26/11/2012 14:10
17,000 participants to attend UN climate talks in Doha
Some 17,000 participants are due to attend the latest round of UN climate talks later in Qatar's capital, Doha, reports the BBC.
Over the next two weeks they will be negotiating a new global deal on climate, but there are ongoing tensions between rich and poor countries.
The choice of venue has surprised many, as oil-rich Qatar has some of the highest per capita emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the world.
A central divisive issue relates to the problem of "hot air" carbon permits.
The derisory term refers to attempts by some wealthy countries to carry over unused carbon permits so they can be offset against future cuts.
Developing nations say this is unfair and reduces the value of any commitment to reduce CO2.