A major crisis is looming, one not featuring the IMF or the ECB but one that even in the midst of the economic crisis demands our attention – climate change. And the unlikely venue of the Caribbean resort of Cancun could offer the world the opportunity to get back on track to the vital deal we, our children and people around the world desperately need in order to avoid catastrophic climate chaos.

It is less than a year since Barack Obama, Angela Merkel, Hu Jintao and the other heavyweights of world politics gathered in Copenhagen to agree a new climate deal. The failure of that meeting stalled progress on tackling climate change, leaving campaigners dejected and negotiators with a huge gap to fill. It also left the world on course for catastrophic climate change, facing future warming of up to four degrees.

Since then, the problem hasn't gone away. The world continues to warm and increasing numbers of people are being affected by climate change. Unpredictable, more intense rainfall and warmer temperatures are playing havoc as people try to grow enough food to feed their families and make a living. Malaria is spreading to higher altitudes in Uganda, glaciers are melting in Peru, sea levels are rising in coastal areas of Vietnam and this year has been the hottest on record.

The year since Copenhagen has also meant that we are a year closer to the end of the Kyoto Protocol, which runs out in 2012, and the urgency of agreeing a deal to continue global climate action continues to mount.

On the one hand, there have been setbacks – the recent US congressional elections are set to impede further the likelihood of climate change legislation and hence effective action in the US, a key building block of a global deal.

On the other hand, the recession has made action cheaper and countries around the world are continuing to build their investments in renewable energy.

There appears to be no realistic prospect of a comprehensive climate- change deal emerging in Cancun. But countries do need to make progress. We see two areas where progress could and should be made:

? Establishing a fair climate change fund. This fund, promised in Copenhagen, should provide a home for the finance promised by developed countries to support poor countries dealing with the effects of climate change and to support low carbon growth. It is vital that this isn't just another deal where donors all insist on their pet projects but one where developing countries themselves have an equitable say in how the monies are used.

? Making carbon pledges legally binding. Rich countries committed to making some limited cuts in Copenhagen last year.

This year, they can help build confidence by ensuring that these voluntary pledges are captured in the formal UN texts as a starting point for eventual adequate commitments as part of the final global deal.

Meanwhile, here at home, there is still a contribution that we can make to successful climate talks. Climate- change legislation, promised since December 2009, is still pending.

The recession makes it cheaper for Ireland to meet its targets but also shows yet again how imperative it is that we do not make the mistake of neglecting long-term planning. In the midst of all the economic difficulties, a climate-change bill would be a significant positive legacy for the current government.

Also due is the promised 'fast start finance' to help poor countries begin to deal with climate change. This was promised for 2010 but has yet to emerge.

Amongst the clear water and beaches of Mexico a significant
contribution to avoiding climate destruction can and must be
made.

After all, there is no bailout for the climate.

Jim Clarken is chief executive of Oxfam Ireland

www.oxfamireland.org­