The United Nation's two-week historic conference on Climate Change, (COP18/CMP8) opened today in Doha, Qatar.

The high-profile summit is expected to draw over 17,000 attendees from 194 nations. The conference will be concentrating on trying to reach a consensus for a new multilateral agreement on combating climate change challenges by controlling greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions, and on other key areas.

The main questions to be answered at the Doha meeting should include the "how" and "what" issues for a second period of commitment for carbon emission reduction. The first commitment of emission reduction ends this year. Discussion will include consideration of the length of the period and presentation of the quantified emission limitation and reduction objectives (QELROs) to which concerned parties are prepared to commit themselves.

The meeting is also expected to discuss the Green Climate Fund (GCF) that has been proposed to help developing nations adapt to climate change.