After a half-day suspension, emission reduction talks have resumed in Copenhagen, but those promoting significant action on climate change are concerned the talks are missing the point.

African countries suspended the climate talks yesterday in the face of wealthier countries’ reluctance to discuss legally binding emissions reductions.

They refused to continue negotiations unless talks on a second commitment period to the Kyoto Protocol were prioritised ahead of broader discussions under a second negotiating track.

Tuvalu is calling for a discussion on what form the final deal from Copenhagen will take.

The small island state has put forward a proposal for a new protocol – in addition to the Kyoto Protocol – to include commitments from the US as well as other issues such as adaptation and finance.

Tuvalu’s stance is being supported by sub-Saharan Africa and the small island states, which have made passionate and powerful statements about the catastrophic impact of climate change on their people.