Initial expectations for Copenhagen have been scaled back to try to reach political agreement on a framework, with a detailed, binding treaty to follow.

VOA: standard.2009.12.06

Before returning to the talks they said developed nations are trying to sideline the Kyoto Protocol a legally binding deal that set reduction targets for 2012.

VOA: standard.2009.12.17

The first phase of the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012 and the current talks are aimed at setting in place new legally binding emissions targets for the decade to come.

VOA: standard.2009.11.04

Delegates have been in Barcelona all week to hash out a plan that would pave the way for 192 nations to sign a legally binding international climate deal next month.

VOA: standard.2009.11.06

"What we hear is that the kind of legally binding agreement that we,for instance, did inside the European Union, will probably not be possible since some of the countries like the United States say we do not have the support in our congress to make a ratification on an international agreement,".

VOA: standard.2009.11.06