Australia tries to ease tensions between rich and poor nations

Australia is trying to ease tensions between rich and poor nations at the UN Climate Change Conference.

The atmosphere remains tense in Copenhagen, with developing countries deeply distrustful of promises to cut greenhouse gas emissions by industrialized powers.

Penny Wong, Australian Climate Change Minister, said, "We should use that fact to the benefit of this conference. It is rare that you get that many leaders coming to an international negotiation providing that (inaudible), providing that impetus, providing that deadline. And we need to use that, try to get a good agreement. We are seeing a lot of political will being demonstrated by the fact that leaders are attending. Our jobs as ministers now is to deliver up the agreement and the options for leaders."

Australia's Minister for Climate Change and Water Penny Wong stands near a large globe in the main hall at the UN Climate Change Conference 2009 in Copenhagen December 10, 2009.REUTERS/Bob Strong