Rich to help the poor fight climate change?

A pledge of funds from rich countries to help poorer ones fight global warming will be a key ingredient for any climate change deal in Copenhagen, where talks slowed on Monday due to a protest by African nations accusing rich countries of doing too little to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Japan will offer $10 billion in aid over three years to 2012 to help developing countries fight global warming, including steps to protect biodiversity.

The European Union has promised around $3.5 billion a year for three years as its contribution to a start-up fund that could eventually grow to $100 billion or more annually.

The United States says it will do its fair share but has not yet promised anything beyond $1.2 billion for this year.

Stay tuned for more on Copenhagen and the fight against global warming.