Japan – failing at Copenhagen would be a disgrace to world leaders

Speaking in the high-level section of the summit – reserved for leaders, ministers and their advisers – Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said squabbling had to stop and an agreement reached.

“It’s extremely important for every country to leave the egoism aside and work together for the sake of our children and grandchildren,” he said.

“If we can do this then we may make a major step forward today.”

“We need to rise above our national interests for the greater cause of saving our planet.”

He said that Japan would put forward $15bn for developing countries to fight climate change over the next three years.

He also said that, despite opposition from industry, he had committed his country to emissions cuts of 25% on 1990 levels by 2020.

This target is well below that of most European countries.

Sam Bond