** Delegates from 193 nations are in Copenhagen to negotiate an agreement on curbing greenhouse gas emissions, in order to prevent dangerous climate change

** Developing nations want rich nations to cut emissions by at least 25% by 2020 – rich nations are reluctant to go so far and want developing countries to curb emissions too

** The US will not accept legally binding emissions cuts unless China does the same. China has been vague on allowing international scrutiny of its emission cuts

** Ongoing disagreement on how funds to mitigate and adapt to climate change will be provided. Poor nations want direct aid, while the West favours schemes like carbon trading

** A deal at the UN climate summit looks more likely following a frantic day of behind the scenes diplomacy yesterday. China signalled concessions on monitoring of emission curbs, and the US said it would commit money for developing countries.

** Leaders are likely to have big choices to make when they meet today