The head of the UN climate panel is optimistic that the climate talks in Bali will conclude on Friday with a specific schedule for implementing cuts in greenhouse gas emissions to combat the threat of dangerous global warming. Despite disagreements among the 190 nations involved, particularly with the United States, Japan, and Canada opposing numerical emission goals, Pachauri believes that a strong statement regarding emission reductions by 2020 and a clear timetable for deciding on these numbers would signify progress. He emphasized the importance of establishing firm targets for emissions goals by wealthy nations, possibly within six months of the Bali talks. Pachauri also highlighted the significance of specifying targets by 2020 in the agreement. This year, the UN panel attributed global warming to human activity and warned of more extreme weather events in the future. They urged for strong action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with specific reduction targets to be determined within the next six months. The Bali talks, taking place from December 3-14, are divided on the guidelines for formal negotiations to replace the Kyoto Protocol. The EU is pushing for a non-binding agreement at Bali to aim for a 25 to 40 percent reduction in emissions from industrial economies by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. The United States, Japan, and Canada are in disagreement, arguing that any proposed figures would influence the outcome. Pachauri, who is the chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, chose not to address the U.S. opposition directly. Instead, he expressed hope that the negotiations would be able to resolve any differences. Pachauri stated that he believes the discussion of strict targets of 25 to 40 percent is a positive sign that they acknowledge the scientific evidence presented and the necessity of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He emphasized the importance of reaching a resolution to avoid the serious impacts of climate change.