Heartbeat faint for climate change patient

Climate change is a big part of Obama's first-term agenda but it's waiting in the queue behind a bigger, uglier customer - at least within the US political environment - in the form of health care. As far as the US is concerned, it will have to wait its turn until that issue is sorted out.

Obama seemed resigned privately to this. He was greeted by Ban on his way to the assembly room, who excitedly said: ''I'm sure you'll make a great speech.'' Obama replied, through a disarming smile: ''I don't know if it'll be great, but I'll certainly make one.'' The exchange was picked up by the UN's webcam service.