9:07am UK, Wednesday December 16, 2009

Graham Fitzgerald, Sky News Online

Gordon Brown has warned that a climate change agreement will be an “uphill struggle” at the start of a second day of talks at Copenhagen.

Speaking to Sky’s political editor Adam Boulton, the Prime Minister said it was a “remarkable achievement” that 192 countries had come together at the summit, but warned unless a deal was reached the world’s prosperity would be affected.

“Many may walk away from a deal,” he said.

“It is possible, but it is an uphill struggle. There are many outstanding issues, which I’m here to resolve.”

Mr Brown added: “I think you’ll find people want an agreement.

“The world has come a long way to get people to Copenhagen, but if we don’t agree a deal it will affect, not just climate change, but our ability to cooperate on other issues.”

Mr Brown flew to the Danish capital earlier than planned after the talks began to founder.

Negotiators have struggled to make progress on a new deal to tackle climate change including emissions cuts and financial support for poor countries.

A series of high profile figures have addressed delegates including California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and former US vice-president Al Gore.

In a keynote speech Prince Charles told delegates they had the power to “write our future”.

Conference president Connie Hedegaard warned there were still many obstacles in the way of an agreement.

She said ministers had to be very clear and focused over the next 48 hours “if we are to make it” by the end of the week.

More than 130 heads of state and government are expected to attend the final days of the two-week summit.

Before flying out, Mr Brown spoke on the phone to US President Barack Obama, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, all of whom want an agreement, he told Sky News.

Mr Brown has arrived early in the hope of brokering a deal

The Prime Minister said he wanted to help developing countries meet the challenges of global warming.

He said failure to strike a deal could have a major impact on the UK economy, whereas reaching an agreement could pay huge dividends, leading to new jobs and industries.

:: Tory leader David Cameron has unveiled a £20bn plan for major retailers and energy firms to help people “green” their homes.

Under the scheme firms like Tesco would lag lofts and insulate walls, then share the resulting savings in electricity bills with householders over 15 to 20 years, or more.