The United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference opens today in Copenhagen amid concerns there is still much to do before the world begins to deal with the problem.
Delegates representing 192 countries are gathering in the Danish capital for the opening of the two-week UN summit, which is expected to attract about 100 leaders.
Already some pro-climate change scientists are describing the conference, which will see countries discuss cutting carbon emissions and the setting up of a $100 billion global fund to help tackle climate change, as the most important the world will ever see.
However, UK energy secretary Ed Miliband said that while there may be scientific consensus that global warming is happening, there is still a long way to go before the general public is convinced. Speaking on BBC Breakfast today, he said: “It’s partly because this is a threat that you cannot see or feel – it’s not an army massing on our borders and people are focused on other things in their lives.
“There are people who want to cast doubt on the science. Therefore it’s not surprising that some people are not convinced. The scientific community has to redouble its efforts to persuade people,” he said.