Consensus on climate change likely to be reached in Copenhagen: Barroso

PARIS, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said on Monday it is possible for the international community to reach a consensus on climate change in Copenhagen, but a treaty is unlikely to be finalized.

Given the lack of preparation to date, the possibility of signing a full-fledged binding treaty in Copenhagen is slim, but there is a greater possibility to reach a consensus by the international community on climate change, Barroso told Canal+ TV channel during a visit to France on Monday.

He said such a consensus should include the commitment made by developed countries to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide output, and to help developing countries address the challenge of climate change by providing funding.

The international community should reach the consensus on climate change, which could serve as a basis of future laws and regulations, he said.

European countries have set a good example in this regard, Barroso emphasized.

The UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen opened on Monday, with participation of 15,000 representatives from more than 190 countries and regions aiming to discuss the emission reduction arrangement after 2012.