A leaked Danish document at the UN climate conference provoked angry criticism Tuesday from developing countries and activists who feared it would shift more of the burden to curb greenhouse gases on poorer countries.

Li Ning, Oxfam Climate Change Programme Officer said, "Like ants in a room full of elephants poor countries are at risk of been squeezed out of the climate talks in Copenhagen. As the talks ramp up and the big players put forward their proposals for the deal it is vitally important that vulnerable countries are part of the debate."

"The Danish proposal must not distract from the job at hand. There must be a laser like focus on the official text of the agreement over the next six days. With just a handful of days to go before a deal is signed all countries need to focus their efforts on the official process which offers the best chance of a fair, ambitious and binding deal."

"The Danish proposal falls far short of emissions cuts needed, and remains vague on the climate cash. One positive aspect is that it would put an end to the spaghetti bowl of channels which poor countries have to negotiate for financial help that mean only a fraction of the money available gets to those in need."

Related

• Oxfam activist stages underwater protest at climate talks
• Oxfam urges G8 leaders to tackle climate change
• Oxfam calls for European troops for DRC as ceasefire breaks
• Climate change making the poor poorer: Oxfam

Comments