The United Nations is considering a "high-level meeting" on climate change in September to give political direction to a crucial gathering of environment ministers in Bali this December, which could lead to a world summit next year.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Ban Ki-moon, the UN secretary-general, said the most "practical and realistic approach" was a high-level meeting - which could comprise ministers and other senior delegates - at this year's UN General Assembly. This meeting "may be able to give some clear guidelines to the December Bali meeting".