UN method hangs in the balance as climate talks begin

A year after climate talks in Copenhagen failed to secure a highly anticipated global deal to cut carbon emissions, key players say a further breakdown in fresh discussions this fortnight could spell the end of the UN multilateral negotiating process.

Representatives from roughly 200 states will descend on the beachside city of Cancun, Mexico on Monday (29 November), for the start of a 12-day session expected to be every bit as difficult as last year's acrimonious event.

"If Ca...