The first half of the Doha climate talks has ended without achieving any progress on the future of the Kyoto Protocol.

Talks centered around an extension of the Kyoto Protocol, the world's only legally binding climate treaty. Developed countries are still reluctant to pledge further emission cuts.

The EU has agreed to reduce its emissions by 20 percent by 2020, but set conditions for a 30 percent cut. Despite US President Barack Obama's promise to prioritize climate protection in his second term, the United States is blocking progress towards a long-term global deal; while Canada, Japan, New Zealand, among others, are still refusing a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol.

Parties are also divided on the duration of the second commitment period. The EU and the BASIC countries -- which includes China, India, Brazil and South Africa -- propose an eight year period to match existing 2020 targets, while other countries favor a five-year period in order to push developed countries to take faster action.

Another problem stems from promised, but not yet fully delivered financial aid from developed countries to help the world's most vulnerable countries cope with climate change.

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