Representatives at the COP28 Climate summit in Dubai have clashed over a proposed agreement to phase out fossil fuels.
Saudi Arabia and Russia are among several countries insisting the conference in Dubai should focus only on reducing climate pollution - not on targeting the fossil fuels causing it.
On the other side, at least 80 countries including the United States, European Union and many poor, climate-vulnerable nations are demanding that a COP28 deal call clearly for an eventual end to fossil fuel use.
China’s climate envoy Xie Zhenhua says he is confident an agreement will be reached soon, and that a resolution is crucial to the success of the climate talks.
"Everyone wants a language or a solution that is inclusive to the maximum extent, points to the right direction for further efforts and maybe also with some limiting conditions. But I think we've already had some progress on this issue. I believe we will have more progress in resolving this in the coming one or two days, because if we don’t resolve this issue, I don't see much chance in having a successful COP."
China, a country that still heavily relies on coal-fired power, has so far not confirmed whether it would agree to eliminate fossil fuels entirely.
But Mr Xie says the country is setting a strong example with its leadership on renewable energy.
“We have brought down the cost of wind power by 80 per cent and cut the cost of solar power by 90 per cent. This is China's huge contribution to the world's efforts in developing renewable energy and it has laid a good foundation for the world to install renewable energy in a large scale. Going forward, China will continue to develop and utilise more renewable energy and use it to substitute fossil energy step-by-step.”
With just three days of the United Nations climate conference remaining, COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber says countries must step up their efforts to reach agreements.
"There are still more areas of divergence than agreement. The window is closing to close the gaps. We are making progress, but not fast enough and not satisfying enough. Work with urgency. Work with a different mindset."
He says working together is the only way to ensure global targets will be reached.
"I am very committed to delivering a paradigm shift led by the science that keeps 1.5 degrees within reach, reinforces climate resilience everywhere. For everyone. Now is the time to put aside self-interest for the common interest. Now is the time to show maximum flexibility to find common ground."
Religious and community leaders from the Pacific are also calling on the Australian government to pledge 100 million dollars to a Loss and Damage Fund to respond to the impact of climate change.
The petition has been signed by a number of Australian non-government organisations, asking Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen to make the commitment at COP28.
Country Manager at ActionAid Vanuatu Flora Vano says people in her country want to live normal lives but are in a constant state of emergency.
"We have tried to rebuild even when there is rain, because of the tropical cyclones. We have tried to rebuild after the earthquake. So we are just rebuilding, repairing, rebuilding. We are in a constant state of emergency from March until now. The entire year is in a state of emergency. We are preparing and preparing. How long can we prepare for? How can we live a normal life like anyone else."
She says wealthier countries like Australia are the biggest polluters and therefore have a duty to provide substantial assistance to smaller countries in the Pacific.
"Just before our eyes our losses of land have been removed from us. The river removed some of those land. The seawater, king tides, have removed some of our sea wall and a coastal area. How can we just stand by and watch all this? Who will help us, who will assist us? This is an ongoing cry for communities and women and girls, and women with disabilities, at the forefront. We do not choose to be in that position, but we are, bearing the brunt."
