From the eve of the 12-day marathon right until its finale, the overwhelming message in Copenhagen was that it was time to put aside national self-interest for the greater good of saving the planet for future generations.
But a survey of the wreckage from the negotiations indicated that none of the world's economic powerhouses was willing to make the leap of faith.
Instead, they opted for a lowest common denominator accord -- devoid of targets for greenhouse-gas emissions cuts and not legally binding.
Nnimmo Bassey, chair of Friends of the Earth International, said a delay in wide-ranging action to limit emissions had "condemned millions of the world's poorest people to hunger, suffering and loss of life.
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An editorial published in 56 newspapers around the world as the gathering kicked off nearly a fortnight earlier, invoked Abraham Lincoln by imploring the leaders to embrace "the better angels of our nature".
"The politicians in Copenhagen have the power to shape history