Climate talks in Copenhagen should seek to impose a limit on global warming of less than two degrees Celsius, according to the Dutch Environment Minister Jacqueline Cramer.

A focus on a maximum temperature rise will work much better than a fixed percentage reduction for greenhouse gasses. The latter will only make negotiations during the upcoming environment summit in the Danish city more difficult, says Cramer.

"The discussion about percentages has a paralysing effect - we can't afford to risk a new climate accord due to a percent here or there," said the minister.

In December, representatives from more than 190 countries will meet in Copenhagen to produce a treaty to succeed the Kyoto Protocol in 2012. One of the biggest stumbling blocks they face is agreement on the limitation of greenhouse gasses. Ms Cramer says the more supple approach is needed to bring on board countries such as the United States, which has been sceptical about such reductions.

Tough talks
There are an array of different views when it comes to percentage reductions.

The EU has a target of 30 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 - based on emmissions at 1990 levels. Norway wants a massive 40 percent reduction and Japan proposes 25 percent.

A benchmark average figure of 19 percent is now being mentioned, Cramer says although she doesn't believe in the percentage approach she feels this figure is too low.

The UN's climate change panel, the IPCC, says developed countrues need to cut emmissions by between 25 and 40 percent to prevent a temperature rise of two degrees. Developing countries should cut by between 13 and 30 percent according to the UN propossal.

The Dutch environment minister says promises on reductions are hardest to get from the US, Canada and Russia.