The COP15 United Nations Climate Summit has now opened in Copenhagen to calls from Denmark’s host Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen for the 193 national delegations to knuckle down and reach agreement on how to make a climate difference.

“Welcome to Denmark, welcome to Copenhagen. Welcome to two weeks during which we have to do what is most difficult in politics. Take difficult but necessary decisions now, to prevent increasing problems in the future,” Løkke Rasmussen told delegates.

Løkke Rasmussen reminded delegates in his opening speech that in order for agreement to be reached, heavy negotiations would be needed over the next two weeks in the corridors and meeting rooms of the Bella Center, where the summit is taking place.

“We need all of your technical and diplomatic expertise,” Løkke Rasmussen said.

“I have met your leaders across the world. Without exception they have supported an ambitious agreement to stop global warming. I realise, of course, that we are seeking different frameworks for such an agreement. And I am sure that no-one in this room is ignoring the difficulties we have in reaching such an agreement. But the differences can be overcome if there is a political will – and I believe there is,” the prime minister said.

But he added that civil society was a vital element in the process.

“The deal will be one that affects all aspects of society just as climate change does. Therefore involvement of civil society is of paramount importance… The ultimate responsibility rests with the citizens of the world who ultimately face the consequences if we fail to act,” the prime minister added, saying: “In order to realise the full potential our citizens must make it happen.”

Løkke Rasmussen asked all those involved to shoulder their part of the task. “To be constructive, flexible and realistic. To work hard to reach an agreement and show consideration for the other negotiating partners’ concerns.”

“An agreement is within reach. Together we can achieve what we should achieve,” he said.

The first week of the COP15 conference is being attended by civil servants and negotiators from the 193 countries involved in the UN process.

Heads of state and government are due to arrive in Denmark next week for the closing two days of the conference.