UN climate panel report today

China has indicated it wants the report to better reflect its belief that richer countries are responsible for global warming and should take the lead in cleaning up the problem, delegates said. A member of the Chinese delegation refused to discuss specifics of their demands, other than to say they wanted the 8220;truth of the science8221; to be reflected in the document.

It has also joined up with the US to suggest the proposed cap on greenhouse gas levels is too low and reaching the target would be too expensive. The two countries are expected to attempt to insert language into the final report that would weaken the conclusion that quick action can stabilise greenhouse gas levels.

India, for its part, has raised objections to language in the report that says significant emission cuts can be made in developing countries, delegates said. Instead, it has argued to strike such language as part of its demands that development must come ahead of caps on emissions.

Delegates, though, said most of the objections from India and China have been overcome so far as scientists provided proof on such basic issues.

8220;China and India were the governments having more questions and requesting changes in the existing text,8221; he said. 8220;But up to now, every time we were able to overcome their concerns and come to an agreement.8221;

8211;JOSEPH COLEMAN