The cards global leaders will play in Copenhagen

"Damaged economies, refugees, political instability, and the loss of life are typically the results of war. But they will also be the results of unchecked climate change."
EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas

• The EU is the world's third-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases.

• Will cut emissions by 20 per cent from 1990 levels by 2020, or 30 per cent if global emitters commit to serious cuts.

• Will cut energy consumption by 20 per cent, and generate 20 per cent of energy from renewable sources by 2020.

• Argues that a global response to climate change needs European leadership.

China

"Global climate change has a profound impact on the survival and development of mankind."
President Hu Jintao

• The world's biggest producer of greenhouse gas emissions, but China's citizens consume much less energy than those in the US.

• Will cut emissions to 40-45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2020.

• Already pledged to increase renewable energy targets to grow more forests (for carbon capture) and develop green industries.

• Wants rich nations to cut emissions to 40 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020.

Brazil

"I believe that we will have to have the courage to do what our rulers did not do in the 20th century."
President Luiz Ignácio Lula da Silva

• Brazil is classified as the world's fourth biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, largely because of carbon released through deforestation of Amazon forest.

• Will cut its emissions by over 35 per cent from projected 2020 levels - a 20 per cent cut below 2005 levels.

• Brazil is among the first of the major emerging countries to make a commitment to contain climate change and the deforestation of the Amazon.

United States

"The threat from climate change is serious, it is urgent and it is growing."
US President Barack Obama

• Per capita, citizens of the US are the biggest producers of greenhouse gas emissions, and the second highest worldwide.

• Promises to cut US emissions by 17 per cent from 2005 levels by 2020 - close to four per cent below 1990 levels, which is less than cuts demanded by the EU, Japan and UN.

Small islands

"We are at the very frontline of the damage being caused by climate change. If you want to see the future, see our threats."
Dessima Williams, head of the Alliance of Small Island States

• Threatened by rising sea levels.

• Account for only 0.6 per cent of global emissions.

• Want at least one per cent of rich country GDP spent on "climate-inflicted damage".

• Want global emissions to fall 85 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050.

Japan

"It is imperative to establish a fair and effective international framework in which all major economies participate."
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama

• The world's seventh biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, but its emissions per head are 15th in the world.

• Will cut emissions by 30 per cent in 10 years (if other countries make similar commitments).

• With US, Japan committed to "a new era in the global fight against climate change" by shifting to low-carbon growth.

India

"What we are witnessing today is the consequence of over two centuries of industrial activity and high consumption lifestyles in the developed world. They have to bear this historical responsibility."
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

• India accounts for about five cper cent of global carbon emissions. The consumption per capita is relatively low.

• Said China's commitments are "a wake-up call" to India - both countries had said they would not commit to emission cuts until developed nations pledged to meet targets.

• Admitted India must now be "flexible" to avoid being isolated at Copenhagen.

Australia

"To delay any longer, to stay in denial as the climate change sceptics would have us do, is reckless and irresponsible."
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

• The world's biggest coal exporter and one of the world's highest per-capita emitters of greenhouse gases.

• Prime Minister proposed most comprehensive carbon trade scheme outside the EU- covering 75 per cent of Australian emissions and starting in July 2011.

• Last Wednesday, a hostile Senate rejected the carbon trade legislation a second time, providing a potential trigger for an early 2010 election.