Copenhagen: 7 memorable snafus

Publications around the world have referred to the Copenhagen Climate Conference as the "last chance to save the planet." But with the event drawing to a close, delegates had yet to produce an agreement on how to effectively curb greenhouse gas emissions and much of the conference's media coverage focused a string of minor mishaps, flubs and controversies. Here are seven of the most notable:

1. The taint of "Climategate"

The hacked emails scandal re-invigorates climate change skeptics, and changes the tone of the debate leading up to the conference. Some commentators even predict the scandal will derail the whole summit.

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2. The summit's embarrassingly massive carbon footprint

With more than 16,500 delegates, politicians, activists and journalists scheduled to attend the conference, UN estimates that the 12-day summit would create 40,584 tons of carbon dioxide — roughly the same amount of CO2 produced by the entire country of Morocco during 2006.

3. Al Gore's mysteriously canceled grip-and-grin

Citing only "unforeseen changes" in his schedule, Gore calls off a book signing and speaking engagement where holders of special $1200 tickets would have had an opportunity to take a photo with the former vice president. The cancellation leaves 3,000 people scrambling for refunds.

5. Poor country leaders stage a boycott

When a draft copy of proposed agreement written by wealthy countries leaks, African leaders stage a three-hour walk-out, edging the stalemated negotiations to the brink of collapse.

6. China proposes worldwide one-child policy

China, which produces more greenhouse gases from human activity than any other nation, proposes that the rest of world adopt a one-child policy to help curb global warming. Invoking the prospect of forced abortions, critics describe this scenario as "chilling."

6. Al Gore's controversial north pole prediction

A climate scientist claims that Al Gore is taking liberties in his assertions about melting polar ice. Climate change skeptics jump on the story, while Gore defends the claim.

7. A glut of 1200 limos and 140 private jets

The UN endures a "PR nightmare" as newspapers report on the massive fleets of gas-guzzling private jets and luxury cars ferrying VIPs to, and around, Copenhagen. To meet conference demand, limos are brought in from as far away as Sweden and Germany.