In his speech, de Boer highlighting the commitment of the new US Administration to fighting climate  change and its engagement in a climate change dialogue with China; the re-launch of  the Major Economies Forum of the 17 largest emitters; and progress achieved at the  June UN climate change talks in Bonn, particularly growing convergence on the need  for a strong adaptation framework or programme.

He then listed four essential political elements which should be reflected in a post-2012  climate agreement, namely: clarity on quantified emission limitation or reduction  objectives of industrialized countries by 2020; clarity on nationally appropriate mitigation  actions of developing countries; stable and predictable finance to help developing  countries to adapt and to mitigate; and an institutional framework to deliver support for  mitigation and adaptation where developing countries feel they have an equal voice.

Underscoring the role of legislators, he said success in Copenhagen would depend on laws and levers that allow citizens, business and finance to take the right climate action,with the provision of legal, tax, standards and regulatory structures by governments.

Please click here to read the full speech at the UNFCCC website.