The US has once again defended their position not to agree on the Kyoto protocoll. However, rather than being based on sustainable development the argument has turned bizarre.

All points to that the US is frigtened of possible law suits against the American way of life - the US is fearful of admitting there is a link between industrial emissions and the damage caused by floods, storms and droughts.

After the huge payouts made by the tobacco industry in lawsuits, some believe the courts could well replace conferences like this as the forum for future debates over the causes of global warming.

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4077137.stm