Delegates from some EU countries have suggested that others with large areas of forest - such as Austria, Finland and Sweden - are pushing for lax regulation, along with Russia and Australia.

BBC: Rich countries accused of carbon 'cheating'

Mr Gore's words, though - and those of US Senator John Kerry on Thursday - may have begun to convince delegates that if EU leadership on climate is faltering, the US under Barack Obama is poised to take over.

BBC: Gore's tough message to leaders

Speaking at a reception in Thailand, Dan Ashe, the head of the US delegation, called upon all the delegates to reject the EU compromise and asked them to support the American proposal.

BBC: Polar bear trade ban 'too close to call'