Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Blair said yesterday that the "quantum shift" in the attitude of America and the German G8 Presidency gave significant new hope. "I believe we are potentially on the verge of a breakthrough," he said.
"The German G8 Presidency gives us the opportunity to agree at least the principles of a new, binding international agreement to come into effect when the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012," Mr Blair said.
"But one which is more radical than Kyoto and more comprehensive, one which this time includes all the major countries of the world."
He added: "The mood in the US is in the process of a quantum shift. "
"The president's State of the Union address built on his 'addicted to oil' speech last year and set the first US targets for a reduction in petrol consumption."
However, he said without binding commitments from the US, China and India, any agreement will be difficult to put into action. "Without the biggest economies being part of the framework to reduce carbon dependence, we have no earthly chance of success," he said to the Forum.
Blair's speech was followed by a standing ovation from delegates
