The head of the UN climate change secretariat expressed confidence that a new global deal on climate change would be reached at a meeting in Copenhagen next year, despite disagreements at talks this week. He stated that he believed a deal would ultimately be made, following calls for action on climate change from the European Union and environmentalists at recent talks in Bonn. The Copenhagen meeting is aimed at agreeing on a new treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions after the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012. De Boer emphasized that public awareness of the consequences of inaction on global warming would urge governments to take action, especially after the agreement made at the Bali summit last year. He mentioned that he believes there is an expectation for a solid agreement to come out of the Copenhagen conference, similar to how negotiations were initiated at the Bali conference. He emphasized the need for the new pact to be concise and centered around key issues that require international cooperation. He expressed his hope that unnecessary elements will not be added to the agreement. Earlier, De Boer spoke to reporters and mentioned that the United States had been unable to take concrete action due to the presidential election. He expressed confidence that all the major candidates in the race were aware of the necessity for action. De Boer chose not to criticize the U.S. position, stating that Washington had acted responsibly by not making commitments that could bind a future administration. He expressed hope for progress in the coming year.