UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told journalists "I am encouraged and I am optimistic" about the chances of the Copenhagen climate summit reach a deal on cutting global warming.

He added, "I expect a robust agreement in Copenhagen that will be effective immediately and include specific recommendations". The Secretary-General's optimism appears to have been fuelled by a decision made earlier today by US President Barack Obama to declare greenhouse gases a threat to human health. The declaration will enable the Environmental Protection Agency to order cuts in emissions without the approval of Congress.
 

However, Secretary-General Ban's optimism does not appear to be shared; most nations do not believe that Copenhagen will result in binding agreements.