Delegates at the United Nations climate conference have been warned that there may never be a final agreement on climate change. Costa Rican diplomat Christiana Figueres commented: "If we ever have a final, conclusive, all-answering agreement, then we will have solved this problem. I don't think that's on the cards." Addressing the issue successfully would "require the sustained effort of those who will be here for the next 20, 30, 40 years".
In doing so, Ms Figueres is suggesting that any agreements will be partial and subject to constant change, in line with changing financial circumstances and scientific knowledge. The suggestion from many is that this will not negate the opportunity to create a legally binding agreement, but that will have to be flexible.
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