Climate talks began in Poland with calls for urgent action to combat global warming, despite the economic slowdown. There was a warning that failing to act could lead to water shortages for half the world by 2050. US President-elect Barack Obama was praised for his ambitious goals in fighting climate change. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the importance of focusing on the environment regardless of economic conditions. The talks in Poznan are part of a two-year effort to reach a new climate treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol by the end of 2009. Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen emphasized that despite the financial crisis, it is crucial to address urgent issues like climate change. He will be hosting a meeting in Copenhagen in late 2009 to reach a UN agreement. Rajendra Pachauri, the head of the UN Climate Panel, warned that many people are still unaware of the potential irreversible consequences if action is not taken. He highlighted the increasing number of people facing water stress and the possibility of the Greenland icecap melting. Pachauri also expressed concern about the rising risk of extinction for various species of animals and plants. Yvo de Boer, the head of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, emphasized the urgency of increasing efforts to reach a deal by the following year. He stressed that time is running out and work needs to intensify. The WWF distributed walnuts to delegates at the conference and encouraged them to find a solution to the climate crisis. Greenpeace revealed a large sculpture depicting the planet in danger from a wave of wood and coal. Rasmussen commended Obama's policies, highlighting the contrast with the previous administration led by President George W. Bush. He expressed his happiness about Obama's ambitious climate and energy policies as a way to address economic issues during the economic downturn. De Boer also praised Obama's ambitious policies on Sunday, noting that Obama aims to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Currently, US emissions are around 14 percent higher than 1990 levels, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels in factories, power plants, and vehicles. In contrast, Bush's policies only anticipate a peak in emissions by 2025. In Europe, the recent economic downturn has raised concerns about the feasibility of the EU's target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2020. Poland and Italy, both heavily reliant on coal for electricity, are spearheading efforts to negotiate concessions in a deal set to be finalized at a summit of EU leaders in Brussels on December 11-12.