The climate change deal agreed by the G8 nations earlier this week is already falling apart.

Leaders of the world's most powerful countries set a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, but several nations were quick to backtrack.

As soon as it became clear that achieving such a target may prove costly economically, Canada and Russia made it clear they planned to set much lower reduction goals.

Developing nations - including China and India - consulted about the plan also refused to commit to specific targets, having been asked to aim to cut emissions by 50 per cent by 2050.

As a result, a watered down commitment to "substantially reducing global emissions by 2050" is likely to form the basis of negotiations at the forthcoming Copenhagen Climate Change Conference.

Ordinary citizens can do their bit to reduce their personal impact on climate change by implementing energy saving measures and switching to green products, but the world needs politicians to show more leadership on the issue if the pace of global warming is to be slowed.

Some of those involved in the G8 negotiations in Italy have stood firm and refused to agree to specific goals because they believe the targets do not go far enough and that swifter action is needed.

But far too many have let financial considerations influence their actions, without taking into account that climate change is likely to have huge ramifications for economies around the world.

This attitude has to change if genuine progress is to be made in Copenhagen.