A group of small island states at the 192-nation UN climate talks in Copenhagen are advocating for tougher goals for limiting global warming than those favored by wealthy nations. The alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) expressed concern over the omission of many island states from discussions, citing the threat of rising sea levels. They reported that more than 100 nations have signed up to limit temperature rises to 1.5 Celsius above pre-industrial levels, an increase from 86 nations in August. The least developed nations and small island states are all in support of this goal, which would require significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions by wealthy nations by 2020. In Copenhagen, any agreement will need to be approved unanimously. Key challenges to reaching a deal in Copenhagen include determining the extent of greenhouse gas reductions by wealthier countries and the level of financial assistance provided to poorer nations. The majority of developed countries and major emerging economies, such as China and India, support the goal of limiting temperature increases to 2 degrees Celsius. Current temperatures have already increased by 0.7 degrees Celsius and are expected to continue rising. AOSIS is advocating for a legally binding treaty to come out of Copenhagen, rather than a non-binding political statement preferred by some developed nations. She mentioned that despite the current warming, many islands were experiencing severe damage, including submersion and loss of fresh water supply. Rising temperatures were also harming coral reefs. She denied claims of divisions within the developing nations' group regarding a proposal from Tuvalu for legally binding agreements at Copenhagen. While AOSIS members generally supported Tuvalu's proposal, they were still trying to establish a unified stance. China and India were in favor of legally binding cuts in greenhouse gases for wealthy nations under the Kyoto Protocol, but believed that poorer nations should have less strict obligations. Barry Coates, a spokesperson for Oxfam, likened a political declaration from Copenhagen that lacks legal binding to a toothless shark. Antonio Lima, vice chair of AOSIS from Cape Verde, warned that climate change is a looming disaster for the poor, comparing it to the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius that buried Pompeii 2,000 years ago. Lima stated, "They did not know what they were facing. Now we know what is going to happen. It will be the planet Pompeii."