As many as 40 environment ministers gathered Monday in Copenhagen for preparatory talks ahead of the UN climate change conference that opens next month in the Danish capital. Ministers from key emitting countries including the United States, China and India as well as African countries and low-lying island nations threatened by global warming and rising sea levels were among those present, according to a report of The German Press Agency "DPA". "When all countries of the world send ministers at such a high level, it indicates a real will to work for a climate deal in Copenhagen," Danish Climate and Energy Minister Connie Hedegaard said. Hedegaard said the two-day closed door session offered a chance to focus on the "tough issues."
