13 Dec 2010 12:12:08

Cancun delegates reach climate change deal

Delegates at the United Nations' (UN) summit in Cancun reached an agreement on curbing climate change, although the pledge was not as strong as some had hoped.

The deal called for stricter restrictions to be placed on carbon emissions and efforts being made by developing countries to curb carbon emissions to be brought within the UN system.

Also included to aid developing countries in combating climate change, was the establishment of the Green Climate Fund and the creation of mechanisms which will allow them to access low carbon technology.

However, detailed information on how such measures will be achieved are not included.

Many believe the deal lays the foundations for creating a legally-binding agreement when the delegates meet again in South Africa next year.

UK energy and climate change secretary Chris Huhne commented: "A global deal on climate change is now back on track."

Neil Bentley, Confederation of Business Industry director of business environment, added: "Such a deal could unlock great new low-carbon markets for our economy, and until this is reached, concerted action will be slow."

The UN summit was attended by 15,000 delegates from 190 countries and produced 25,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.