The twelve-day international climate conference in Poland has ended after nations failed to set ambitious new goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions. WWF Director Kim Carstensen criticized many industrialized nations of blocking progress at the summit.

Kim Carstensen: “We’ve seen a lack of leadership among the developed countries, lack of leadership from the US, because they can’t lead at the moment because they’re waiting for a new president. We’ve seen a lack of leadership from the European Union, who are not leading at the moment, because they’re completely inward-focused, completely looking at themselves and the EU package that they agreed today.”

At the end of the climate talks, wealthier nations were also accused of failing to provide enough money to help poorer countries cope with droughts, floods and rising seas. Former US Vice President Al Gore urged climate delegates to approve a new climate treaty next year.

Al Gore: “To those who are fearful that it is too difficult to conclude this process with a new treaty by the deadline that has been established for one year from now in Copenhagen, I say it can be done, it must be done. Let’s finish this process at Copenhagen. Don’t take the pressure off. Let’s make sure that we succeed.”