Copenhagen Climate Summit - Last Chance for Change? The earth is running a fever. And policymakers around the world want to reduce it. At the climate conference in Copenhagen - the biggest of its kind ever held - they plan on setting up the framework. Actions are finally supposed to follow the countless declarations of intent to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Fifteen thousand participants, including 100 heads of state and government, are exploring ways of damping the earth’s warming trend.   The initial effects of climate change have long been evident: Droughts, flooding, melting glaciers. The rise in the earth's temperature is accelerating. Experts forecast average temperatures to rise by up to six degrees centigrade by the end of the century. The resulting rise in sea levels will submerge many island states. The main culprits are populous and industrialized countries, and the US, China and India are under pressure to make concessions now. In 1997, industrialized states agreed in Kyoto on a protocol text that called on them to cut emissions, but far from all have implemented its provisions. Climate scientists hope that the rich countries - especially the US, without which a new pact would be meaningless, will now lead by example. President Obama is traveling to Copenhagen with optimism. His country's Environmental Protection Agency has officially classified greenhouse gases as a health hazard. That gives the president a free hand for now to set climate targets. Meanwhile German Chancellor Angela Merkel has appealed to China and India to take serious steps to save the climate. What do you think? Copenhagen Climate Summit - Last Chance for Change? Mail us at Quadriga@dw-world.de