Environmental analysis news: UN calls for 'leadership' to forge climate change deal

The head of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Rajendra Pachauri has called for leadership in the battle to create a binding global deal on climate change.

Speaking at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, Reuters quoted Mr Pachauri as saying: "We need leadership from several countries of the world. There should be no bickering after a feeling of dismay after Copenhagen."

He also stated that creating a binding agreement at talks due to be held in Mexico later this year is possible, although it will require "superhuman efforts".

Ed Milliband, British minister for energy and climate change, commented that developed nations must reassure poorer countries that their economic development will not be held back by any deal, the news provider reported.

The summit, which opened yesterday (January 18th) will run until January 21st. Speakers at the event include entrepreneurs from the energy industry and government officials, such as the Dutch minister for economic affairs, Maria van der Hoeven.

More than 20,000 visitors representing over 130 countries are expected to attend the conference this week.

Posted by Claire Manning