LIVENEWS.com.au > Environment > Climate talks: Obama victory offers hope

One of Barack Obama's first tasks will be to lead the United States back into the heart of the global debate on climate change, ending the country's years of isolation and scepticism.

His victory will spark intense relief among negotiators in Europe and Asia.

Obama has pledged nothing less than a demolition of the policies that since March 2001 have left America friendless and at times a pariah on the issue of global warming.

But analysts caution those who believe Obama's win will now smash the deadlock gripping a new UN deal on greenhouse gases.

On one side, Obama has to swiftly persuade the world that his country is now keen on tackling its colossal emissions of heat-trapping carbon.

But he also has to deal with the lengthy post-inauguration processes in Washington - and secure support for emissions curbs when millions of Americans are worried by their country's sick economy.