International talks to limit the pollution that causes global warming will restart in late June or early July, the Dutch Environment Ministry said today.
But it set no specific date or place for the new negotiations, the ministry said in a statement.
The latest round of UN talks in The Hague, chaired by the Dutch, broke down in November after US and European Union negotiators failed to forge a compromise on how to meet targets to cut greenhouse gas pollution set out in Kyoto in 1997.
US and EU negotiators had met in Canada shortly after the failed Hague conference but were unable to make progress.
A UN scientific body has said global temperatures are likely to rise by 1.4 to 5.8° Celsius by 2100 and sea levels could rise by as much as 88 cm.
Such a dramatic change, brought on at least partially by the burning of fossil fuels, is expected to lead to an increased incidence of extreme weather and flooding and force tens of millions of people to flee from low-lying areas, according to the UN body.
But Dutch environment minister Mr Jan Pronk said governments were still interested in seeking an agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
The political momentum is still present, Mr Pronk said.
Reuters