The Small Island States group stated that more than half of the countries at the 192-nation UN climate talks in Copenhagen are in favor of stricter goals for limiting global warming compared to those preferred by wealthy nations. The group, which is concerned about the threat of rising sea levels, criticized the exclusion of many island states from a 5-meter globe displayed at the conference center. Dessima Williams, who leads the alliance of Small Island States, mentioned that over 100 nations have now committed to limiting temperature increases to 1.5 Celsius above pre-industrial levels, an increase from 86 nations in August. Williams emphasized that a significant portion of the United Nations is pushing for ambitious and precise targets at the December 7-18 meeting to establish a new treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol. The least developed nations, primarily in Africa, and small island states are all in support of the 1.5 Celsius goal, which would necessitate rich nations reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 45 percent from 1990 levels by 2020. Any agreement reached in Copenhagen must be approved by all parties involved. The main challenges to reaching a deal in Copenhagen include determining the extent of greenhouse gas reductions by wealthy countries and the amount of financial assistance offered to developing nations. A majority of developed nations and key emerging economies, such as China and India, support the goal of limiting temperature increases to no more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Current temperatures have already increased by 0.7 degrees Celsius and are projected to rise further. Williams emphasized the urgent need for action on climate change, stating that AOSIS is advocating for a legally binding treaty to come out of Copenhagen rather than a non-binding political agreement favored by some developed nations. Despite the current warming trend, many islands are experiencing severe consequences such as significant damage, submersion under the sea, and depletion of fresh water supplies. Rising temperatures are also causing damage to coral reefs. Any potential divides within the developing nations' group over a proposal by Tuvalu for strong, legally binding agreements from Copenhagen were downplayed. While AOSIS members generally support Tuvalu's proposal, they are still in the process of establishing a unified stance. China and India are in favor of legally binding reductions in greenhouse gases for wealthy nations under the Kyoto Protocol, but they advocate for less strict obligations for poorer countries. Barry Coates, a representative for Oxfam, compared a political declaration from Copenhagen that lacks legal binding to a toothless shark. Antonio Lima, vice chair of AOSIS from Cape Verde, likened climate change to a looming disaster for the poor, similar to the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius that buried Pompeii 2,000 years ago. Lima emphasized that now we are aware of the impending catastrophe, referring to it as the "planet Pompeii."