Environmental analysis news: Gordon Brown 'optimistic' on climate change agreement

Gordon Brown has claimed that an agreement on climate change can still be reached, despite the failure of the Copenhagen talks.

Speaking on The Andrew Marr Show on the BBC on Sunday January 3rd, the British prime minister stated his intention to continue negotiations relating to a global treaty on climate change.

Mr Brown said: "I can see a way forward because what prevented an agreement was suspicion and fear and forms of protectionism that I think we've got to get over."

He added that the UN Climate Change Conference held in Copenhagen last month laid the groundwork for a legally binding accord.

World leaders met in the Danish capital for a series of talks that lasted more than a week, with lengthy discussions taking place over the final two days of the summit.

Although no deal was brokered relating to specific CO2 reduction targets, it was agreed that developed nations will contribute to a multi-billion dollar fund designed to help poorer countries tackle climate change and its effects.

Posted by Lauren Steadman