‘We Are Heading Towards an Abyss’ (Associated Press)

U.N. chief tells 150 governments that time running out on climate change

Sept. 3, 2009 -- GENEVA (AP) -- U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon told a meeting of some 150 governments Thursday that time is running out for a new climate deal to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

The Copenhagen talks in December are looming and little real negotiating time is left "to resolve some of the most complex issues," the U.N. secretary general told the World Climate Conference. "We need rapid progress."

Only limited progress in the climate talks has been made for the meeting to hammer out a new accord to replace the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.

Meanwhile, climate change is advancing.

"Our foot is stuck on the accelerator and we are heading towards an abyss," said Ban, warning that climate change could spell widespread economic disaster.

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