"The key message to rich countries is that what seems like them to be a domestic political difficulty is for the vulnerable nations an existential problem, " said Saleemul Huq, senior fellow in climate change at the London-based International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), which gave technical support to the Maldives meeting.

BBC: Poor nations vow low-carbon path

He added that in addressing climate change, the international community must not "turn a blind eye to historical responsibilities, per capita emissions and different levels of development".

BBC: President Obama warns leaders over climate summit deal