So what's happening, what's all the fuss about, and what impact will any outcome have on Australian farmers?

Who, where and what are we talking about?

• More than 15,000 participants, including government delegates from 193 parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) and representatives from business and industry, environmental organisations and research institutions are attending the two-week gathering in Copenhagen, Denmark.
• The meeting is historic because of the political will and momentum to agree to new binding targets to tackle climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
• There has been some hosing down of expectations a deal will be reached, however the attendance of leaders from major emitters like the US, China, India and Russia is seen as a significant sign a deal could still be achieved.
• 110 government leaders will attend the summit in the final days next week.
• Prime Minister Kevin Rudd arrives in Copenhagen next Wednesday and has a special role in helping the Danish Prime Minister pull a deal together. Penny Wong is already there.
• The UN's top climate change official, Yvo de Boer, said there was unprecedented political momentum for a deal.

  "World leaders are calling for an agreement that offers serious emission limitation goals and that captures the provision of significant financial and technological support to developing countries," he said.

  "At the same time, Copenhagen will only be a success if it delivers significant and immediate action that begins theday the conference ends."

Deal or no deal?

• Negotiator s have been told they must focus on solid and practical proposals that will unleash prompt action on mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology, reducing emissions from deforestation in developing countries and capacity-building.