Martin Khor, executive director of the influential South Centre, also says developing world leaders will not be pushed into a ‘photo opportunity’.

He believes even if they’re leaders are not up on the technical talk the countries teams are strong enough to refuse an agreement merely to help western politicians under pressure to come back with results.

Mr Khor, speaking at a side meeting at Copenhagen’s Bella Centre, said: “The developing countries are now feeling that the developed countries are not keeping to their promises, their part of the bargain.

“Whatever figures have been put out by countries show a very low level of ambition, we estimate that if you include the United States … is that the reduction that has been put on the table is only between 12 to 19% compared to 1990.”

Mr Khor went on to say that even if you took an optimistic mid-point of 16%, this still came with offsets.

He concluded: “This means it’s not just what is produced domestically but they’re including what they’re paying developing countries to do.”

Luke Walsh

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe