A compromise deal to save the Kyoto Protocol has been agreed in Bonn with only the USA failing to give its support. Negotiators from 178 nations reached the deal to salvage the Kyoto treaty on combating global warming after finalising a compromise over compliance penalties.

A compromise on penalties for countries not reaching their target cuts was agreed with Japan, Russia and Australia. However, the 5.2 per cent cut in emissions will do little in practice to reduce global warming.

The head of the US delegation was booed when she said the treaty was "not sound policy".