Pressure is being put on the United States to set a 2020 goal for reducing greenhouse gases in order to improve the chances of reaching a climate deal in Copenhagen. The hosts of the preparatory meeting in Barcelona increased pressure on the United States, stating that they must not arrive in Copenhagen without a plan. African countries also demanded that rich countries, including the US, increase their emissions-cutting targets. The head of the UN Climate Change Secretariat emphasized the importance of the United States setting a clear target for reducing emissions at the Copenhagen conference. President Barack Obama, while addressing reporters at the White House, emphasized the significance of a particular element in the puzzle. He expressed optimism for a potentially crucial agreement in Copenhagen, but also acknowledged that it may not address all issues related to the matter. Obama highlighted the importance of taking a step forward and establishing a foundation for future advancements. The United States has not committed to a specific target for emission reduction by 2020, unlike the European Union and other developed nations that have set goals. Democrats in the US Senate plan to move forward with legislation in a key committee on Tuesday, despite a boycott by minority Republicans. The legislation aims to reduce US carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent from 2005 levels. However, even if the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approves the bill in the coming weeks, there is uncertainty about whether it will be approved by the full Senate this year. Delegates at the Barcelona talks emphasized the urgency of reaching a consensus on how to distribute emission reductions between wealthy and developing nations, as well as how to raise funds to support developing countries in addressing climate change. The issue of forests could further complicate the already challenging negotiations. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow will insist on considering Russia's forests' ability to absorb carbon dioxide. This announcement came after talks with Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, who expressed hope of having enough progress to invite world leaders to the December conference soon. Australia reported a decrease in emissions last year, excluding the impact of forest fires. Both Denmark and the European Union urged Obama to take more action to reach a deal at the upcoming talks. Danish Climate and Energy Minister Connie Hedegaard expressed skepticism about Obama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo while sending a delegation to Copenhagen without tangible results. Swedish Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren, who holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, noted that there has been a significant and real change in the American position, but they are still expecting more. The United States has stated its commitment to a UN deal, with head of the US delegation Jonathan Pershing in Barcelona emphasizing that the notion that the US is not making enough effort is incorrect. He pointed to various measures under Obama aimed at promoting clean energy and reducing emissions. Pershing stressed the importance of being a part of the Copenhagen deal, especially considering that the US is the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China. African countries demanded stricter emissions reductions from developed nations, with Gambia, Ethiopia, and Algeria expressing support for leaving the UN talks, according to Antonio Hill from Oxfam. Protesters outside the conference center placed hundreds of ringing alarm clocks to emphasize the urgency of reaching an agreement to combat increasing temperatures, floods, heatwaves, wildfires, and rising sea levels.