must therefore feel fair to all parties, while at the same time being consistent with the massive reduction in greenhouse gas emissions needed to avoid dangerous climate change (at least a 50% cut in global emissions by 2050). The challenge should not to be underestimated. Firstly, put yourself in the shoes of the Indian or Chinese negotiators: you have an economy that is ...