Momentum needed to reach new treaty

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The UN summit's aim is to mobilize political will and generate momentum needed to reach an ambitious agreement at the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen, this December.

The new agreement goes into effect in 2012 when the Kyoto Protocol's first commitment period, expires. The Copenhagen protocol wants to prevent global warming and climate change.

Such a plan might set an aggregate goal for emissions reductions by richer countries, with 2020 and 2050 targets. Representatives from 192 countries and regions are expected to attend the conference.

It appears Copenhagen, at best, may produce a framework for further talks, while pieces fall into place in Washington and elsewhere, and Kyoto's formulas are perhaps extended.