1) In his speech this morning at the U.N. climate summit, President Obama made several direct challenges to China, saying it is crucial to "hold each other accountable" for commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions. But verification has been a roadblock. In a speech earlier today, Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao "gave no sign that he was willing to agree to any outside verification measures" (New York Times).

2) Speaking on behalf of Wen, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei did indicate that China "would be more responsive in providing information upon request" (London Guardian).

3) Neither Obama nor Wen offered new emissions cuts or any other new commitment in their speeches today (AP). Meeting for about an hour, they "made progress," according to a White House official, who added that they hope to reach an agreement today (Wall Street Journal). But Wen skipped out on Obama's first closed-door meeting with world leaders (Bloomberg News).

4) A three-page draft climate agreement "reveals the enormous progress needed from world leaders in the final hours" of the conference (London Guardian).

5) A new poll shows Obama's approval rating on dealing with climate change has "crumbled at home" (Washington Post).

6) Negotiators are squabbling over punctuation too -- one specific comma from the Bali agreement two years ago (Bloomberg News).