However, the deal did little to address the scale of emissions cuts needed, and environmental groups said this was a huge failing.

The individual targets for emissions cuts would be based on an array of economic and social characteristics.

Although emissions cuts are still voluntary, the exchange is considered an important prototype.

Countries agreed to the principle of having their emissions cuts inspected.

But many climate experts say the perennial need for more study can no longer justify further delays in emission cuts.

In all scenarios, emissions cuts are phased in between 2009 and 2050.

Australia and the world can continue to prosper while making the emission cuts required to reduce the risks of dangerous climate change.

This should allow the first behavioural and technological changes with a view to preparing for the much more ambitious emission cuts of the future.

Using Kyoto accounting guidelines, these proposals are equivalent to an emissions cut of 24%, 14% and 4% below 1990 levels by 2020 respectively.

If these actions are brought into the talks it would imply that the overall emissions cuts required are less.