The idea of forging a political agreement, instead of a legally binding treaty, is becoming a more accepted possibility as negotiators acknowledge some nations including the United States will not be ready in time for the December U.N. climate conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.

European officials say they envision a political accord enshrining plans by developing countries to cut carbon emissions and by emerging economies to trim the growth of their economies. It also would include specific numbers on how much money wealthy countries would channel to the poor to combat the effects of climate change.

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